Surgey question

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Hahlyn
Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
edited September 2016 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hello!

I've been lurking around since my diagnosis on 8/8/2016. No history in my family..I'm the lucky one. Im 44 with 2 teenagers and a huaband who sometimes is my third child. I was told im going to need a mastectomy im scared...I want to know has anyone with grade 3 stage 2 possible stage 3 had chemo first to shrink the tumor and then had lumpectomy or is the normal to have a mastectomy? I apologize if this has already been answered. My appt with my breast surgeon is this Thursday. Honestly i dont want go..all of this is so overwhelming. Thank you ladies in advance.

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  • Nili
    Nili Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2016

    hello,

    I had chemo before surgery as my ki 67 was very high mo suggested for chemo first. After 2 doses of chemo my tumour disappeared. And eventually I had WLE. My BS explained this way. Recurrence is usually dictated by the biology of tumour. In my case I wasgoing to get readiothery no mater what surgery I choose. Hope this helps. Good luck..

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  • s1d1c1u1
    s1d1c1u1 Member Posts: 63
    edited September 2016

    I was stage 2b with 2.5 cm tumor and grade 3. I had chemo first and had a complete response to it. Had another mammogram before my surgery and there was no cancer by the time I had my lumpectomy. My path report also verified that I was cancer free. I'm very happy with my surgical result- recovery time was fast (I felt fine 2 days after and didn't require pain meds) the scars are minimal, and so far I have no need for reconstruction. As there is still some swelling in my breast, it's too early to know if reconstruction will be necessary. Also, radiation can affect the way it looks. Keep in mind if you get a mastectomy you will likely not need radiation but with a lumpectomy you will need radiation.

    You didn't say how big your tumor is. I would think that would make a difference when deciding between lumpectomy or mastectomy. Ask lots of questions when you meet with your doctors. You are in control of your treatment. Find out why they are recommending one surgery over the other, then make your decision. Best of luck to you.


    Sabrina

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited September 2016

    Thank you so.much for responding. I met with the breast surgeon today and she advised chemo first then surgery. I was worried since I am grade 3 the size of my tumor on my path report said 8mm. I am Er-Pr- Her+. My appt with the oncologist is set for Sept 12. Still really scared of the unkown.

    Thank you again for taking to the time to answer my question. Grateful!

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  • AnotherMichelle
    AnotherMichelle Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2016

    Hahlyn, the chemo will likely shrink the tumor (whatever size it is), and your surgery will then be easier. They told me mine was 9cm--it wasn't. The MRI had tons of enhancement. After one single chemo treatment, it was the size of a pea. When I finally had surgery, the remaining cancer was microscopic (not tumor-ish) and 2.1 cm. Chemo before surgery is becoming much more common than it used to be. Good luck.

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  • Hahlyn
    Hahlyn Member Posts: 179
    edited September 2016

    AnotherMichelle.- Thank you so much for the information and your positive note. I'm praying for the best.

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  • Jiffrig
    Jiffrig Member Posts: 232
    edited September 2016

    The more progressive breast centers are doing the chemo first, it makes all the sense in the world. They don't have to cut out so much tissue to get clear margins

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