New diagnosis

Anonymous

Hi Everyone!

I was just diagnosed via mammogram/sonogram and biopsy... I have my first consultation with a surgeon this Friday and then another for a second opinion on Tuesday March 1.

What I do know is this: Stage 1 Largest tumor is 1.6cm... low grade well differentiated estrogen positive 100% The mammogram and sonogram do not show any enlarged lymph nodes at this time.. I don't understand the rest of the pathology report so that part will have to wait until Friday.

I was involved in a horrific car accident 8 years ago which resulted in the amputation of my left leg up to the hip.. As a result I am VERY serious about NOT having another part of my body removed... I am wondering if I would still be a candidate for a lumpectomy since I have 3 tumors largest being 1.6 cm and the others much smaller.. Their location is 2 o'clock. 230 and 3 o'clock if that helps at all.

I am also afraid of chemo so I am hoping that surgery and radiation will be enough since it is early stage and small..

Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.... The wait until Friday is driving me crazy.... I guess if there was any urgency they would get me in sooner.

I also have 3 daughters ages 18, 25 and 29.. I am waiting to tell them until I have more info and a treatment plan in order.

Thanks in advance,

Diane

mustlovepoodles

Well, you'll need to wait until you see a breast surgeon to determine what kind of surgery you'll need, but they try to do lumpectomy as much as possible. You may not need chemo since you have small, low grade, ER+ tumors. They usually strongly recommend radiation after lumpectomy. Most women don't have too much trouble with rads--my sister didn't, and I know a lot of other women who had little or no side effects, other than some reddened and tender skin (totally normal.)

I totally agree with your decision to wait on telling your kids. They're probably going to be upset when you tell them, so you need to be able to present the game plan when you do. My kids are 22 and 29, and I did the same. In fact, I didn't even tell my mother until all the results were in and the lumpectomy scheduled.

Try to hang in there and don't let your imagination run away with you. You should have a plan in the next 8 days.

iammags

The waiting is the worst. Try to take your mind off of it as much as you can. I've been going crazy waiting for test results so I'm not really good at following my own advice. But I try.

I finally told my own kids today. They are 14 and 12. I was so afraid they would think that I'm dying. I told them in a matter of fact way and tried not to make it a big deal. I'm glad that I finally said something because it's hard to keep a secret like that.

Take deep breaths

Kicks

My first thought is to suggest that you find a Physciatrist (if you don't already have one) who is well versed in PTSD (Therapists and Support Groups also). Not all are and you have already lived through a very traumatic life altering experience - you are now again facing another traumatic experience.

None of us can tell you if a lumpectomy it s safe/viable option - only your Drs can. Remember that reconstruction is probably a viable option - even at initial surgery. You might ask your Drs if neoadjuvant Chemo (Chemo pre-surgery) might be a good option for you to shrink it possibly making a lumpectomy a possibility that might not have been an option without doing it. Seek all the information you can so you will be better able to discuss with your children.

Telling children - they deserve to be told the truth as soon as there is 'concrete' information to be given. It is always amazing how 'somehow' there will be 'someone' who will hear/see 'something' and will make sure to spread rumors/gossip which spreads rapidly without actual facts. Our Son was 31 when I was DXd - he knew basically from day one that there was a possibility of 'problems'. It was good that he did have the truth - a stupid 'pebble' who worked where my full body MRI and CT (with Contrast) and PET Scans were done told him at a softball game he was playing in that "Your Mom's going to die - she has IBC". I, too, heard her say that. He laughed at her and informed that he knew a lot more than she did. The only point for telling you this is that there are MANY evil 'pebbles' out there who 'love' to hurt . Your daughters (family) should first find out the TRUTH from you - not from gossip mongers intent on hurting.

Moderators

Hi Nachout818-

Welcome to BCO! We're sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here, but we're glad you've joined us, and hope you find the support you need!

We agree with everything Mustlovepoodles said in her post; it's hard to say what your surgical options will be before meeting with the BS, but if you're a good candidate for lumpectomy, your surgeon will help you make the best decision for you!

Please keep us posted on how your appointment goes, we'll be thinking of you!

The Mods

Logang

We told our 2 boys (14 & 18) The night before my first biopsy. We had to leave really early and they are used to me making sure they are up for school. I am always upfront with my boys and it helps to not leave them in the dark. They also knew it was cancer right after I got the news of my diagnosis. It is amazing how fast word travels. People love to gossip! I wish you luck and strength! It does get easier once you have a treatment plan in place.

jenny153

Try not to worry. My case is very similar to yours and I found that the waiting for results was the worse part of being diognosed. I also had three small stage one grade one tumors, ranging from 5mm to 1 cm with no node involvement. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins three weeks later. My doctor arranged for me to have the oncotype test done to see if chemo would be of any benefit to me and it came back low so I managed to escape chemo thankfully. I finish my 4 weeks of radiation next week and will take tamoxifen for 5 to ten years. It has been doable to be honest. As your's is caught early, my guess is your prognosis will be good. Hang in there, once your treatment commences things change, you will hopefully feel more positive. Tip: bring somebody with you for support when you are seeing your doctor, also two sets of ears are better than one. Good luck.

jenny153

Also, forgot to mention, I waited until I had all my results back before telling my children (teenagers) and to be honest initially they were shocked and worried but after a day or two they were back to their normal selves and thankfully they have been very supportive (long may it last )