Need to Vent (or is it whine?)

FLtricia

Was told a week ago I have a 1CM tumor in other breast. Cells are well differentiated, and he got clean margins. Going on 7 years from initial diagnosis.

I am venting because for several years I have been told I had a simple cyst, 4mm in right breast.  Mammo report consistently stated "benign findings."  I felt so safe.  This year, radiologist wanted me to have MRI, then biopsy.  Instead of biopsy I had surgeon remove entire mass. 

Why did no one ever tell me my simple cyst could develop into cancer?  If they had it would have been removed years ago while it was still benign.

I go tomorrow to find out pathology, and to schedule node biopsy.  I have to decide if I want sentinal node or the entire "string" of nodes.  Last time they removed 16 nodes and I have mild truncal lymphedemia.  But, if it's in sentinal node, I face another surgery.  I dread radiation, but fear chemo. Last time I had CMF and it went toxic on my body and they stopped at 5 treatments.  Where will they do blood work after node surgery? And blood pressure?

I am sorry, but I had to get the frustration out of me before I went crazy.  I know I simply have to face this whatever it is.  Cancer sucks!

Thanks for listening.

Pat

bluepearl

Go for the sentinel node...less chance of pain and disability. I had second cancer too. The first cancer I had for 5 years because they had only found an architectural distortion and did nothing....turned into a 1 cm stage 1 grade 1 which is likely what your's is and then you probably will not require chemo. I didn't. Second contralateral breast cancer two years later....7mm, grade 2 WITH LVi, but still no chemo recommended. Glad I got the sentinel this time as the aux. node dissection left me with chronic pain. Since you had a second primary so long after first, prognosis is better, too. They did blood pressure on sentinel node arm but they can do all this on a leg too....blood pressure and needle stuff.

FLtricia

Thank you Bluepearl. Your reply made me feel better. I was leaning towards sentinal node, and I plan to do that now. I don't need two bad arms if I can help it.

I was estrogen positive last time , no nodes involved. Hope it's positive again so I can take AI again.

Take care, and thanks so much.

bluepearl

Likely will be.....well differentiated cells means they are slow growing therefore not likely aggressive like triple negative or Her+. The fact that you had it for years and it is STILL only 1 cm, says the same thing. Plan on doing well!!!!!!!