Just Diagnosed

Galsal

I was dx'd on 12/14 with breast cancer.  Just yesterday was told that it's ILC, Stage 1, Grade 2, 1cm, ER+/PR+/Her2-.  Because of the density of my breasts, a lumpectomy might be tricky for clean margins although Surgeon said he could pull it off.  His statement, not my take on things.  It's still on the table as an option, as is mastectomy.  If I go with mx, I'd want both done given the risk involved with the other one having a problem in the future.  We did see a few calclifications in the right although no cysts.  Reconstruction and SNB would occur at the time of any surgery.

So my options are Lumpectomy, Rads, Hormone or Mastectomy with Recon, Chemo, Hormone.

How in the world does one make such a decision?  Do I not go radically and wait for the other shoe to drop or a recurrence with a 15-30% risk or go radically with a 3% risk. I was fine even with the diagnosis until this new information!  

Thanks again.

Sally

toomuch

Sally - ILC is more likely to be multifocal and bilateral then IDC. Have you had an MRI? If not the results may help you decide on lumpectomy or mastectomy. Also, even if you're really confident with your surgeon, you may want to get a second opinion. This is a big decision and you need as much information as possible! BTW, your doctor cannot stage your BC until you've had the sentinal node biopsy.

I opted for lumpectomy and radiation and then had bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I didn't want to live with the worry and mammogram didn't pick up my BC. I'm really happy with my decision.  

Best of luck deciding on your treatment plan. 

Galsal

that's what I'm afraid of toomuch...

yes, had the MRI and am told the right was clear and the four other spots found on the left along with the tumor are purely cysts.  the assumption right now is that it's a stage I i guess then.  just repeating what they told me.

moffitt cancer center here in town is working hard to get me in within the next few days for a second opinion. 

thank you.

Racy

I don't think the recurrence percentages you mentioned are correct. I think I was told the recurrence risk in the same breast after lumpectomy and rads was less than 5%. I am pretty sure the recurrence risk with mastectomy is 1% or less.



You might want to check those percentages either on line and by asking the surgeon.

Galsal

Thanks, Racy.  It was the surgeon told me this.

momof3boys

My BS and PS quoted me a 20-30% chance of recurrence in opposite breast with ILC...

Had a BMX with TE reconstruction on 11/11/11.

Had regular mammograms since 32 (diagnosed at 43) since I had one aunt with BC. Hers was not ILC...

My MO said I most likely had the ILC thru 1-3 mammograms and it wasn't picked up.

Galsal

yikes, that's scary Mom!