California Ann
04-03-2009, 01:26 PM
I still do not know any thing other than the biopsy was positive. I am going to get copies of everything I can today. My question is; Is it standard practice to have a CAT scan with contrast of chest, abdomen and pelvis? I can't help thinking that they are looking to see if it has spread and now I am scared even more. I can't have the scan until Tuesday next week. That means another weekend of knot knowing.
Thanks again for listening and I am praying for all of us,
Ann
Thanks again for listening and I am praying for all of us,
Ann
Sponsor
leea1206
04-04-2009, 12:59 AM
Anne-
So sorry for what you are going through and having to wait the weekend for your test. I think it's really common to have additional tests, only as a precaution to make sure the cancer hasn't spread.
I am a breast cancer survivor, almost 3 yrs out. I did have an MRI but no other tests, but as I say, i think it is very common to have extra tests and it depends partly on what your breast surgeon and the oncologist might think is appropriate. - BUT it in no way means the cancer has spread.
It is terrifying and sureal at 1st to get this diagnosis. Getting all your records,tests is a great idea. Have the Dr. explain these thouroughly when you get results. Once you have discussed treatment and have a plan, you will feel a little more in control.
We are here for you, so keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.:)
Leea
So sorry for what you are going through and having to wait the weekend for your test. I think it's really common to have additional tests, only as a precaution to make sure the cancer hasn't spread.
I am a breast cancer survivor, almost 3 yrs out. I did have an MRI but no other tests, but as I say, i think it is very common to have extra tests and it depends partly on what your breast surgeon and the oncologist might think is appropriate. - BUT it in no way means the cancer has spread.
It is terrifying and sureal at 1st to get this diagnosis. Getting all your records,tests is a great idea. Have the Dr. explain these thouroughly when you get results. Once you have discussed treatment and have a plan, you will feel a little more in control.
We are here for you, so keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.:)
Leea
California Ann
04-04-2009, 02:29 AM
Leea,
Thanks for your response. It really did help.
I have to tell you with all the stress that the big "C" word causes, I had a really good day. My pcp suggested I call the "Cancer Resource Center" in my area. What a wonderful organization. Carla, my patient advocate and I met today for almost 2 hours. She helped me with a consultation planning sheet. Questions and concerns that I want addressed with the breast surgeon and any other health care professionals i will see. She also coordinates paperwork and anything else that might be needed on my behalf. She will also be with me at my appointments in case I forget my questions and concerns. She will also send a copy of my planning sheet to the Dr the day before my appointment so she will have an idea of my expectations. I felt so much better when I left. I also agreed to participate in a research study through The University of California, San Francisco.
I got a copy of my pathology report today and I feel better after I did some research about staging and wording. I know I am not out of the woods but I also know it is not a death sentence. I want to be around to go to my grandkids college graduations.
Thank you again for your words of encouragement and god bess,
Ann
Thanks for your response. It really did help.
I have to tell you with all the stress that the big "C" word causes, I had a really good day. My pcp suggested I call the "Cancer Resource Center" in my area. What a wonderful organization. Carla, my patient advocate and I met today for almost 2 hours. She helped me with a consultation planning sheet. Questions and concerns that I want addressed with the breast surgeon and any other health care professionals i will see. She also coordinates paperwork and anything else that might be needed on my behalf. She will also be with me at my appointments in case I forget my questions and concerns. She will also send a copy of my planning sheet to the Dr the day before my appointment so she will have an idea of my expectations. I felt so much better when I left. I also agreed to participate in a research study through The University of California, San Francisco.
I got a copy of my pathology report today and I feel better after I did some research about staging and wording. I know I am not out of the woods but I also know it is not a death sentence. I want to be around to go to my grandkids college graduations.
Thank you again for your words of encouragement and god bess,
Ann