second opinions

queen2015
queen2015 Member Posts: 1
edited July 2015 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

I am a 43 year old who just received an "invasive lobular carcinoma" diagnosis minimum 4 mm on May 14. It was discovered via biopsy on a "suspect" calcification found on mammogram. Since then I have had an MRI, an ultrasound, and an MRI guided biopsy on a different location (found on MRI and U/S) and NOTHING is showing up except the clip they put in. My cancer Dr wants to schedule my surgery and based on my diagnosis wants me to consider mastectomy. Genetics testing for 25 different things just came back normal. I understand I can have the original tissue sample tested elsewhere. I need to know how to make this happen soon.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited July 2015

    For sure, ask for your slides/tissue samples to be sent to another lab. Did you read about Rita Wilson? Pathology results are key to making clinical decisions.

    Your hospital certainly has a relationship with a referral center, a university or medical school which can give everything a second look. You may even want to see a surgeon at that location in case they have a more conservative approach especially if the diagnosis is doubtful. Lobular cells can be tricky to identify.

    Having the genetic profile done was smart - there is more out there than BRCA. Perhaps your family history is still a concern. Let us know how things turn out.

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  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited July 2015


    Dear Queen215:

    If you are uncomfortable or unsure, then a second and possibly even a third opinion is warranted.  You can see another doctor as well as having another lab view the slides.  Just be prepared for different opinions. 

    I was diagnosed in Florida and a mastectomy was recommended.  I was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the doctors in Texas recommended a double lumpectomy (same breast) with plastic surgery rather than a mastectomy.  When I returned to Florida after surgery, the radiologist in FL brought my case to the team and a mastectomy was again recommende.  I conferred with the doctors at MD Anderson again and they told me that they would be happy to do a mastectomy but it was unwarranted.  I ended up having the radiation in TX rather than in FL.

    You have to do what is best for you and what you are comfortable with.  You have to abide by your instincts and your gut.  You must trust your doctor and lab.  They want to treat you and they want positive results.

    Good luck with your decision.  I will pray for you.

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  • readytorock
    readytorock Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2015


    wow - a mastectomy seems rather agressive!  Don't rush this - get a second opinion.  You have time.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2015

    Queen -- were are helpful members able to get you the answers you're seeking?

    We hope so!

    --The Mods

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2015

    My cancer was 3.5 cm and I had a lumpectomy. Also had radiation


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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited July 2015

    I wanted another opinion. Went to radiologist and they gave me a CD of the US and MRI results. I Fed Ex'd it to Johns Hopkins. They gave me great care. A week or. 2 to get another appt seems like an eternity, but in retrospect is well worth It tobe confident about your choice

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