Two different types of breast CA

Purdue98

Hello,

I am a 34 yr old mother of a 2 year old that was diagnosed with triple negative cancer in my left breast. My surgeon ordered an MRI prior to my surgery, and 2 masses were detected in my right breast. After my bilateral masectomy, I was told that my nodes on the left side where negative, but that the 2 cm tumor was attached to my pectoral muscle.  The final path report revealed 2 tumors(3.3 and 1.1 cm) in my right breast (that had been previously called "calcifications" upon mammo), and 6 out of 21 nodes + as well as ER +.  I am very thankful to God for guiding my surgeon to order the MRI. I was told that although the lump on my left side just popped out, the tumors on the right side could have been there for several years, and would have gone undetected.

I started my AC on 12/3; so far, okay, just feel tired, achy and little nauseated. Had a Neulasta injection yesterday--so far so good. I will be having dose dense treatment (3 more AC's followed by Taxol every 2 weeks x 4 treatments), then radiation and Tamoxifen.

My question is has anyone else been diagnosed with 2 types of breast CA? I am also planning to work during my treatments (chemo on Thursday, off "til Monday). Does anyone have suggestions on how to mentally prepare for this and/or how to not over do it, while still performing job function to the best of your ability?

I thank God for the many prayers that being prayed on my behalf across the country. Without His strength, I could not go through this challenging time! One day at a time...have much to live for!

Thank you in advance for any advice that you can share with me.  (Any fellow pharmacists out there?)

AnneW

Hi, Perdue, I never look at this forum, being a bit older, but your topic caught my eye.

I've had two different cell-types, in different breasts. My first was IDC, at 44. The second was ILC at 50. My gut feeling was the ILC was there at the time of my initial diagnosis, but we weren't trusting in breast MRI at that time. I think it took me getting off treatment (AIs) to allow the ILC to grow and be noticed.

I wish you the best with working, maintaining a sense of normalcy for your family and yourself, and going through treatment. I hope someone else will address the rest of your concerns.

Anne

KathyNSW

Hi Purdue98,

I had 2 types of breast cancer in the one breast.

DCIS  and ILC.

Carolina59

I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. I had a huge 10cm DCIS in right breast (initially thought to be related to breastfeeding--turned out to be cancer). My surgeon ordered PET/CT scans and breast MRIs. The breast MRI revealed activity in left breast (2 areas). I had a bilateral mastectomy. The final pathology reports were DCIS and multi-focal IDC in right breast, and extensive multi-focal DCIS in left breast. I was fortunate that my nodes were negative on both sides. My surgeon and oncologist both said these were separate primary cancers.

I had TCH chemo, finished a year of Herceptin and am taking Arimidex. I also had my ovaries removed.

I was in my 40s when diagnosed and my little girl was just a little over 2 years old. We got through it, and she is thriving--she'll be 5 in a few months. 

Hattie

I had cancer soup--everything but IBC.  you have a good schedule for work/chemo.  just take it as easy as possible, stay hydrated, rest, walk and exercise as you can, take joy where you can, and please accept all help offered, and ask for what you need.

You can do this.

Take care,

--Hattie 

Anonymous

     My initial biopsy came back with invasive as well as intraductal cancer cells which I was told was rather unusual at the time to have two types.  I would guess being triple - along with ER+ is even more rare, but there are enough women on these boards that surely you will find someone with a similar diagnosis. The good side to this is that the latter cancer was detected and you  have a treatment plan.  Best of luck to you. 

Purdue98

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement! I appreciate it.

Merry Christmas to all. We have much to be thankful for