48 Years Old - Possible Mastectomy w/Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.

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coralrose413
coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
edited October 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I'm 48 years old, and was diagnosed with DCIS, tumors were 2.5cm and .9cm, nuclear grades  2 & 3, microcalcifications, cribiforming and solid, necrosis in both.  I had (3) lumpectomies, margins were very close, and not clear.  Also, my estrogen and progesterone receptors are positive  (canidate for Tamoxifen).  I was supposed to begin 7 weeks of radiation, the radiation oncologist wanted me to have another mammogram before I started radiation (because of all my lumpectomies and close margins).  They found (3) new spots of microcalcifications near my chest wall...The breast surgeon (BS) told me she can do a needle biopsy to check if they are benign (so I can proceed possibly with radiation), or I can have a mastectomy AND she will do a sentinel lymph node biopsy, because she said they are always checking for cancer.  My biggest fear is they will find IDC in my lymph nodes (because that's what my BS is thinking and isn't telling me), with the 3 spots now near my chest wall.  I did genetics testing and I had no gene mutations (which was wonderful news), I have no family history of breast cancer.  I'm 48 years old, I have two sons 10 and 7 (my husband and I ended up adopting).  Has anyone had a similar experience, and if so what was your outcome?  Any input, thoughts or advice would be so greatly appreciated, as me and my family are so scared right now.

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited August 2014

    Hi Coralrose, sorry you're having to go through all this.

    My situation isn't the same, I am older, 59 when Dx, went for the Mx at the get go, but I just wanted to say that having the SNB at the time of a Mx is standard procedure, because once the breast is removed, it isn't possible to do a SNB. So if the final pathology comes back with an invasive component, they have to remove more nodes, which puts you at more risk for LE.

    It isn't unusual to have more areas of Microcalcs, but they won't necessarily be DCIS or IDC, that's why your Doctor is suggesting the FNA to find out if they are anything concerning.

    Take it easy and let us know how you're doing!

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited August 2014

    HI there, I am sorry you are going through this. I'm a tad similar , but was a bit younger at diagnosis . I was 45.  My tumor was near and close to the chest wall with a smaller tumor near by.. I did have Invasive cancer and they did need to go back in and get clear margins. They were able to achieve this.   I do have a ton of calcifications in my breasts but the others were not cancer. 

    I had sentinal node biopsy , they removed 5 nodes all clear and I was then cleared for radiation. They did do extra sessions due to the multiple sites, I had 38 in total with 6 boosts at the cancer site.

    I'm glad the doctor is offering and suggesting you have a node biopsy for you. Its the smart thing to do for any patient with breast cancer and I had not though that DCIS would cause them not to check nodes . 

    If there is an invasive component they find, ask them to do an oncotype dx test. it helps determine if your cancer is responsive to chemo or if antihormonals are your best choice for treatment.

    Good luck, I know this can be scary. Let us know how you make out.

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited August 2014

    carolrose, welcome and I am sorry that you are dealing with this. I was 41 when I was diagnosed with DCIS and my children were 12 &15. I had numerous micro calcifications in both breasts with dense breast tissue. I was given the option of lumpectomy, but if they didn't get clear margins, they would have to go back in and do more surgery, like you have had. In the end I chose to do a bmx with SNB. It turned out it was the right decision for me as they found more cancer in another quadrant of the breast that did not show up on the mammo. 

    We all understand your fear, as we have all gone through those emotions and the stress of trying to decide what the right course of action is. If you have doubts about what direction to go, get a second opinion. Many of have gotten 2nd and 3rd opinions before making a decision. In the end only you can make the decision that is right for you.

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited August 2014

    Hi Carolrose, as stated earlier, sentinel node biopsy for mastectomy to treat DCIS is standard, as Ariom explained (it is not standard for lumpectomy). I should also let you know, that if someone has narrow margins near the chest wall, it is not unheard of to receive radiation to the chest wall post mastectomy even with DCIS.  We have had several women post here with that treatment plan.  At the same time, microcalcifications aren't always associated with DCIS or IDC. The area can be completely benign.  The microcalifications themselves aren't the cancer.  They are just often found adjacent to the malignant area, due to changes that occur in the surrounding tissue. 

    Best of luck.

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  • coralrose413
    coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2014

    Dear Ariom, Bevin, Bren58, and Ballet12 - thank you so much for setting my mind at ease, it is very much appreciated.  I'm off to my biopsy this Thursday, hoping the 3 spots are benign, but if not, I'm still scheduled for my mastectomy w/SLNB for 9/19.  I'll keep you posted.  Thanks again, and hope you're all enjoying the holiday.  :0)

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited August 2014

    Fingers crossed you'll get a B9 result from the biopsies. All the best with your coming surgery! You'll do fine! Let us know how you are getting on.

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  • coralrose413
    coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2014

    Hi Ladies, had my stereotactic biopsy done yesterday, and my doctor called with the results today, I have extensive DCIS.  I will be having the mastectomy on 9/19 with SNB.  I will keep you posted.
     

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited September 2014

    Hi Coralrose, sorry that the biopsies came back positive for more DCIS, at the same time, it sounds like you were kind of prepared for this.  Best of luck on the mastectomy scheduled for 9/19 with SNB (as standard).  You are doing what you need to do.  One step at a time.

    (((HUGS)))

     


     

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  • coralrose413
    coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2014


    Thank you so much Ballet12, yeah, I was preparing myself.  My boys can't wait for all this to be over with...they're 10 & 7...mommy can't wait either.  Hubby is being very supportive. 

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited September 2014

    Dear Coralrose, good luck with your surgery. That is right aroundthe corner!.  I know there are some threads here for those who elect mastectomy that give some tips for day of surgery, clothes to bring - i.e. button up shirt as you wont be able to pull on a t-shirt, and other tips for managing post surgery. You may find those very helpful.

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  • coralrose413
    coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2014

    Thanks Bevin, I just bought myself some button up pjs, and other things. Winking

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  • coralrose413
    coralrose413 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2014


    Hi Ladies, I wanted to give you an update.  My results on 9/26/14 came back, and I'm cancer free!!! Smile My doctor wants me on tamoxifen for 5 years.  Thank you so much for being there, this is a wonderful site for support.  I wish you all the best and God Bless!

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  • Loveroflife
    Loveroflife Member Posts: 5,563
    edited October 2014

    rejoicing with you. Praise God!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2014

    Welcome
    to Breastcancer.org, Loveroflife. We're sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us!

    Besides sharing your experiences and learning from other members here at
    the boards, you may also want to take a look at the information on our main site www.breastcancer.org

    All the best

    The Mods

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited October 2014

    very good news!

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  • toni67
    toni67 Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2014

    Hello.

    Yesterday I had an ultrasound guide aspiration and lymph node biopsy (dr. took 2 samples). Aspiration because my surgical site, had implant removed in August because of capsular contracture and fluid build up in chest, started filling up with fluid again. The doctor removed about 60cc of dark fluid, probably old blood, from my mastectomy site and sent it to the lab for to be cultured. I now have to wait a week for the tests to come back and if things are clear, then it's back to surgery for me for a new implant or maybe a tissue expander. I'm hoping for an implant. 

    Trying to stay positive, but let me tell you,, it's hard. 

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