Confirmed BC today and having bilateral mastectomy next week

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AngelLynn
AngelLynn Member Posts: 8
edited May 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I am very thankful for this group, as I found it while I was waiting on my MRI results. THe oncologist said those words today and my heart dropped. They want to do an excisional biopsy very soon and he wants the mastectomy done by the end of next week. I am only 36 years old!!! I have so many questions and would love some feedback from the group. I am lost and confused. HELP!!!!!!!

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

    Ok, I am sorry you are here to join this group. But what is up with all the surgeons rushing people to making this HUGE, LIFE ALTERING decision. Can you tell us the details of your cancer? Is there a reason it has to be done so quickly?

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    So sorry you have to be in here. I was 36 as well when I was diagnosed. Why are they doing an excisional biopsy? Have they tried stereotactic or MRI assisted biopsy first? Excisional biopsies are not that common anymore. I would not want two surgeries if that was me, that's a lot of strain on your body for no good reason. Are you at a large center and does your surgeon do only breast surgeries? It's uncommon to see an oncologist prior to biopsy. Try to go to a larger breast center if you can to make sure you would not have to have unneccesary procedures.

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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited May 2015

    I too wonder why the rush. I just hate that we are forced into making life-altering decisions in a snap. I know there are stats that indicate better outcomes when surgery performed within weeks of diagnosis, but I think you need time to think, learn, become educated and maybe get a second opinion before jumping onboard that speeding train.

    Good luck to you.

    Amy

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  • kathy7
    kathy7 Member Posts: 241
    edited May 2015

    I agree with others.  Slow down and make thoughtful decisions with someone whom you respect as support. 


     

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited May 2015

    I wonder if it is because of the size...9x5 cm. ?

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    Even with a large tumor this does not make sense. Excisional biopsy - essentially a lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy a week later. Are 2 surgeries back to back really necessary. Surgery has side effects that are not great if you have cancer - the possible release of growth factors related to surgical wounding and the immunosuppression caused by surgery and anesthesia. Would she not need chemo after the biopsy rather than a mastectomy. Maybe there is more to it that we do not know?

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited May 2015

    Confused!! No biopsy yet but DXd as some type of BC and a mast. by the end of next week? Without a biopsy what type of BC is it? Different types have different protocol - one requires neoadjuvant Chemo to get it to be operable. That large(9cm x 5cm), other types often do neoadjuvant to shrink it.

    A second opinion at least would absolutely be in order!


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

    I was also thinking neoadjuvant chemo might be in order here.

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  • AngelLynn
    AngelLynn Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015

    Ok, so my background is playing a huge role in this. I have had benign nodules with well over 8 biopsies prior to this mass being uncovered. I have enough benign masses that a mammogram and ultrasound was unable to show pick up on the other mass due to the obstruction. This mass was uncovered on MRI and is adjacent to the axillary lymph node and is deep rooted. Due to the cluster of masses, he is recommending excision to ensure that pathology is done on the correct one. I work for the hospital as a nurse and that is why I saw the oncologist after seeing my results. He has NO doubt that it is malignant given the characteristics on the report and see the biopsy as a formality. I have 3 generations before me that have all had breast cancer. The push to get this done is to prevent the spreading of the malignant cells given the rate of growth and high risk for recurrence.

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    How did they assess the rate of growth/risk of recurrence with an MRI?

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited May 2015

    If they are scheduling mastectomies anyway can't they use that for pathology? I am still confused why you need the biopsy if going ahead with surgery but I am sorry you have to endure this whatever the plan. Take care.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2015

    I've seen quite a few Birads 5 "sure it's cancer" come back benign over the years here

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited May 2015

    So what type of BC - DCIS, IDC, ILC, IBC? The prognosis is different as is the TX protocol. What about ER/PR or HER2 status? Also effects TX plan.

    Why bilateral? Has genetic tests been run to see if it is genetic?

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  • AngelLynn
    AngelLynn Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015

    The excisional biopsy is being done because of the size and irregularity of the mass. Since, I have so many benign areas they want to make sure they get the right one and remove it from growing anymore. The bilateral mastectomy is being recommended because I have storng family history of BC.

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  • kcat2013
    kcat2013 Member Posts: 391
    edited May 2015

    Angellynn, was the oncologist you saw a surgical onc or a medical onc? I would try and get in to see a surgical onc before making any decision. They should know best if an excisional biopsy followed very quickly by mastectomy is the best course for you. I also agree with others that have said not to rush ahead, especially since you have no actual pathology on your lump that definitively says that it's malignant. Doctors can sometimes make us feel that we absolutely HAVE to do things on their timeline, when the reality is that isn't imperative to our health. So don't feel afraid to sit back and say WAIT, I need to have a little bit of time to absorb this and explore options.

    I was 34 when I was diagnosed so I do understand the feeling of urgency to get things taken care of. But I still had 3 weeks between diagnosis and surgery, which was just enough time to explore my surgical options and reconstructive options and meet with the medical onc. All of my team of doctors felt 3 weeks was reasonable time to wait--they wanted surgery done quickly but not so rushed I didn't have a chance to know my options and have all the scans done that they wanted pre-surgery.

    Good luck.

    Kendra

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited May 2015

    If they are doing a mast. then all will be removed including the benign areas.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited May 2015

    i,still don't get the reason behind excising something that will be included in the excised breasts

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    Wrenn - the surgeon and hospital will be paid twice .

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  • AngelLynn
    AngelLynn Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015


    This response really bothers me, especially since I work for the hospital. The physicians are not only my coworkers, but also personal friends of mine. There is not one of them that is looking to get paid twice.

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited May 2015

    I think you need more information from your doctors about why you need to have a DMX so quickly. I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and was desperate to get going as soon as I could. My docs reassured me that a wait of 17 days (albeit for neoadjuvent chemo and not surgery) was not of concern and that they would keep me busy, which they did with scans. If I were you I would use connections to get some answers to your questions, so you can feel confident with what is recommended.

    I wish you all the best, this is such a frightening time and once you have and begin your treatment plan you will feel better. I am now 18 months on but can remember that fearful time when first diagnosed.

    Sarah

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    Angel - I did not mean to offend you in any way. It was meant as a joke (note the winking emoticon) since the whole thing having surgeries without pathology report did not make sense. Sorry. How did your surgery go? Hope you are recovering well. When will you get the path report?

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