It's been a week...

Options
Sam2U
Sam2U Member Posts: 233
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed


It's been a week today since I was told I have breast cancer, my head is still spinning.


I had a MRI over the weekend and went back to the surgeon for the results today. It was not terrible, but not what I was expecting. The cancer is IDC, doctor says less than 2 cm, but with DCIS around it. The enhancing masses seen in the MRI are 3.8(trv) x 3.4(ap) x 3.8(cc) cm in the anterior middle third of the breast. There is also an enhancing mass in the upper inner quadrant, measuring 0.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm. Apparently this area shows in the mammogram, but the larger area doesn't. The radiologist is suggesting a stereotactic biopsy of the second area if I want to conserve breast tissue. If the biopsy is positive, then BC would recommend LT MX. My husband suggests bmx, the BC doesn't think it's a bad idea given all the information, but then there is re-construction to consider.


I have no idea what to do. I was planning the lumpectomy of the mass I felt because it was "small" but now with two areas!?! Biopsy or no?


Oh, the good news? The right side was all clear. My head keeps spinning.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2013


    sorry you have to deal with this. It sucks. It takes a while to get used to but once a plan is in place it is a bit easier.


    I chose BMX because i didn't want to have to deal with more surgeries. I also found out from pathology after the surgery that the other breast had pre cancerous features so the surgeon said I made the right decision. I think it is ok to do the minimum and then deal with whatever comes up later (which may be nothing).


    I wish you the best outcome. Please keep coming to this forum. It will truly make things easier. Take care of yourself.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2013


    It will get easier ! You are amongst an amazing group of people who will help guide you along the way!



    Hugs to you,


    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited October 2013


    Hi SamU -- sorry your head is spinning.

    II would ask your surgeon how long you have to make the decision -- and if you have time and are not sure about a mastecomy, do the biopsy first.  Then you'll have a better idea of what you are dealing with.  He/She should be able to provide you with some guidance on how quickly they want to do surgery.

    Good luck -- the fog will clear -- just takes some time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sam2U
    Sam2U Member Posts: 233
    edited October 2013


    Thanks everyone. I just need to slow down and think it out. The surgeon suggested that if I go with the bmx there is obviously no need for the biopsy, but that I may want to meet with a plastic surgeon before I decide to about re-construction. However, is both spots are malignant then a lumpectomy is out of the question, no matter what I decide about re-construction.


    With a few hours to think it through, the thing that makes the most sense is to get all of the information from a second biopsy and the plastic surgeon, then I can make an informed decision.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited October 2013

    hello sweetie, we will be here for you and walk you thru this, come here often and see the kind hearted people we are, God Bless,hang in there coming from a 19 yr Survivor(Praise GOD) think of me for Inspiration.  msphil(idc,stage2, 0/3 nodes, L mast,chemo and rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpiritBlessing
    SpiritBlessing Member Posts: 584
    edited October 2013


    Hi Ladies,


    New on the site and it has been a couple of months since my diagnosis. Had my surgery and recovering from it. Had to change oncologists so need to meet with my new team next week as I didn't connect with the first group. Had to go with my gut and heart and God has shown me I am on the right track. I went to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for a meeting with those folks and it was great and they are the ones who recommended my new team. I have been advised to do A/C and Taxol to follow for treatment. Not looking forward to it at all.


    I have done some research on alternative treatments as well so I want to get all this under my belt when I meet with the new team to run some of my questions by them. Does anyone here have any insight to alternative treatments? I am hoping to add a Naturopath Oncologist to my team as well. Hoping to start back with acupuncture, massage and going to try yoga so hopefully it will help out. I am not totally sold on the chemo treatments yet so as long as I am not 100% I will continue to do my due diligence. I would love to hear some feedback on this.


    I am extremely concerned about "Chemo Brain", I have a very important position in the company I work for and not being able to perform is a concern to me as it is my livelihood. Would love some feedback on this as well.


    Blessings...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cougarlicious
    Cougarlicious Member Posts: 114
    edited October 2013


    SpiritBlessing - I'm currently doing neoadjuvant AC-T and for me knowing I was throwing everything I could at cancer outweighed the fears I had about undergoing chemo (especially in my situation, since I'm currently pregnant). I'm so glad I did - after three treatments, my tumor has gone from almost 4cm to a tiny little nub. I'm able to know for a fact that chemo is killing my cancer. And I've been fortunate not to have any side effects, although I recognize there are others who aren't as lucky. But even if you do have side effects, they are often quite manageable with all the medications the docs provide.


    I haven't felt like I've developed chemo brain either, and I understand your concerns about work (I'm also in a similar position at my company). Keep in mind there are plenty of people who work FT throughout chemo. I don't think anyone enjoys going through the process but as a whole I believe many find it to be manageable. Best of luck in your situation, and I'm glad you found a team you trust!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories