Diagnosed on my birthday

suz2016

My first post so here goes!

I went for a mammo on my birthday foolishly thinking nothing bad can happen to you on your birthday, right? Wrong!

Found a lump via the mammo, did an ultrasound right then. I knew the doctor already knew, I could tell. Had a biopsy the next day, the 17th of March 2016. Official results the next day.

I had a benign lump 6 months before and it was recommended I come back in 6 months which, thankfully, I did.

It's small, 4mm x 5mm and they said (which I need to get the exact results as my doc has been out all week) that it tested for estrogen but not the other? I see mention on these boards about hr+ etc but not sure what I have. it's the common kind.

I had my MRI which showed clean except for this little tumor. I meet with plastics, oncologist, general doc, etc all in the neXT few weeks so I can decide on lumpectomy or mastectomy. I already have implants previously so that complicates things a bit.

I am going on a previously planned vacation with a girl I grew up with, who, coincidentally or not was diagnosed with the same type cancer, same breast, just 2 weeks earlier. So, I take vacation to a beach and have surgery the day after I return.

oh boy. I guess we are both going for a ride! I feel lucky, as it could always be worse, right? my best friend from school had beast cancer at 22, again at 32, then different cancer at 42. she passed a few years ago. Flippin breast cancer.

Moderators

Dear suz, Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for what brings you here, but we're so glad you've joined us!

Besides the encouragement and support you'll get from other community members here, we would recommend that you take a look at our section for Members Who've Just Been Diagnosed. It can help you understand pathology reports, treatment options, and manage the stress that so often goes along with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Have fun on your trip, good luck with everything and please, keep us updated on how you're getting on!

Best,

The Mods

solfeo

Hi suz2016. It definitely sucks no matter when you get the news. You can always turn it into something to celebrate. One more year cancer free every year on your birthday. I hope you can enjoy your vacation. If I could do anything differently I would spend less time worrying about the unknowns, and more time enjoying the good things in life, which I still struggle with.

Best wishes!

suz2016

so, according to the biopsy results:

Invasive ductal carcinoma, Nottingham grade 2 (of 3).

Estrogen, Positive

Progesterone, Low Positive

HER-2, Negative.

Not sure what all this means.

Denise-G

I'm very sorry about your diagnosis. You will learn what all of that means rather quickly!

Being Her 2 Neg means you will NOT need Herceptin, an intravenous drug, for one year.

I recommend when you go to your doctors, take someone with you who can write it all down

for you. Your brain goes on standby and doesn't work while all that info is being thrown at you.

solfeo

Hi suz2016 - Check out this BCO pamphlet: Your Guide to the Breast Cancer Pathology Report.

It explains the terminology. Next step is likely to see a breast surgeon. The hardest part is the beginning before all the tests are done and you understand everything, but trust me, you will become an expert on your cancer, and you will feel in control of your life again.Try to take it one step at a time so it doesn't get too overwhelming, and come here often for support. Keep us posted!

Trvler

I would guess given the size of your tumor, they will recommend a lx and rads, and most likely hormone therapy. (Tamoxifen). ARe you premenopausal?

I am sorry for the sucky birthday present but you caught it early so that's good.