High risk with previous Phyllodes tumor

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fleur-de-lis
fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107

Hello All, 

I'm new to this forum, but have lurked since last year.......y'all seem like a very helpful group of Ladies....so I though I would seek out your opinions on some of my concerns 

My story ( a bit long--be forewarned) 

It all started last May of 2009 when a previously benign Fibroadenoma ( It had been biopsied back in 2005---it was totally benign, no abnormal changes at all)  suddenly ( and I really mean suddenly--Phyllodes tumors are known to grow quite quickly) grew over the course of a weekend! 

I should also state that Phyllodes tumors are extremely rare---less than 1% of all breast disease/cancer 

I called my OB-GYN and had a ultrasound and Mammo, and the Radiologist came in and told me it was either a "Giant Fibroadenoma" or a "Phyllodes Tumor" she stated that both are typically benign...but she was concerned over how fast this tumor had grown--she figured it was about 7cm, and stated that she wanted it removed via surgical excision for a complete Pathology report

I was also told that although most Phyllodes are benign, when they are cancerous, they are considered "Cystosarcoma Phyllodes"  and that traditional methods for treating breast cancer usually don't work........excision is the only way to remove these tumors--if they metastasize, you typically survive for about 3 yrs post DX...........

Well, I had the tumor removed and it was overall benign, but on slide 18--the Pathologist discovered some Atypical Hyperplasia 

Onco suggested SERM's but since I am a genetic clotter ( Factor V Leiden) I cann not use any SERMS 

So I am followed up by MRI and the like for the next year--until they find some calcifations that they  want biopsied--which turns out to be  ALH with some other benign fibrocystic changes 

Family History: 

 My mother passed from Ovarian cancer, and I also have a maternal Aunt who had breast cancer,

My mother was BRCA 1 and 2 negative 

So their suggestion(s) for me at this time--follow-up at 6 mo's and do possible excisional biopsy on the area of ALH 

Also to consider possible PMX due to the high reoccurance of Phyllodes tumors, also adding in the current ALH/family history into the equation 

I'm being sent to a Genetist at MD Anderson for further consult 

My main concerns also are based on the fact that I am Immune deficient ( I have to receive weekly infusions of human Immune Globulins to replace the antibodies that my body doesn't build) and just how well I could handle Chemo if this does develop into any sort of Cancer further down the line........................  

Trying to peer into  the future on this issue is tough enough, let alone trying to figure out what might be my best choice at this time 

I should also mention that  this "breast disease" started during the Meno-transition.........I'm 49 yrs old 

Although I am not able to replace hormones at this time---you really "DO" have to wonder how much the imbalance of hormones plays into BC, as my diet is excellent, I work-out 5-6 days a week and avoid stress as much as possible ( I have to follow a special diet and work-out program, or  I am Insulin Resistant/PCOS--and I already have enough problems that I can't control--at least the IR I can do something about) It hasn't missed my attention that Metformin is being used in certain Cancer cocktails........  

I am wondering what advice you might have to share with me--I'm a very Pragmatic sort and don't scare easily/not the sensitive type--so feel free to share your opinions and advice 

I would not mind hearing from opposing viewpoints, either 

Thank You for taking the time to read this.........

Dawn 

Comments

  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2010

    In Case you are not familiar with Phyllodes Tumors:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllodes_tumor

  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2010

    In Case you are not familiar with Phyllodes Tumors:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllodes_tumor

  • CandDsMom
    CandDsMom Member Posts: 387
    edited August 2010

    Hi Fleur-  that is a tough situation.  I have a different dx then you but I have seen some ladies with phyllodes tumor posting on here before so hopefully they will chime in soon.  Making the choice for a PBM is a tough one.  I made the choice for a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy after being found to have a right breast full of multifocal ER/PR negative DCIS.  I am BRCA negative myself  but 3rd generation on paternal side to have a BC diagnosis so who knows (I did end up getting the BART BRCA translocation test as well - this is still pending.  I guess it picks up another 5% of BRCA mutations).  

    Anyway, I think it is a highly personal decision and probably will be based upon what is acceptable to you in terms of risk.  For me, my breasts proved that they could make cancer cells, and my goal was to live as long as I could and not have to worry about cancer.  It wasn't worth it to me personally to play the numbers game with a recurrence or new primary (although the BMX is not a get out of jail free card - with my particular diagnosis there is still a 1-2% lifetime risk of recurrence either local or distant).  I didn't want to dance with the devil to the extent I could avoid it and I felt that keeping my breasts was personally too risky for me, especially with a 9 month old and 3 year old at home.  But a lot of other women have felt (and done) differently for equally valid reasons.

    I would say this, if PBM is an option that you are strongly considering, there are amazing nipple sparing procedures that are out there now that can be combined with a flap or implant based reconstruction.  Because I went with a local PS (I was under duress with an unexpected dx at 35 yo) I wasn't able to save mine.  Losing my nipples has been the hardest part I think - even the numbness wouldn't be so bad if they were still there.  But I knew up front that these things would happen and it is the price I was willing to pay.  Although it was (and is) the right choice for me I still miss my breasts every day though...

    If you want to see some sites that deal with BMX and flap reconstruction (and I think nipple sparing mastectomy as well - although there is a whole thread on here about NSM which could be helpful too) here are some sites www.breastcenter.com  www.drmarga.com   www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com   www.diepflap.com

    take care! 

  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2010

    Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story with me......as well as your thoughts and opinions

    I'm glad to hear that the PMX  was a good decision for you--you must be relieved to be more "worry free", esp. with young children at home......

    The NSM would be the way I would go if I decide upon that option, Tram Flaps will not work for me per Hematologist, as with Factor V Leiden, I would be laying on the operating table for several hours while being anti-coagulated( most likely with Lovenox injectable)  for the Tram Flap procedure---and many surgeon would choose not to do this......also Tram Flaps tend to "die-off" in patients with genetic clotting disorders more than in the general BC population 

    I am also concerned about the implants used during reconstruction surgery---we all know gals who have had breast augmentation that have had some pretty big problems with their implants further down the road....... 

    These are all issues that will need more research before a decision is made 

    Thanks for posting the website(s)--I have looked at some other sites---but there is no such thing as too much information when it comes to something as serious as this....... 

    I will have to ask the Geneticist about the additional BRC testing that you mentioned, I am wondering  about the P53/PTEN gene and how that might relate with the Phyllodes Tumor---many Medical abstracts/studies that I have read are looking for this genetic mutation 

    Hoping others who dealt with Phyllodes Tumors will stop by....I do post over at the Rare Cancer Forum, but since this sort of tumor isn't common---things can be a bit "slow" over there, plus, I haven't seen anyone post with multiple DX.'s recently

  • Soccermom4force
    Soccermom4force Member Posts: 631
    edited August 2010

    Fleur,

    are you the Fleur I met at the FORCE conference in Tampa a fews years ago?

    In any event I am glad you have an appt. at MDA. I am BRCA1 & 2 neg. significant family history and 1 1/2 years AFTER testing was diagnosed stage 2B Her2+++. I had had numerous biopsies for fibroadenomas and while rearching same did some reading on your Phylodes..unpredictable buggers!

      Many hugs and prayers for you,

    Marcia

  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2010

     Hi Soccermom,

    If the Fleur that you met was nice, then that's ME! 

    Seriously, It wasn't me, there just must be alot of us Fleur's around townCool 

    Sorry to hear about your Cancer DX after testing--that's a bit un-nerving, after finding out that you got the all clear on the genetics.........any other reason for the strong family history that you can think of? ( I grew up in the Great Lakes Basin area--Michigan.....Cancer rates are higher than normal in that area)

    Amazing that you had Fibroadenomas also, knowing what I now know about them--I would have had it removed right at the beginning............too many become giant Fibroadenomas, or so I have read.............

    What is really unbelievable about Phyllodes  is that they don't look for receptor site issues ( ER, PR, and androgens) I have been reading studies, and those that they do test seen to be "all over the board", although a common thread seems to be ER-, and PR +  

    Although considered a "Sarcoma" if malignant, they don't even follow the standard immunohistcompatibilty with those types of stromal tumors, either 

  • Soccermom4force
    Soccermom4force Member Posts: 631
    edited August 2010

    Fleur,

      sorry to have not responded sooner!

    I hope you are finding a clearer path to your destination.

    Warmly,Marcia

  • mrsduck
    mrsduck Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2013

    Hi Fleur, I hope you haven't needed to stop by these forums and if you have, that it's been to support others. Having said that, if you are still visiting....I'd love to hear what you decided to do. 

    Our "cases" are wickedly similar--it's freaky!  I don't have the clotting disorder, but have a rare connective tissue. I had a PT last year that was removed (with an unacceptable margin...another story). I was expecting a recurrence, what happened instead was another PT-to be confirmed (this time in the other breast). I'm your same age, health, etc. and peri-menopausal, as in, duck if you're next to me as I go psycho every month at some point.

    I have a history of TBI-pretty severe and for a number of reasons, can't take Tamoxifen. They also found the ALH when they removed PT, hx of breast cancer (mother), negative for BRCA1,2.

    I just found the 2nd mass and decided to bypass core needle biopsy as I wouldn't be able to breathe easily if the results came up negative given sampling errors.

    I am now entertaining Prophylactic bilateral modified, nipple-sparing M.  I consulted with my geneticisit and she said if I had to choose between radiation and mastectomy, she'd have no doubt she'd rx the latter as people with my connective tissue disorder tend to have an awful time, both short and longer term with radiation. The other consideration is reconstruction. When I asked the geneticist, she surprised me when she said i could have it....adding, "what the cosmetic effects would be is another story."

    I was wondering what you ended up deciding to do and how it all went for you.  Of course, if anybody has anything else to add...would love all the info I could get.

    Does anybody know about long term research on the liposuction for "stuffing" :) rather than the abdominal/back muscles. It's mighty tempting :)- not really, but given the alternatives, at least there's more incentive to suffer through any of that.

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