Dcis with some invasion

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Melykfarm
Melykfarm Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Ok sooooo.. I had my mastecomy on 11/2 with the lymph node dissection. When I came out of surgery they told me that all went well and that my sentinel node was clear.  False advertising.  On Friday night 9:30 no less - I was told that the part of the pathology report came in saying that I am in the 5% of women who have invasion. Wed morning my surgeon meets with the board and they will make suggestions on whether to remove more nodes or possbily chemo. I thought I was in the clear and was feeling great.  Though she assured me that removing my breast was the right thing to do.  I actually feel good about that ..Like it's out of my body, but am a bit worried since she diagnosed me at stage 0 and now I could be at Stage 2.  One cell was 2cm one was larger but we will not know until Wed.  I hate this waiting.  The mornings are horrible for me. Though I am very strong in the afternoons.. But has anyone else had this or has gone through this?  Sealed
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  • O3132W
    O3132W Member Posts: 211
    edited November 2009

    My sterotactic bio. came back with DCIS and I did my due diligence to research what DCIS is.  Nothing was mentioned about any suspect of invasion.  I then opted for an MRI but was unable to get it done.  Next step surgery, lumpectomy with SNB.  Results were:  very small tumor removed with clear margins and no node cancer.  However, after the surgery I was told that indeed there was invasion as they said " just as we suspected".  If they suspected invasion nothing was told to me.  Invasion changed my stage from stage 0 to stage 1.  I was upset that the surgeon was saying that she had suspecton of invasion but did not tell me that.  However, after a time I accepted that it is what it is.

    Next step, radiation.  I again researched to find the shortened 3 week radiation program the best for me.  16 treatments later I feel I made the right decision. 

    Next step:  Medical Onc. and Arimidex.  Back to research and on 5th week on Arimidex and feeling unsure about this drug.   Lots of bad hot flashes and achey in muscles and joints.  At age 73 I already have enough aches and pains and am thinking if the value of this drug is worth the cost on my body.  Finding out that Calcium and Vit. D is critical for cancer patients, I find that I need to increase my intake drastically as Arimidex is hard on bones.

    Mely:  Yes you are not alone.  As you read these threads on this site you will find very quickly that you and I are not the exceptions but the norm.  I try to remind myself that that ugly thing that was in my body is gone and doing no more damage.  Good luck to us all.  Cathey from Indiana 

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited November 2009

    I have a friend at work who originally thought she had clear nodes but the final pathology came back with micro-mets. She had a larger tumor and had always known it was invasive.

    She had a lumpectomy so rads were always on the plan. She had chemothearpy and then rads - no further lymph node dissections.

     She and I had our dx at similar times and we both celebrated 5 years this past summer -- no further problems. 

    So even though the outcome isn't what you'd originally expected I think you can look out on a bright future. Things will be alright. 

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  • Melykfarm
    Melykfarm Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    Had the second surgery and they removed more nodes and some additonal tissue and skin to go by the book.. My Dr. Deborah Axelrod has a ssured me of an excellent prognosis.  Have to have 8 sessions of chemo ACT cocktail.  Also need a PET scan and Muga.  Are they scary?

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  • Melykfarm
    Melykfarm Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    So the second surgery came up negatvie.  They took an additional 15 nodes, more skin and more breast tissue.. All negative.  Getto meet the Oncologiist on Dec 4th.. They are thinking 8 treatments of chemo.  I can do it. And the reconstruction I had by Dr. Mihye Choi is amazing. I can't believe how good it looks..  Now I can't wait to have the second breast reduced  to match.. Only 4 months ..And before we know it ,its spring and chemo will be over and I will have new perky breasts..CANCER FREE... sucks I will loose all my red hair.. but shit happens..

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2009

    Sorry, I'm confused - why chemo if all was negative??

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  • Melykfarm
    Melykfarm Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    My first surgery had .025 microinvasion to a node that was next to my sentinel lymph node.  that was the reason for the second operation.  I am still diagnosed as Stage 11A...

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