2011 Sisters
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Kickon21t, thank you very much for starting this tread...It is so helpful to see that we are not alone...Kymn, I am from Canada too, but the other side...Halifax, Nova Scotia - 49 yrs old. To all of you good luck....and let stay strong and positive together in spite of the roller coaster.
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wow Jeanne that is alot to take in isnt it. There seems like so much pressure to make a decision too. Well welcome to the board I see you are new to it you will find lots of great advice and comfort here. I am new too and this right now is the only place I feel at home. Any question I come up with someone has some wonderful advice for me. Sending a {{{{HUG}}}} your way and keep trying to stay positve but know when you dont and you just need a good ol ugly cry we are here for you ..
Love and Light
Kymn
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Hi Ladies,
Sorry to have to join this club
but I am so thrilled to meet you all. Kymm and JeanneR - I am from the west coast (Canada).So, I have just met with my surgeon yesterday....and I am agonizing over lumpectomy or mastectomy. Surgeon said they had no preference, it was entirely my choice. My surgery date is scheduled for Feb 17th.
I have invasive ductal carcinoma, 2.3 cm, right breast at 12 oclock, she said that I am an ideal candidate for lumpectomy as I am a bit larger, so breast would look okay, plenty of room to make the margins...she did say she was taking out 10 lymph nodes. Now that Im home and have time to process...I'm wondering...why 10? why not 2? why not 12?....
Any thoughts I would appreciate...I'm a bit sad about it today, and making the decision is hard.
Kg.
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Good Morning Kg, welcome, and sorry at the same time. I am from Lethbridge where on the coast are you? That is a hard decision to make Mine was 1.8cm IDC also right breast and at 12:00 oclock. My breasts are a larger too and after the surgery I could barely tell so much had been taken out. Unfortunetly all my margins were not clear and I go back in for another lumpectomy on the 18th. I am 41 and if possible I would like to keep my breasts.They are part of me as a sexual woman and I am afraid it would affect my sexual life with my DH. That being said if the margins do not come clear this time then I will opt for a bilateral Masectomy. I would want them both to look the same.and If I am going to take that step better make sure there is no chance of it coming back in the other breast right. Also I asked my surgeon if I do end up having to go down that path could he do a nipple skin sparing masectomy and he said that yes he could do that. From my pathology report there is no residual carcinoma in my dermus or epidermus so I would want that. I dont know if I would have feeling or not I know with the traditional masectomy you no longer have any feeling . I imagine there wouldnt be but perhaps I could still feel like it looked like me.Anyhow that is my story everyones walk is diffferent and what is right for one is not necessarily what is right for someone else. Find a quiet spot and really think about all your options listen to your own thoughts not those of others around you even though they mean well and you will come up with the best option for you.
Look forward to getting to know you better
Love and Light
Kymn
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Just found this thread so thought I'd introduce myself here. In 2009 I had an excisional biopsy of a tiny cluster of calcifications which was atypical ductal hyperplasia. Otherwise, my mammograms are always read out as "No masses identified; however, due to very dense breast tissue lesions cannot be excluded". Last year, after the same "normal" report I spend 6 months fighting to get an MRI. Seems if you don't have a family history you have to jump through lots of hoops to get it authorized. But, finally got the green light.
The MRI in Dec 2010 showed 5 lesions and all were biopsied (3 with ultrasound, 2 with MRI). Two small cancers were found in the left breast (ILC and DCIS) and I was left with deciding between unilateral or bilateral MX. Because lobular cancer tends to pop up in multiple areas I opted for bilateral.
I am scheduled for bilateral NSM with tissue expanders on Feb. 16. The surgeons are predicting an excellent outcome, although the ILC can prove to be more extensive at surgery than it appears on imaging. My BS makes the incision below the breast.
I'll have sentinel node localization with both the nuclear tracer and blue dye, but the BS still plans to remove approximately 6 nodes. This sounds like more than what is usually removed for sentinel node biopsy, but less than the number that seems to cause women problems with lymphedema. Should I be anticipating problems with 6 nodes being removed (all on one side)?
Having the MRI found the cancers that the surgeons tell me would likely have taken 3-5 more years to either be felt or possibly be seen on routine mammogram (if ever). When this part of my journey is behind me I'm going to try to find some way to speak out for easier access for women with uninterpretable mammograms to get MRIs. The MRI has made mine a much better prognosis than it would have been 5 years down the road!
Thanks for listening!
Diagnosis: 12/8/10, Left ILC with LCIS, 5mm, Grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2 -
Diagnosis: 12/20/10, Left DCIS, <1cm, Intermediate grade, ER+/PR+
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Got path report back on lumpectomy-clear margins and only 1 node affected! What a relief!! See my onc on 2/21/11. Was so concerned about margins and glad my sentinel node caught the little pesk! Ready to get this thing going-as the rest of u guys are!
Kg- it's a hard decision to make. I am fairly young 36 (like Kymm). Initially I wanted the mast but after research decided that the lump was best choice for me. However, we did an mri before the procedure and had it showed anything I wouldn't have hesitated on the mast. The unfortunate thing about the lump is waiting to see if the margins are clear. It did cause additional anxiety for me. -
Hi Kriskat and Kymm,
Thanks for your replies....I am 37 (fairly young too!) and I'm in Victoria BC. I'm very happy for your kriskat! only 1 node is great.
I'm leaning towards lumpectomy right now, but who knows, I'm just not sure, and it's only 1 day since I've seen the surgeon.
Wondering if I should push for an MRI? What exactly does it show you to help make your decision?
With the surgery date looming (next week)...I just feel like I am missing so much information.
Kg.
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Kg:
According to my bs, since my breasts are very dense, the likelihood of even seeing the mass on a mammo was very small. He actually said, if you hadn't felt it and knew where to look I don't think the mammo would've seen it. So the mri gives a better picture for those with dense breasts, to make sure nothing else is in there. If anything else had shown up on the mammo I prob would've opted for the mast. I think the younger you are, the more likely it is that you have dense breasts. You might want to ask your doc if this might be necessary for you. Let me just say, the recovery from the lump is not bad at all-my doc just wouldn't release me to go back to work until we knew I had clear margins.
I will be thinking about both you and Kymm next week. I hope all goes well, with whatever decision you make.
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Kriskat I am so happy for you that your margins are clean, now you can get on with the process of beating this beast, I forgot are you getting chemo? or Radiation?.
Kg I know it is such a hard decision and there just doesnt seem to be enough time to process that you have cancer let alone how you are going to attack it. I forgot to mention that I pushed to get an MRI done, unfortunetly I was unable to get one before my second surgery but I am still going to do it. If at that point they do find anything in the other breast then I will opt to go for the double Masectomy I am hoping and praying this is not the case because 3 surgeries just seems to unfair you know. But here in Lethbridge they arent even set up for Breast MRI's if you can believe that and in Calgary where I have to go to get this done they only do 2 a day at the hospital. It is amazing to me how little our breasts seem to mean.
Good luck
Kymn
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Welcome Jeanne, Kg and Tina T. So sorry you had to join us but glad you found us.
Jeanne, you sound like me - went through it last year and first follow up mammogram found more on the good side. It is quite the shock isn't it when you think you are past it all? So sorry they are finding more on both sides but sounds like you have made your decision. I know that is big surgery ahead, but I'm sure it will give you the peace of mind you need. Keep us posted.
Tina and Kg - boy things move really fast don't they? I also had to struggle with lumpectomy vs. mastectomy last year and because mine is small, I'm still opting for lumpectomy this round. I think my BS starts with 3 nodes. I'm worried about lymphedema as well. Those are scary stories. Plus they had a report last night on ABC news saying that they are recommending fewer be taken - but depending upon the case of course.
I go for Pre-Op tomorrow. I guess this really is going to happen next week.....
Trish
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There is a clinic up island that will do private MRI's ...it will cost...but if it spares me further surgery, why wouldn't I do it? why should choose between lumpectomy, only to have to go under again for mastectomy...I just feel like I haven't got enough information.
kickonit - I'm worried about lymphedema too.
Trish - I go for pre-op next tuesday...and yes, it really feels like it's going to happen. WOW eh?
I saw the news reports too. Not sure what to make of it...or whether it applies to me since mine is over 2 cm.Kymm...that sounds crazy - two a day?
How do you know if your breasts are dense??
Kg.
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KG if your breasts are normally kind of lumpy chances are they are fiberscytic sp lol. The doc can tell you from your mamogram if they are dense or not. Have a great night all I must make it short as my canucks are playing and they need me to cheer them on
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Have fun Kymm, .I'll ask my doc tomorrow if they are dense based on mammo...I'm watching American Idol....call me a sucker...but I need mindless entertainment!
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Morning everyone,
Just wanted to say hi. Just sitting here sipping coffee and pondering. I'm still stuck - on lumpectomy or mastectomy. I know it'll come to me, I'm just not sure. It's just the one big decision on my mind.
I watched AI last night, and then easily fell asleep, my mind was free of cancer thoughts. So I am grateful for that.
How are you all doing this morning?
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Hi All and kg1234. Hope your coffee was good!. Now that I have started to tell people around me that I have BC, I am amaze at how many women have been thru this...And with positive outcome at the end!!! We tend to hear the horror stories but not so much about the survivors. BUT they are there and there are MANY of them out there....Good Courage everyone.
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good afternoon, I am doing alright today 3 days now without any tears not sure why but I am thannkfull that I have been keeping it together for the last little bit. I suppose when I meet my oncologist I will prolly shed a few tears as he tells me the reality of my situation. From what I hear the oncologist here is just a tell it as it is kind of guy no frills no niceties but supposed to be very good so we shall see how that turns out.
my canucks lost last night
any other hockey fans out there? Maby the canadian girls Well off to finish off my day at work just wanted to pop on and say hi
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The crying thing has me puzzled. I've been doing really well, surprisingly not many tears. Am I stronger than I gave myself credit for or is it just simmering under the surface? I cried when I got the initial diagnosis after my first biopsy, after the second cancer was found on the second biopsy, and when I got a pile of paperwork from the hospital with dates, times, and instructions. Otherwise, really doing OK!
I haven't had my surgery yet so I'm no expert, but so far I have managed by taking this thing one bite at a time by accessing information, asking lots of questions, and making decisions that are right for me. I know that hormone tx/radiation/chemo is lurking out there, but I'm really focused right now on getting through surgery. Trying to mentally deal with all of it all at once is simply too overwhelming, at least for me.
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences....it really does help those of us who don't quite know what's coming next.
Diagnosis: 12/8/10, Left ILC with LCIS, 5mm, Grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2 -
Diagnosis: 12/20/10, Left DCIS, <1cm, Intermediate grade, ER+/PR+
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Oh Kymn...yes I know about tears, specially the days where I meet the specialists...It seems that the days in between, I succeed to manage a lot better.
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So, another morning, another coffee!
Jeanne, the time in between appointments does seem easier.
Tina- I haven't had surgery yet either...when is yours? Mine is the 17th. Do you have a choice for mastectomy or lumpectomy? Have you decided? I've cried at a few key points, but then somedays, it's like life as usual.
Kymm, I like hockey (i have 3 boys in hockey!), but I don't follow it on TV. I'm just a "hockey mom". I drive a suburban just to have room for all their gear- enough said?
Has anyone else experienced weight loss from all this stress....I'm down 20 lbs..(i'm big though) in the last few weeks....maybe it's a heightened awareness of feeding my body better foods for me, or stress or?
I'm leaning towards lumpectomy today, it's the first day I've had a clear mindset.....I guess just realizing mastectomy is just so *final*....although I would do it in a heartbeat if they gave me no choice. I figure if I have a choice...why not choose the first, less drastic option.
Okay, enough rambling!
Cheers, Kg.
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kg... just to give another perspective... I had a lumpectomy in Dec. with clear margins and micromet in one node... I had an MRI prior to rule out other things which led to a MRI guided biopsy of suspicious things deemed benign...
BUT, now that I am in chemo and approaching radiation (June), I have other thoughts... I do have benign things (and a history of ADH) so I cannot be sure, especially after reading posts, that there isn't something lurking in there... not really too inclined to want to spend the next 50 years getting MRIs and biopsys etc...
Plus after radiation, reconsturctive surgery is compromised.. by no means do I want to encourage you to cut off your breasts unnecessarily, but IF you choose to go the MX route, think of it more of removing breast TISSUE, not your breasts.. recon is amazing these days. I was at one point considering a NSM, but now would not take that risk.
Just saying that at surgery time, a lumpectomy seemed like a good idea, but now as I am progressing thru this process, i don't want to be here doing this again... so I am 85% sure I will do PBMX with recon before radiation and hopefully no radiation. I realize it will be a long process but I have my eye on the end result.
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bdavis - I appreciate the information and your perspective...
I've just found out more about my particular results:
HER2-
and PR -
and ER - indefinite. (does anyone know what that means?)
Kg.
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Hi, I just joined and posted elsewhere and then I spotted the 2011 Sisters topic. I found my breast lump in November and had a mammogram,ultra-sound, biopsy and MRI. It was a IDC, 8mm. I had a lumpectomy three days ago and they removed the sentinel node. No results yet, but am feeling unusually spry and except for jogging have no trouble walking my 3 dogs. The doctor has mentioned radiation, but I really don't want to bother with it - still trying to decide. I guess it will depend on if the node is cancerous.
I had the same type of cancer 28 years ago. At that time they removed 17 lymph nodes and I had reconstruction done. No chemo or radiation. Since everything went so well I was shocked when this cancer turned up. They told me it was NOT related to the first cancer---
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kg1234: I'm having a nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy and tissue expanders on Feb. 16. Because I have two different types of cancer in one breast and a past history of atypical ductal hyperplasia in the opposite breast I decided it best to go all the way. Between biopsies and before the second cancer was found I had decided on a lumpectomy. Honestly, though, it was such a hard decision that being told that lumpectomy was off the table when the second was found was almost a relief.
I'll be thinking about you next week....best of luck!
Diagnosis: 12/8/10, Left ILC with LCIS, 5mm, Grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2 -
Diagnosis: 12/20/10, Left DCIS, <1cm, Intermediate grade, ER+/PR+
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Hello to all the ladies from Iowa. It's nice to see all the support here, sad though that there is such a number already, and that many dealing with this are so young.
Yesterday I met with the oncologist to discuss my Oncotype results - my score was 35, so in the range where benefits outweigh risks of chemo. I'm having a port put in early Tuesday morning and first chemo that afternoon. Four AC treatments two weeks apart, and after that 12 Taxol injections a week apart .
In my earlier post I related that I have macular degeneration. That means the macula (part of the retina responsible for sharp vision needed for reading and driving) is deteriorating faster than normal. Some of my worries about chemo have to do with whether chemo will make my vision worse. I ask the oncologist and he says to ask my ophthalmologist, and the ophthalmologist says to ask the oncologist, and round and round we go ....
I haven't been too sad or teary about the breast cancer, but find that dumb things make me cry. Losing the hair on my head is just an annoyance, but the thought of losing my eyelashes made me cry last night.
Good luck to all facing tough decisions and difficult treatments ....
all the best,
Carolyn in Iowa
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Herky, BioAdoptMom3, srbreastcancersurvivor and Gwaz.....How were your surgeries? I hope you are not in pain and getting well real soon.....Thinking of you all.
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Hi Sleuth1...
So sorry to hear, and welcome to this very helpful forum....
These decisions are never easy....if you are going with diet therapy, I would want to do it with a Naturopath, which we probably should be doing regardless of our decision anyway....You may also want to search for Diane Dyer on the Internet, She is a dietician who has survived 2 breast cancer, last one in 1995. She does advocate a mix of both, traditional medicine, however, she is very strong on healty food and has a book and recipes that you can order online.
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Well, ladies, another "newbie" to the 2011 sisterhood. Hate to meet you this way but glad to have found you! I found a lump on left breast just before holidays. Dx Jan 31, after 3 biopsies and a futile, two week pursuit of pre-biopsy MRI. Insurance denied the MRI. 2 of three biopsies were positive, Left IDC and lymph node. Medium grade; PR+, ER+, HER2- I'm 57 and had a routine, clear mammogram in February 2010. No history of breast cancer in my family.
DH and I were in the process of moving from MO to IN...he was in newly acquired IN home; I was in MO home, tackling the "details" of closing. Given the Dx and proximity to closing date, decided to move to IN where I will receive treatment. Thank goodness for an amazing Realtor, who is handling the remaining interaction with providers, inspectors, etc. AND she's feeding my backyard birds!
I will be having a partial mastectomy and an axillary dissection tomorrow. Larger than a lumpectomy. The partial is possible because of my extra large boobs! Reading entries on this site and recalling a conversation with a friend and breast cancer survivor, I am now thinking twice...I didn't realize that radiation could affect reconstruction if necessitated by a later occurrence. Hmmmmm...
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ZingersMom - welcome! I also had a "normal" mammogram (actual report typically stated that breast tissue too dense to rule out lesions...not exactly "normal" in my book!) so spent 6 months fighting for an MRI. No family history, no lumps felt. Even the MRI report said that tissue very dense so difficult to interpret. However, five suspicious areas were seen and five biopsies were done (3 with ultrasound, 2 with a second MRI). Three were fibroadenomas, but 2 were cancers (ILC and DCIS). So glad I insisted on the MRI. The surgeons have told me that it likely would have been 3-5 years before these would have been palpable and possibly would not been visible on mammogram for much longer than that.
Yes, I was told that radiation can make reconstruction more challenging down the road, but I don't know if it's impossible.
Best of luck tomorrow!!!
TinaT
Diagnosis: 12/8/10, Left ILC with LCIS, 5mm, Grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2 -
Diagnosis: 12/20/10, Left DCIS, <1cm, Intermediate grade, ER+/PR+
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Just popping on to wish all of you a Happy Valentines Day, you are a very special group of women sending you all virtual roses (pink of course)
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LOL Thanks Kymn...You made me laugh...Sending you virtual rose roses to you too girl.
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