Anyone had 2 types of Cancer in one breast?

Options
ciwinter
ciwinter Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I'm brand new to this forum.  I was diagnosed on Feb. 17th with 2 types of Cancer in one breast.  I didn't even know that was possible.  I have no risk factors, yet here I am.  Has anyone out there heard of this?  I'm scheduled for a Mastectomy of my right breast on March 22.  I'm leaning toward having a double, becuase I never want to go through this again.  I'm trying to have the "Let's just get it done" attitude, but I'm really starting to struggle. 

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Raili
    Raili Member Posts: 435
    edited March 2010

    "Welcome" to the forum - Sorry you have to be here, but I'm glad you found this supportive place.

    Yes, I had two kinds of cancer in one breast - a mucinous tumor, and then a surprise area of DCIS.  I, too, didn't even know this was possible until it happened to me.  And from what I understand, it's not a common phenomenon, but it's not super rare, either... if that makes sense.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ciwinter
    ciwinter Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010

    Did you have a Single or a Double Mastectomy (or not).  Are you happy with your reconstruction?  I have so many questions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KathyNSW
    KathyNSW Member Posts: 57
    edited March 2010

    Hi ciwinter,

    I had ILC and DCIS in the one breast. Had a mastectomy, chemo, Rads and now on Arimidex.

    Good luck with everything

    Kathy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Raili
    Raili Member Posts: 435
    edited March 2010

    I had a lumpectomy and 2 reexcisions.  The tumor and the 3cm of DCIS were close enough together (i.e. in the same quadrant of the breast) that it could all be removed with lumpectomy.  Although, for several weeks, I seriously considered mastectomy, to avoid the upcoming 6 weeks of radiation.  (In SOME cases, a mastectomy prevents the need for radiation, but not all the time.  In my case, I wouldn't need the radiation if I had a mastectomy). 

    There are threads in the Surgery forum that discuss the question of whether to have a single or double mastectomy... of course it's a personal decision and what's right for one woman might be wrong for the next!  Decisions are so hard!!  I was leaning towards a double mastectomy, to get it over with, like you said.  And I personally would not want reconstruction, because I wouldn't want to go through any more surgery than absolutely necessary - it's dangerous (to various degrees), painful, etc., and I'm not interested in having fake body parts that lack sensation.  But there are lots of different opinions and views about this topic... If you are interested in reconstruction, having both breasts removed then reconstructed usually yields better cosmetic results, in terms of breast symmetry.  But obviously, the benefit of keeping the healthy breast is maintaining sensation, even if it looks different from your reconstructed breast.  So I guess it's a question of whether your priority with recon is aesthetics or functionality, and it sucks that we even have to choose.

    I really don't know much about reconstruction, since it's not relevant to me personally, so check out the reconstruction forum for better info!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • friscosmom
    friscosmom Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2010

    I'm sorry you have to be here. :( I had DCIS and IDC in the same breast, 2 spots of DCIS and 3 of the IDC in one breast. I to had no risk factors, BRCA negative, no family history, but yet at 42 here I am, I know how you feel in that respect.

    You have found a great source of information and support here, it's hardest in the beginning, once you have a plan in place and get started it gets a bit easier.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Just-Sher
    Just-Sher Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2010

    Ciwinter - welcome to a group I'm sure like the rest of us, you never thought you'd be joining.  These ladies are a wealth of support and inspiration.

    I opted for a bilateral mast with reconstruction.  My breast surgeon felt that she would be unable to get the three areas of DCIS with a lumpectomy.   My initial dx'd was DCIS.  After surgery the pathology report came back, multifocal wide spread DCIS, IDC and Paget's disease in my right breast.  No cancer or precancerous cells were found in my left breast - so its removal was entirely preventative.

    Like friscomom, no family history.  I am waiting to have gene testing done.  I am 47.

    If you have more questions, feel free to private message me.

    ~Sher

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bambaloos
    Bambaloos Member Posts: 85
    edited March 2010

    I have 2 types of cancer in my right breast - Ductal Carcinoma and Mucinous Carcinoma - which I belive is highly unusual.  Unfortunately it has spread to my lymph nodes, so I am doing 6 months of chemo and then surgery then radiation.  I am on #5 of Taxol and the side effects are just starting to kick in.  Hair loss, nausea, aches and pains and numbness in feet/hands.  No family history of breast cancer, so this has been a big shock to me and my family.  I am leaning towards a double Mast because I do not want to go through this again.  Healing thoughts to all you Ladies.   Mandy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ciwinter
    ciwinter Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010

    I'm so happy to have found this forum.  You ladies are my lifeline.  I have many wonderful friends and a very supportive family, but I feel so much more connected to you all.  Imagine that ... woman I've never met.  Thank you for your posts.  I was worried I wouldn't hear from anyone. 

    I'm getting my BRCA results on Friday.  I'm anticipating a negative result, but still leaning towards a BLM (is that the acronym for a double?).  I feel that if I am BRCA negative, it doesn't negate getting cancer in my other breast.  I don't know if I can go every 6 months with the worry of it being there.  My left breast is apparently very dense which seems like it could be missed. I feel like the statistics don't matter anymore.  Like me,  there are so many woman that had no risk and still got BC.  I don't think I'm willing to take the chance in my other breast.  What a decision to have to make.  It's certainly not one I ever thought about before.  Whatever I decide will happen in 13 days.

    Thank you so again for your posts.  I need you woman to keep me from going crazy.  I look forward  to helping other newbies when I get myself under control.

    Prayers for all of you.  Carol

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Raili
    Raili Member Posts: 435
    edited March 2010

    Hi Carol,

    Prayers for you, too!  I think the acronym for a bilateral mastectomy is bmx.  And yes, having cancer in one breast increases your chances of developing it in the other breast...although by what percent, I'm not sure.  I'm with you - statistics don't carry much weight for me anymore!  I, too, had no risk factors (other than being alive and female!!), and had less than a 1% chance of having BC.  I'm 31, super healthy, vegetarian, never drink/smoke/do drugs, do lots of yoga, eat organic, use natural bodycare products, and BLAH BLAH BLAH... still got cancer!  Clearly, it can happen to anyone!  It feels so unreal, doesn't it?  Do you ever wake up in the morning and remember, "Wow, I have cancer," and it feels weird??  That still happens to me, 4 months post-dx.  

    I'll be hoping for your Friday results to say BRCA negative!  And keep reading and posting here as you try and make your single vs. double decision by the 22nd.  If you need more time, it's okay.  By the time a tumor reaches 1cm in size, it has been growing for several years already... so waiting a few weeks to start treatment is okay to do, if you need more time to think and gather info.  Don't let anyone rush you!  Remember to breathe, and get lots of rest, and do nice things for yourself.  Pamper yourself as much as you can; you need it and deserve it. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ciwinter
    ciwinter Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010

    Thanks Raili,

    Okay ... BMX.  I like my acronym better.  BMX is a bike as far as I'm concerned, but I'll go with it.  You're even healthier than I am ... and younger too.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Its a great post to read right before some shut-eye.  Thanks

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories