Topic: Diagnosed Today

Fairy,

Hello and sorry you are here -- but we are all good support !!!!!!!!!

in my case idc meant removal of breast / w / recon . chemo followed --because of infiltrating or invacive -- ) and i had dcis in other so bilat / mast // was my tx

 it is all different depending on doc and final dx

My surgeon -gave no options -- cancer in both boobs -- both gone

Hope you find a medical team you can trust --- and that all goes well!!!!!!

Pinko

Karen, depending on the size of the tumor, you may be able to just have a lumpectomy.  My original dx (diagnosis) was a 1cm IDC tumor, so I had a lumpectomy, but they didn't get clean margins (i.e. there were cancer cells in the tissue surrounding the tumor).  They did a re-excision but still could not get clean margins, so now I am scheduled to have a mastectomy next month.  But a lot of people (my aunt for example) are lucky enough to have a contained tumor (probably not the medical term for it) and do not need a mastectomy. 

As for the radiation/chemo issue -- I had one positive lymph node so I did need chemo.  Also, it is often recommended for younger women as a way to prevent future recurrence.  If you end up needing chemo, you should check out that section of this site -- there are lots of women going through this and tons of helpful advice.  Thanks to this board, I was much less afraid going into it -- and now I'm done!  It isn't fun but it's definitely doable (NOT unbearable!), and much less traumatic than it was in the past.  But again, some women don't need it -- my aunt was 48 when she had bc, she just had a lumpectomy and radiation and 14 years later, she is just fine. 

Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon, that he/she is good at answering your questions and doesn't minimize any of your concerns.  I didn't like the first surgeon I saw at my local hospital, so I switched to a team at a big cancer center, and I've been very confident with all the information and care I am receiving.

Good luck to you -- it's a scary path but you will get through it!

{{Karen}} Welcome to the boards, but sorry you find yourself here also :(  Otter pretty much covered the whole thing, so I won't reiterate.  There is a lot of info on the boards and within this bc.org that will help with your questions.  When you get that path and have more questions, don't hesitate to ask, k?

The waiting as you are finding right now for the next visit, next test and so on is the hardest part in all of this.  But you will get through it dear.

I ended up with a mast after an bx showed IDC with DCIS, 1.4 cm.  then an MRI showed 1.0 tumor that was found to be ILC with LCIS.  Having a second tumor in a second area of the breast took the option to have a lumpectomy away from me.  I'm doing fine, did NOT have a recon, but still debating.  For many reasons, I've put it off, the major one being fear of the whole thing.  Why do surgery when it's NOT necessary among most.  Hard to decide.  But IF you want that, make sure you take the time NOW to see a PS about it. Don't let the fact that your bs doesn't do it or such make that decision.  TAKE the time and decide.  There is NO rush in this.  They say tumors grow for 7-10 years before they are found most often!

Oh, I forgot about the sex question.

FairyDuster, you said this:  "Can you tell me how your life changed after your Bilat? Are you married? Is sex a thing of the past? Was chemo unbearable? I just cant fathom being in a position of having no boobs and no here. I dont want to be negative but I really cant imagine anything worse."

Well, I didn't have a bilat, so I can't address that; but I only miss my left breast a little bit. It was fairly small to begin with (34A), so my lopsidedness doesn't bother me around the house.  When I go out, I wear one of my more comfortable, soft bras (a WalMart special--cost me about $7), and a fiberfilled "puffy" (or "comfy").  I just haven't gotten motivated enough to get fitted for a "real" prosthesis.  What I'm using fills me out just fine, even under a stretchy tank top.

Yes, I am married; I am 56 years old and have been happily married for 20 years.  Our love life has always been good, although the onset of menopause 4 years ago made things a bit more challenging.  Things have slowed down a bit, what with my core biopsy in January and mast/SNB 3 weeks later.  Now, the yucky feeling I have during my 1st week of each chemo regimen, plus the days when my neutrophil counts may be down, have caused some gaps in activity.  But everything is as good as ever during my "good" week (3rd week of each treatment cycle).  Yes, I have only one breast, and yes, my hair is almost all gone (didn't shave it--it just all came out eventually); but those losses haven't changed how we feel for each other.

When I was debating whether to have a lumpectomy/radiation versus a mastectomy, I made a mental list of body parts and how I would rank them.  Turns out, there were a lot more things on that list that were more important to me than a breast, and especially more important than hair that would grow back.  Think about it--you say you can't imagine anything worse?  My "higher priorities" included things like an eye, or a nose, or a hand, or a foot, or a kidney, etc., etc.  Those were things that I figured would really affect my life, and could not be easily masked with a prosthesis or scarf (or wig).

This is very scary for you, but you can get through it.  We will help you.

otter 

Hi FairyDuster....Just to provide you with a slightly different scenario/option, I was diagnosed with IDC and DCIS and my tumor was thought to be 2.5 cm. I had neo-adjuvant, dose dense chemo (8 treatments) and, though I experienced side effects, I am extremely grateful that I had a relatively easy time throughout and was able to continue to do everything in my life that was routine, from working full-time to exercising daily. After chemo, I had a lumpectomy and my tumor was 1.8 cm. The surgeon got clear margins and, a month after surgery, I started radiation therapy...had 39 treatments, including 5 boosts. My last radiation treatment was Dec. 9, 2005. I've been taking Aromasin since and, so far, I remain cancer-free. As far as sex goes, let me just say that I never skipped a beat. I'm now 55 years old and feel terrific. I do realize that I'm very lucky in all of this, FairyDuster, but see no reason why you can't hope for a course and an outcome similar to mine.

~Marin

So sorry you had to join our "club". I was diagnosed 3 years ago, and felt alone, even though I was married with 4 children, had my mom,an lots of friends. None had been diagnosed with breast cancer though. The people on this site are terrific and will answer anything. I didn't find this site till after my lumpectomy and I received a "how to read your pathology report" with the site address on the back. What a lifesaver this site has been. I never joined a support group, THIS was my support group.

As I said I had a lumpectomy June 2005 after  a biopsy that found DCIS. My tumor was found on my rountine mammogram (neither I nor my dr the week before felt it). I also had a sentinal node biopsy done at the same time. My tumor came back DCIS but also IDC, 1.5cm, Grade 2, er and pr+, HER2-, clear margins, node negative, Stage I (this stuff probably doesn't mean a lot to you, but you'll get all this on your pathology report). I was 43 and premenopausal at the time. I had a genetic test  (Oncotype DX) done on the tumor that told me my chance 

of recurrence in 10 yrs. My score came back as 92% chance it won't come back, chemo would bring that score up to 95%. I decided not to have chemo. I had 38 radiation treatments. Then I decided to have a complete hysterectomy (ovaries, uterus, everything) in Dec. Being estrogen positive, I wanted those working ovaries gone. I was put on Arimidex (an aromotase inhibitor, to stop the estrogen from the adrenal glands) and will be on it for a total of 5 years. Yes my sex drive had gone to zero (due to my zero estrogen from the meds and instant menopause, one of the stinky side effects. Thank God for a patient husband!), hot flashes by the dozen, joint pain, short term memory loss, etc. The side effects from the treatments stink, but they are helping me not to have a recurrence, so I thank God for them.

I just wanted you to know that everyone's journey is different. It all depends on the size, whether it has gone to your lymph nodes, how aggressive the tumor is, your age, etc. We also all are given our choices and choose our own treatments.  Just remember everday is a gift, no matter how awful you feel or look, you're still here!

Hugs!

Lynne

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of another. It wasn't really all

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of another.

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of another. It

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of another. It wasn't really all that bad. I lived a

Hello, I am one year out from ER/PR negative IDC Grade III no node involvement HER2. I come from a long family history of breast cancer in which none survived. (1970-84) First and foremost, find an oncologist and nurse that fit your needs. You need someone who doesn't want to fly out of the door after your 15 mintues, who will answer your questions. Remember to write down questions before seeing them! Stay positive!!!!!! Find comedy in everything. I looked at this diagnoisis with a challenge-IT IS NOT GOING TO WIN!!!!! I choose myself to have a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction. My boobs were not bad before but they are wonderful now. I am a nurse who works with alot of different patients and I always tell them discuss it with 2 opinions not one. Me, myself it was the right choice for me. Nutrition plays an important role in your wellbeing. Read everything about nutrition that you can. Knowledge is power!!!!! I had chemo first then surgery-it is alot easier that way. You don't have any limitations on being comfortable while going through chemo. (lying on stomach or sides)  I had 4 of two kinds then 4 of another. It wasn't really all that bad. I lived