Just diagnosed

MuGolie2021

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed on Friday 17th December 2021 ( 2 days ago ) with invasive duct carcinoma grade 2. The surgeon says he has to do a mastectomy and axillary lymph nodes dissection. It’s a mastectomy and not lumpectomy because it’s 5 cm in diameter and my breast is very small. When he goes to cut out the tumor there will be very little left. I have not seen an oncologist. He did tell me I can get a second opinion over the Christmas vacation ( which is highly unlikely because of the season ) and we can do the surgery Jan. 7th instead of Dec. Tues. 21st. He is a well renowned and highly respected surgeon in my country. I know him many years. I trust him. I chose Tues. 21st. In 2 days. But now I am scared and questioning myself. I did feel pressured by my family and friends to not wait long because the cancer can spread. The surgeon never pushed me. He said to go home, think about it and decide. I am so sorry for rambling. I am shivering and can’t speak with family and friends.

Beesie

What country are you in?

With a 5cm tumor, you should see an oncologist before you have surgery. It is quite common with larger tumors to do chemo before surgery. This is especially important for tumors that are HER2+ or ER-/PR-/HER2-. Do you have a copy of your pathology report from the surgery? It should state whether the cancer is ER+ or ER-, PR+ or PR- and HER2+ or HER2-. That information is critical to the treatment plan and you should not have surgery until you know this and know that surgery first is appropriate.

Second, it is very unusual these days to do an axillary lymph node dissection - it is much more common to do a sentinel node biopsy, which removes fewer nodes. An ALND might be appropriate if it appears that you have extensive nodal involvement - but if this were to be the case, here again chemo would usually be done prior to surgery. You should ask the surgeon why he plans to do an ALND and not an SNB.

Your surgeon, who is not rushing you, is right. Don't jump into surgery because of pressure from your family. Breast cancer is usually slow growing so with a 5cm tumor, chances are that this cancer has been present for 3-5 years, if not longer. Two weeks, if you delay the surgery, won't make any difference. And it could help ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment, which is more important than rushing into surgery.

Moderators

Welcome, MuGolie2021. We're so sorry you find yourself here, we know this is an overwhelming time. As Beesie said, waiting until after the holidays to get a second opinion before deciding on your surgical plan isn't going to impact the growth of your cancer, and will give you the time you need to weigh your options. It's much more important that you are comfortable with your treatment plan and are confident that it is the best decision for you!

The Mods

MinusTwo

And yes - you should definitely see an oncologist. Surgeons cut - that's what they so. A medical oncologist is usually the driver of the bus. As Beesie said, chemo before surgery is usually the case if you are HER2+.

msphil

hello sweetie we here know some of your feelings when heat those words you have breast cancer. I did get a 2nd opinion which made me sure if diagnosis. Once treatment plan things will ease up I was diagnosed as planning our 2nd marriages found lump in shower. Thought about lumpectomy but was convinced by oncologist and my fiance now husband. So hang in there come back here for help uplifting from us who been there. Sweetie for Inspiration to get you thru this is am now a 27yr Survivor. Praise God fiance family friends Positive thoughts and lots of Hope. idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast then got married then 7wks rads 5 yrs on tamoxifen. msphil