Preliminary pathology

zayb

I had a fine needle aspiration biopsy done at the end of July on a suspicious node that showed breast cancer, er/PR +. Shortly after I had a few lymph nodes removed that were clear of cancer. Surgeon was not going to do more surgery, just treat. Went to a new place, and they checked to see if the original suspicious node was still there. It was. Had complete lymph node dissection last week. A total of 21 nodes were removed in both surgeries. Only 1 shows some cancer, the original suspicious node from the FNA biopsy. All other nodes were clear. I also had all the residual breast tissue removed, that wasn't removed during my first mastectomy more than 5 years ago. This tissue was also all clear, no cancer. Will follow-up with oncologist in the next week or so. Reasonably good news I think. Glad it wasn't in any other nodes.

KBeee

Sounds like good news and really good you had a second opinion

Moderators

Glad to hear the tissue and other nodes were clear, zayb! Please keep us posted on how your appointment goes next week.

Thinking of you!

--The Mods

zayb

Thanks KBeee and Mods. I think all in all good news, consistent with the FNA biopsy and ultrasound showing an isolated abnormality. I am glad it has been removed, going through the first surgery and finding out it was till in there was a bummer! I am happy with my experiences at Penn, lots of attention to details I think and good coordination of care.

zayb

Well, the plan is in place. Pathology pretty consistent with the FNA biopsy. 95% estrogen receptive, 50% progesterone receptive, her2 negative. Not sure what the grade is but FNA biopsy said not particularly aggressive, intermediate. All other nodes and all other tissue cancer free. They are treating it like a primary stage 2 with one positive node. I am doing the short course chemo (4 tc) followed by the antihormonals. Start chemo next week. Getting a good human hair wig this time, and will have it colored and styled if necessary. I am glad the node was actually removed. It really wasn't much of a surgical challenge. The other place was just going to leave it in there.

The funny thing about this is that from a surgical coding perspective I have had three mastectomy....!!!

KBeee

Sounds like you have a good plan in place

zayb

Finally had my surgical post op. Everything looks good. Asked a few more questions about the node. It was large but encapsulated, no extra capsular extension. There was also no vascular involvement. Starting chemo this Friday. I ordered a really nice wig today. I now understand why some people wear wigs even when they have hair, no need to style everyday or have it cut all the time. A good option for people who don't like to style their hair or who don't have the time. I look better and younger in the wig than I do with my regular hair.