Diagnosed today, mastectomy next.

Too-Ticky

Hi everyone. A month ago I went to my GP to request a breast exam. Today, a hospital consultant confirmed that I have invasive breast cancer. I've a lot to learn about the terminology and treatments yet. And there's been such a kind welcome in this group already. I'm hoping to learn lots from you all throughout this journey.

What I've been told today is that it's grade 2 breast cancer - lobular, of the right breast. ER PR pos HER2 neg. I've got to find out what those mean. There's a 30% chance it's spread to the lymph nodes (scans looked clear but inflamed, but to the touch the nodes feel suspicious, he says), the surgeon will do a sentinel biopsy. Full mastectomy of right breast is booked for 4 weeks time and "abdominoplasty" (trying to read his handwriting, I might have got the word wrong) but he explained it was about pulling skin up from under the bust because he wants to remove all the skin round the tumours that are at the top of the breast, and the tumours have also retracted the breast upwards - in order that what's left after surgery doesn't pull tight. Then I'll have radiation. And I'll see what the biopsy says as to whether I'll also need chemo (I really hope not).

Oh - and I'll be on a hormone tablet every day for 10 years, he said.

I asked about the practicalities of a double mastectomy, given that I'm big busted (36H, UK bra size) and will be very, very asymmetrical in size and weight, but he advised not to. He said a reconstruction using tissue from my tummy or back might be possible one day.

I forgot to ask when I was there, whether I can look at the scans - I would really like to see what it all looks like compared to the healthy breast. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to ask one day. I don't think I'll be seeing him again till my surgery. Has anyone else wanted to see their scans?

Anyway, that's where I'm at. Onwards and upwards.

Rhiannon061

Hi Too welcome, I’m sorry you had to find yourself here with the rest of us. But everyone here has been so helpful and caring since I joined in May 2018. My diagnosis was similar to yours-Stage 2A Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. ER positive HER2 neg. I had a mastectomy in August 2018 on my left breast and had lymph node removal as it had spread to my armpit. I also had to start on Tamoxifen (hormone tablet) before my mastectomy to shrink my tumor. I started chemo a month later and completed all 6 rounds by Dec 24th, 2018. I then had 19 rounds of radiation and completed in March. I am now NED (no evidence of disease) but because I am considered high risk for recurrence I have to take Tamoxifen for 10 years as well and I see the doctors monthly for other hormone blockers. I get a Zoladex injection in my tummy every four weeks and a Zometa infusion through my port every 3 months to prevent bone cancer.

Don’t hesitate to ask what anything means as a lot of ppl can help you here and if not they can certainly point you in the right direction. You can ask to see or have any copies of your medical files. I saw what my cancer looked like compared to my other breast. It was a large gray mass on the screen. I saw it and I already knew before the radiologist told me. Anyways, welcome and look around at all the information here. I learned so much on here and from everyone. You’re not alone. Please keep everyone posted on your journey.

Moderators

Hi and welcome again, Too-Ticky.

We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're really glad you've come back to get the support you need -- we're all here for you, as you can already see!

For information about what the pieces of your pathology report (including ER/PR status and HER2 status) mean for you, you may find the Your Diagnosis section from the main Breastcancer.org site very helpful. There's also helpful info in the IDC section.

We hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you around the boards. Please don't hesitate if you have any questions at all!

--The Mods

LivinLife

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis Too Ticky! You will continue getting lots of good info and support here while you're undergoing treatment and after if you so choose....Keep in mind treatment has come a long ways. You will see this many times over on this site.... Meanwhile you are likely still in shock and experiencing lots of emotion.... Allow yourself to feel that too! Once you get a plan that will help. You will learn about your cancer and what some of these things mean before long. My situation was obviously different though I was amazed how quickly I learned the "language" and what things meant related to my diagnosis and experience. I've certainly learned some additional things as well.... Gentle hugs and support sent your way....