May Day, I have Cancer

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Midgiemoon
Midgiemoon Member Posts: 174
edited May 2015 in Just Diagnosed

Friends,

I found out yesterday that I have invasive ductal cancer. It is 1 cm, estrogen and progesterone positive. My surgeon was very positive, and based on how she presented the biopsy results, I was able to remain calm and ask my questions. A lumpectomy and radiation are in my immediate future.


My question is, I would like a second opinion, do I go now, or wait until the pathology from the surgery comes back?

Also, how long after surgery would radiation start?


Thanks!


midge

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  • gypsyjo
    gypsyjo Member Posts: 304
    edited May 2015

    I'd do the second opinion first. My second opinion was at a NCI breast cancer clinic where I was offered more options as to approach as well as types of radiology. I chose to go with the second opinion rather than the initial option. I liked the team approach and that my case would be reviewed by several specialists in each area. Once you get to oncologists, you can get a second opinion there too if you wish. I was originally diagnosed with IDC about 1 cm ER+/PR+ and was surprised at the variation of treatments that were available to me. I actually went for IORT (intraoperative radiation done during the surgery). For this your cancer must meet several criteria. It was not offered as an option at the first location and I was an ideal candidate.


     

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited May 2015

    I would do it now. I was diagnosed as having a 2.9 cm tumor. The BS recommended lx and rads. I also have 30 year old implants. I went for a second opinion because I wanted the implants out and the BS said they would be fine. I am small breasted and I knew the lx would disfigure me. The second BS did more imaging, found more areas of cancer and a + node. Her philosophy was one and done. If I had had that lx, I would have certainly been back for at least one more surgery. The tumors are now total close to 5 cm.

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  • SueH58
    SueH58 Member Posts: 632
    edited May 2015

    I was able to have a lumpectomy and reconstruction at the same time. Because I was somewhat large breasted, the plastic surgeon reduced and lifted one side while the breast surgeon removed the tumor. Then the PS moved to that size, to make them symetrical (although the cancer side was left somewhat larger since rads usually shrink the breast a bit). I would suggest having an Oncotype DX test done to determine the genomic make up of your tumor. It may suggest additional treatments.

    Good luck to you!

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited May 2015

    Midge, you may also want to get a BRCA test done before you decide your treatment plan. Best wishes moving forward! It's a lot to take in, but get as much information as you need to make the right decision for you~

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  • Midgiemoon
    Midgiemoon Member Posts: 174
    edited May 2015

    Thanks, ladies! I went for a second opinion yesterday at Mercy Meducal Center on Baltimore. The doctor was amazing! She confirmed the first opinion after she did her own ultrasound. She was so thorough in her explanation, I feel confident following my original plan of having a lumpectomy at our local hospital on Msy 22,and waiting for the pathology to come back in order to take any next steps. If I had a more involved case, I would certainly consider going into the city, as Dr. Bedi was so wonderful.

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