New diagnosis.. questions, questions

roeann

Hi all,  I was just diagnosed after a needle biospy of 2 solid nodules 6.4 and 3.2 mm in size.  The results of the biospy were positive so I am afraid I have to join you on this ride.  The surgeon offered me the option of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy with or without reconstruction.  He said if I chose a lumpectomy I would need to also have radiation and chemo, but if I had the mastectomy and reconstruction I would 'only' need chemo.  He seemed to prefer mastectomy as he  told me that several of his patients who had lumpectomies had additional difficulties. 

I've had several skin cancers removed including a large one on my face
which left me with a large scar so the lose of my breast isn't as scary
as it might be otherwise I suppose. I am worried about chemo as my mom had rectal cancer and did chemo; she
developed alzheimers symptoms shorty afterward which might (or might not) be
coincidental.  Strangely enough right now my biggest worry centers on the
time it will take to 'recover' so I am hoping you all can give me some insights.

My husband unexpectedly passed away about a year ago, after almost 35 years of marriage.  Our son is 20 and lives at home while attending college.  He has a chronic illness (cystic fibrosis) and has a drug resistant bacteria in his lungs right now so is going to be put on home IVs for about a year. Also, for the last couple of years he's been hospitalized at least once or twice a year for more intense care.  Without my husband I am his primary caregiver when he's ill, so me being ill too is pretty scary for me to consider.  Can anyone give me some sense of the time one is ill and unable to function up to par for each option (lumpectomy as versus mastectomy) and chemo and radiation etc. and the best/worse case scenario in terms of being able to function.  I do realize that the impact varies based on personal response I am just trying to get my head around this..

Moderators

Dear roeanne

So sorry that you've had this diagnosis and all your other troubles. We hope you get plenty of help from members so you can make an informed choice. We hope you have discussed your son's infection with your specialist, as infection, no matter what option you choose, can be a major problem to be wary of, before and post surgery. Look in the other forums  for info. A god start may be Surgery - Before, During , and After 

All or best

The Mods

SpecialK

I am so sorry for all you have dealt with, and now to have a breast cancer diagnosis too!  It is difficult to say how chemo might affect you - it is a very individual thing.  Some have worked all the way through, some were unable.  Age, fitness level, etc. do not seem to dictate how you will do - so it is a bit difficult to answer your question.  Generally speaking, most people have surgery, then chemo, then radiation.  If you chose a mastectomy it would be a more involved surgery with a longer recovery time - usually 4-6 weeks, but that may negate the need for radiation.  Lumpectomy for invasive cancer usually requires it unless there is a co-morbidity that makes it problematic.  There is a window of opportunity to begin chemo after surgery, so once you have recovered (the 4-6 weeks) you usually move into systemic treatment.  Different chemo regimens have differing time periods - but it is usually several months, either weekly, bi-monthly, or every three weeks. If radiation is needed it is usually started about a month after chemo is finished.  There are a variety of radiation protocols that range from one-time during surgery to daily for six weeks, it is dependent on what type is recommended and available.  I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best.

NancyHB

roeann - welcome to our little corner of the world. I'm sorry you are joining us, but hope you stay around and share in our supportive community.

It sounds like you have so very much going on right now!  I'm sorry for the loss of your husband, both as a partner and co-parent.  Having an adult son with a chronic, life-changing disease (end-stage renal failure) I can appreciate the challenge you face in caring for him, as well as yourself.  Your plate is already full, and now your fork is overflowing.

Can you share with us more about the specifics of your diagnosis, particularly hormone receptors (ER, PR, and HER2)?  Some of those will dictate treatment.  For instance if you are HER2+ you will likely be offered Herceptin for a year. Every chemo has different side effects.  I had AC and Taxol.  I worked part time, attended graduate school, ran a couple of 5ks, did yoga regularly, and cared for my parents.  I was more tired than usual, but in general I was able to do almost everything I had done before.  Chemo can be challenging, but is doable.

I didn't have a mastectomy so hopefully someone will come along shortly that can speak to that experience.

*hugs* as you start thus new chapter.  

roeann

SpecialK, thanks much - yes that was helpful.  The more I find out the 'easier' it is for me to understand what I face so I can try to make plans.

roeann

NancyHB -- Thanks for the encouragement, you sound like you stayed pretty active.  I think the surgeon said I was ER+ and PR+, I sort of registered it, but didn't know what the results meant so didn't delve further.  The HER2 results, along with some other lab work they did today isn't back yet.  Hopefully (I think) they will all be negative.   He suggested several folks, but I need to figure out who I want to see as my oncologist, I'll ask around and hopefully will get oriented.

msphil

First I,m sorry for your loss of husband, and your son,s illness, you and son will be in my prayers as someone said it is all  different for each, so come here often and we will be here to help you after your treatment plan is in effect. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!msphil(idc, stage2,0/3 nodes, L mast, chemo before and after surgery, rdas and 5 yrs on tamoxifen). msphil 

Infobabe

Roann, call your doctor and ask for a copy of the pathology report from your biopsy.  It is your legal right in the USA.  Many doctors give it to your without your asking.  Without it you will remain in the dark.  You should know the details.

You are going through so much but we are here to help you.  We are your new girlfriends.

srdc2013

I am sorry to hear this!  You are already handling alot but you'll get thru this.  Having just had a mastectomy I will say that I am amazed both at how easy and how hard it is.  On the easy side, the pain isn't nearly as bad as I imagined and for me was handled with pain meds.  That said, the pain meds  at least for a few days - pretty much knock you out.  After that I was amazed at how little I could do without the use of my arms. I just had one lymph node out and my right arm was pretty much useless for 2-3 days and still remains quite hampered 11 days out.  Simple things like getting dressed, showered and making myself a sandwich are challenging and tiring.  You'll want to call in the troops for additional help during your first week, maybe even 2 after surgery.  I still have drains and limited movement so I can 't drive myself anywhere.  Which drives  me batty.  

As for chemo, the other ladies are right - you can't predict how it will go for you you.  I was young, healthy and in decent shape and it knocked me on my butt.  The cocktail I was given gave me terrible GI issues and even when we got those under control after the first round,  I was routinely sidelined for 4-5 days after each treatment but then generally was able to function and return to my mothering and work duties.  However,  I have one friend who only missed 5 days of work during her entire treatment  and another who despite having a newborn and undergoing chemo is up and about and only a little tired.  They just can't predict how it will hit you.  Generally speaking you'll get chemo every three weeks and that first week may be pretty crappy but then you'll feel stronger and stronger the next two until it's time to do it over again.    

You're going to need help to get through this, don't hesitate to ask friends and other family to sign up.  There are a few websites out there where people can sign up for meals or any other task like driving to/from doctors appointments.  We used lottahelpinghands.  I laughed at the idea but it's been priceless to have a meal dropped off and just to know that there is an army of people ready to help you whenever you need it.  Learning to accept help has been the hardest - and best - part of my journey through this crap.  Best of luck to you.