MRI post-biopsy

thank you for that information, my IDC lymph is 2.2 cm on US but feels smaller. It started at 4.1cm and I wondered if US measurements can be off?

LovingisLiving, When I got my diagnosis, my brother was scheduled for a biopsy for possible breast cancer. Happily it was benign but it was very scary as I was hoping for a lumpectomy and my surgeon basically said that if I was BRCA positive and/or had cancer in the other breast, the lumpectomy was off the table. Fast forward, had an MRI that found another mass in my cancer breast but the "good" boob was fine. They biopsied the second mass and it was benign...so we were on for lumpectomy. There are lots of turns and twists along the way to getting your treatment plan settled. Think about how each step gets you more information that helps you make decisions. And yes, these will be your decisions; you do have a lot more control over this than you think.

As far as genetic testing, I highly recommend it. I was only tested for BRCA1 and 2 (turned out negative). I plan on paying out of pocket for a more comprehensive genetic test provided by Color Genomics. $200 (really cheap when you consider that the BRCA test and Oncotype DX are 2-4K) When you visit your surgeon,make sure to get some information about the various tests. Even though some of the mutations they find in the larger panel are not specific for breast cancer to the extent BRCA is, in the future they may be applicable.

This weekend, come up with some exhausting activities that will divert your attention and make you tired so you can get some sleep. Also plan on pampering yourself...a pedicure, manicure, spend more time on your makeup, take a bubble bath and use that expensive lotion you have been saving. LOL. When I was waiting, I cleaned out drawers and closets and created some donation bins. It was tiring, but it felt like I was doing something productive.

Much love and big hugs to you. You are going to do well. We are here for you!

MsP

After my DX, I had a full body CT, an MRI, Bone scan and a PET. The only one that showed anything was the PET which 'lit up' an area along lower jaw so had a biopsy that area that afternoon and the next morning had the path report - nothing there that was any problem.

I think you can trust your doctors when they say the outcomes are equal, so it will be all of the other factors unique to you, your life and preferences that will help you decide. My choice was easy and I do not regret having a BMX but I had very specific reasons for it that probably don't apply to your case. For one, my cancer was missed in mammograms for years because I had very dense breasts (weird talking about them in the past tense!). I also have a lifelong history of benign problems that wouldn't have gone away with a lumpectomy, and I wasn't willing to live with that level of anxiety from false alarms for the rest of my life.

You will have to think through the possibilities as they pertain to you, and come to a decision that you can live with. There is a thread around here somewhere that lists some specific things to consider when making the choice. I don't remember how to find it but maybe someone else does.

Sounds like we do have things in common! In the past I also had a stereotactic core biopsy in the same area as my cancer due to microcalcifications. I had my first breast surgery at age 12 - so when I say a lifetime of problems that's what I'm talking about. Seriously, ever since I started to get breasts.

I decided a long time ago after several benign scares that if I ever did get cancer I would have the BMX to rid myself of all of my breast problems for once and for all. So there was never really any question of lumpectomy vs. mastectomy for me. I was intrigued when the surgeon offered me a reduction lumpectomy because my breasts were very large and I had already been considering a reduction before the diagnosis. But that only lasted about five minutes until I reminded myself that it would mean the benign problems wouldn't be going away, and never being able to let anything go again because "it feels benign" between mammograms. No thanks, I don't need the stress of regular trips to the biopsy table, now that I actually have it and it can come back.

Because of the history I think it has probably bothered me less than most women to lose my breasts. For me it was more like good riddance to something that has caused me nothing but problems (and as I always like to add, "including various breast men in my life." haha). But for some women it is a devastating blow to lose their breasts. You're the only one who can predict how you might personally react.

I had no complications in surgery, and my recovery has been relatively easy. I planned it to be that way by asking for some newer procedures that are not being done everywhere yet. I've written about that elsewhere on the boards. There were no guarantees, but I got everything I asked for and everything turned out exactly the way I hoped. I needed no opiates during or after surgery, and have gotten by on extra-strength Tylenol and ibuprofen. My drains came out fairly quickly and I was able to start driving again today. I'm not going to lie and say it has been pleasant, but it certainly could have been worse.

I'm delaying reconstruction because I want to live without breasts for awhile to see how I adjust to being flat. It doesn't bother me so far, so maybe I won't feel the need to do reconstruction. I'll make up my mind after my treatment is done if I need chemo, or whenever I feel like it if all I need is hormone therapy. I'm thinking around 6 months from now for that decision.

If you have the lumpectomy you can always change your mind later and have the mastectomy, if the worrying gets to be too much. That was suggested to me, but my mind was pretty much made up, and they also told me that having radiation prior to MX would increase the risk of complications during recon, so I decided not to chance it. These are all things you should discuss with your BS and PS.

I don't know everything, but I'm happy to answer any specific questions you have, based on my experience. I have this thread on my favorites list or you can PM me anytime.

sweetie hang in there we know ur feelins are here for u, hugs to u . msphil( idc stage 2 Lmast chemo n rads n 5yrs on tamoxifen) keep Hope, i am now a 21yr Survivor(Praise God)

Dee may I ask, did they say why all those 7 spots didn't show up in your imaging tests? Sounds like you did good, happy for you!