Any tips on how to cope waiting for surgery? Newly diagnosed IDC with lobular features, the 7 weeks wait between diagnosis and mastectomy feels long. Anybody with experience of stage 1 or 2, grade 2 IDC either growing bigger or staying same size between diagnosis and surgery? Anybody had improved histology results after mastectomy (compared to biopsy results?). Everything going through my mind.
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Hi @rach49
Welcome to the forum that nobody wants to join but will be so supportive to you.
I had bilateral invasive carcinoma stage 2 ( two separate primaries, one in each naughty boob). I had to wait 12 weeks for my treatment to start which was a double lumpectomy followed by chemo and Herceptin, then radiotherapy. All the time waiting and having more tests was horrendous and like you was thinking the cancer is growing.
I was reassured that cancer generally grows quite slowly and Dr Liz O’Riordan ( breast surgeon who has had cancer IDC and 2 recurrences) says that some cancer can be present for 5-10 years before it can be found/felt.
Before my surgery I had a short break within the U.K. and then had another short break afterwards when I felt better before my chemo started. I took the time before to batch cook, do jobs I didn’t think I would be able to do during my active treatment and ask for help from friends and family. Many people will say ‘ tell me what you need’ however myself and many others on this forum have found they don’t always have the energy to ask or say so best to plan ahead.
The BCN nurses are available for a chat to talk through how you are feeling
- Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
Take care
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Thank you ever so much @naughty_boob. Cooking and a break sounds good. So glad I found this forum - reading and hearing of others’ experiences is so helpful at a time where we can’t quite believe what’s happening. Trying to make sense of it all but have absolutely no control over what’s happening inside. Thank you for your support.
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Hi @rach49
Sorry you have to be here but welcome!
I remember the wait last year all too well. I also had 7 weeks between diagnosis and surgery (lumpectomy in my case) for provisional Grade 1-2 IDC. I ended up with three bits being removed, main one being confirmed Grade 2, others Grade 1 and some DCIS. Like you I was worried about things growing/spreading during that time but they diagnosed the main one as 17mm which is what was confirmed in results appointment so there had been no change and all four lymph nodes were clear.
I won’t lie, this was the worst part for me by far. I had lots of changes, more testing and felt completely out of control. I got into a bit of a funk but then forced myself to get back into my gym classes and running and that helped so much and made me forget about things temporarily. If you are able to, I cannot recommend exercise enough and I’m convinced it is a huge factor in why I had a quick recovery and have no ongoing issues. Also, I found a journal is great for getting all those negative thoughts out and putting them to the side.
Deep breaths, you’ll get there. x
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Thank you for your positive response and sharing your journey. The unknown is so difficult to manoeuvre through and as you say no control at all over it. Don’t really know the size due to differences in ultrasound and CT scan but likely stage 1 or 2. Hope you’re ok and that the rest of your journey went well.
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