Hi All. My Wife Was Just Told She Has Invasive Ductal Cancer. Her Follow Up Is Tomorrow Morning.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

Since I only have so much time to post tonight, I'll reference the thread I posted in the Lounge for the details we have at this point:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x6660860

Since she's only 34 and a mastectomy might be recommended, I want us to be prepared tomorrow morning (11am) with any questions we should be asking. Though the final results from the lab aren't in yet, I still want to make sure we ask all the right things tomorrow.

Do any of you have advice as to what questions we should be asking? I'm not sure how often people read this forum, but any responses we get prior to going tomorrow morning would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and God bless you all,

OMC

[flamingyouth]

1. I just posted in your thread.

So sorry to hear this, OMC.

I was so freaked out with my diagnosis, it helped to bring a notepad because I couldn't recall a lot of the info afterward. Hopefully you'll have some time with the surgeon to go over the pros and cons of different surgical and treatment options (for when the path results are in).

I don't have breast cancer (I have bladder cancer) but I've had a recurrence and chemo so I know a little about this. There are a lot of breast cancer survivors around here, though.

Let us know how tomorrow's appointment goes, OK? Take care.

[pecwae]

2. I read your post in the Lounge OMC

and was hoping you'd post here. I'm a 3 time cancer survivor; twice BC.

Here is what I asked at my follow up both times: what does the preliminary path say, based on that what are my treatment options? I went from there and searched for all the information I could find on the particular type of BC I was dealing with. Then, with input from those who love me, made my decisions on how to proceed.

The first time I chose to be conservative surgically. The second time, two years later, I went for double mastectomy. I did do radiation, chemo & Herceptin.

On the follow-up after the first diagnosis my husband and I were in such a state that we just didn't hear everything my surgeon was saying, plus we forgot pen and paper. I wish we had taken a third party with us who was a bit more detached and able to process the information better. That would have saved some agony and extra calls to the doctor.

If you are able, please post what you feel comfortable with after the appointment. I or another BC survivor here may have a similar story. I found that interacting with other surviors was a huge help in getting me through both times.

:hug: to you and Mrs. OMC. You're both in my thoughts.

[JohnnyLib2]

3. Just posted on your thread with encouragement.

One natural question is, "will reconstruction be possible if the surgery is needed." My (husbandly) thought is for you both to grit your teeth and ask any worried question that comes up. Also, make use of the American Cancer Association help line and site; they are excellent.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOME/pff/pff_0.asp

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

4. Delete (wrong spot)

[ulysses]

7. yup. information is key.

Let us know how it goes today, OMC.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

5. Thanks All For The Advice So Far. The Pen/Notepad Is A Perfect Idea I Wouldn't Have Thought Of.

I know I wouldn't have thought of that on my own even though it seems so obvious, and then I would've been regretful for having not done so. I'm definitely going to make sure I bring one and thanks so much for the idea and encouragement.

I'm thrilled that there is a support group on DU. Though my wife may undoubtedly seek other places/people for support, I know I'm going to need some to. There's no place I'd rather come for it then here.

Bless you all,

OMC

[mwdem]

6. Good luck today.

I was diagnosed with invasive lobular last year. Had mast., chemo, and am doing fine. Let us know how things are going. http://www.breastcancer.org/ is a great site for all kinds of information. It helped me a lot, and the forums are very helpful.

[pecwae]

8. That's a great site!

I use it and a couple of others frequently, but BC.org is by far the most informative.

[mwdem]

9. How're you doing!

:hi:

[pecwae]

10. Pretty well, thanks for asking! And yourself? You okay?

I'm hoping we get a short update on Mrs. OMC today.

[mwdem]

11. Me,too.

I'm fine. Went through total hyst. in Feb. due to uterine cancer, but don't need any more treatments. I hope next year has no more "news"!

[FuzzySlippers]

12. I just read this. I hope your wife's appointment went well today

and that the news wasn't too bad. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal in April and am now undergoing radiation after having had a lumpectomy. Please feel free to PM me if you should have any questions. Best wishes to your wife and you. :hug: :pals: