Sep 24, 2010 04:47AM grneyd5600 wrote:

I originally found a lump in the right breast during a self exam.  I had a normal mammogram in Aug 09 - it showed notihing.  After the first bioposy that confimed invasive ca BS had more biposies and mrii done.  It confirmed I had IDC in right breast (20 tumors total) and 2 precancerous cysts in left.  No lymph nodes were thought to be involved.  BS recommendation was a mastectory on right and lumpectomy on left.  I made the decision to do bi-lat max.  Went into surgery still believing no lymph nodes although I told my mother and husband morning of surgery "do not be overwhelmed when they find this is my lymph nodes, I am prepared for that so you need to be".  It was - 4 of 22 were malignant.  Sentinal node didn't work so the BS actually found the first two by feeling around.  No nodes were check in my collar or left side.  I was referred for chemo and I have 6 Taxol tx left.  I saw BS this week and he told me I didn't need rad if I didn't want it.  I quickly advised him I did!  I had one tumor that although we got clear margins it was only .5mm from the chest wall.  Too close for my comfort.  I have a rad consult next week and if ithe rad onc isn't willing to do rads I will find one who will.  What does concern me is I keep being told - "we don't do scans or CA-15 (tumor market) tests because they aren't reliable".  Give me a break!  Frankly sitting around waiting for a syptom to show up that my ca reoccurred is down right frightening.  I may have to push some buttons on the scans and other stuff before its all done. 

Anyway, my main point ladies - be your own health advocate.  Ask questions, bring article along with you to your ca team and make sure they are answering you.  My BS told me I only had 3 lymph nodes involved the other day - I pulled out my final path report and handed it to him right there in the examing room - he then said "oh you might need radiation". 

Hang in there ladies!  We will get through this journey one step at a time.  Sending hugs to all.

Sep 24, 2010 08:07AM crazylifex3 wrote:

Pamelajo, I hope all is well with you as I have not seen you on here in a while. I think of you often and you are in my prayers as well. The pathology came back and unfortunately my cancer is back and it has mets to my spine and knees. I am sooo friggen bummed. However, I am happy to report that my receptors have stayed the same. I do have a question for everyone and that is how are you able to write at the bootom of the screen and put multiple diagnosis on your stats?? Please get back to me pamelajo soon!

Bernadette

Oct 1, 2010 07:56AM Shirlrae wrote:

Oct 9, 2010 12:03PM slmdavidson wrote:

LilyLou - I'm still here!  Had been off the boards for a while, now back on with issues on hormone therapy.  After my lumpectomy in Jan 09, I did 6 weeks of radiation to my fake boob (!) and started on Lupron to shut off the ovaries and tamoxifen.  After 9 months on Lupron and tolerating the post-menopausal state, had my ovaries removed.  There IS a difference between chemically induced menopause and the real deal.  At any rate, I am doing fine, getting ready to switch to Armidex - will be interesting to see what side effects go away and what is new. 

MarciIlene - I think the percentages that I've read recently were in the single digits regarding recurrences after BMX.  Try not to freak out, there are LOTS of ladies that had breast cancer YEARS ago and have never had a recurrence.  We had a 50 year survivor in our Race for the Cure this year.

crazylifex3 - I am so sorry to hear about your recurrence and mets.  That just really SUCKS!  CANCER SUCKS!!  Know that I'm thinking about you and praying - let us know how you are doing. 

tobyj - did you get any testing done yet on those lumps?  If it's keeping you up at night you should go talk to your breast surgeon.  Mine did a biopsy in his office, couldn't really get at it with a needle but ended up just opening up the skin and plucking that little thing out.  He didn't think it was cancer either....but it was.  Let us know.

(((((HUGS))))))  Laura

Oct 13, 2010 02:48PM beckward wrote:

tobyj, had my lump (in bc breast) biopsied yesterday.  Was a tricky situation with the lump right up next to the implant.  Radiologist was rockin' fabulous...I watched the whole US guided needle bio. on the screen.  She had nerves of steel, and I finally had a good night's sleep...because now I'LL KNOW, good or bad.  My advice, ignore the bs who says it's probably nothing.  It's not in THEIR breast!