timeline from diagnosis to first oncology visit

Hello, Cynthia. Thanks for writing.

The anxiety and worry your daughter is feeling is normal. Here's a great collection of information from our patient experts on preparing for initial testing and doctor visits:

Just Diagnosed?

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/just-diagnosed.html

Also see our section on testing, since you are engrossed in this right now:

Mammograms, MRIs and Breast Exams

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/mammogram.html

Share this information with your daughter. I hope it helps both of you cope at this very trying time in the process.

Keep us posted on your progress. Send an update soon.

Best to you,

Maria

I have a 21-year-old son - kids that age can be pretty 78rpm while the rest of us are moving at 33 1/3rpm...

My diagnosis was May 10, 2001. Had a lumpectomy June 5 (nearly 4 weeks later), and didn't meet with an oncologist till after that.  Then, needed a  mastectomy because the lumpectomy didn't work, and didn't have that till July 18... So it was more than 2 months after diagnosis before they were getting the tumor out of my breast. And chemo wasn't for another 5 weeks after that... Please let your daughter know that breast cancer is incredibly slow-growing; and that there's plenty of time to get second or even third opinions. Your tumor has probably been growing for 8 years or so, in order for it to be large enough to be detected. No need to rush around like crazy now, since it's been discovered. You need time to absorb, to be thoughtful, and to make good decisions. Waiting 2 weeks for an appointment is pretty normal, I'd say. - PJH

Hi Cynthia,

My experience has b/een very similar to PJ's.  Diagnosed on 8/24, had lots of tests, scans and consultations over the next week and a half.  Lumpectomy wasn't until 9/13.  Didn't meet with an oncologist until 10/24 (because I wanted to wait for a specific one recommended by my surgeon).  Now I have agreed to have a specific test done related to the specific kind of cancer I have/had, so I won't be presented with my treatment "options" until 11/13.  I asked the question about "Shouldn't I be moving faster?" of every doctor and nurse I spoke to.  They all assured me that even "fast-growing" cancer cells actually still multiply pretty slowly on a relative scale.  My dad actually had a similar reaction to your daughter...it was an emotional reaction and he had to get it out.  Seems a little unfair that we have to take care of the emotional well-being of others when we're going through this, but I have found that we are a strong breed of women and we still do what we can to look out for those we love.  Your daughter will adjust to it--probably giving her information (and sharing stories, like you said) will help ease her anxiety some.  Good luck with the process--keep posting!

Jolene