MRI biopsy results just received...uh oh, here we go
Hi everyone, I'm a 57 year-old woman with a strong family history of breast cancer. My mom was dxed at age 59 in both breasts. Both of us share the same BRCA2 mutation and I've been in a high risk screening program for years.
Because of the BRCA2 mutation (which at the time was a "variation of uncertain significance") I elected to have my ovaries removed first and then have prophylactic mastectomies. This was about 6 years ago. Four days before I was going to have the mastectomies, I received word that the genetic testing repository people (Myriad at the time) had just determined that our particular mutation does not cause an increase in breast cancer, therefore insurance wouldn't pay....mastectomies cancelled.
Fast forward six years to last week...as part of my routine aggressive screening, had a bilateral MRI, spots on both breasts "lit up." Had biopsies on each side, was informed yesterday by the MRI biopsy doctor of the following:
Cancer on right side, 8mm, ER & PR positive. That's all I know right now. Meeting with the breast surgeon on Monday afternoon, plan to bring the pathology report guide on this site with me, any other tips for getting all the info I need?
P.S. Since the ovaries were removed, I've been on HRT (estradiol) because the shock of going into surgical menopause at that time was too much of a shock to my system. I know that's coming to an end..
Comments
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Sorry to hear you have IDC. It doesn't sound too bad, fairly small and both er and pr positive. Are you postmenopausal? I am sure HRT will be discontinued. AI drugs are pretty effective. You'll probably get a sentinel node biopsy to see if cancer may be in lymph nodes. I took generic paxil with exemestane and my hot flashes were reduced. I did get joint pain and some arthritis as a result, it was minor.
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I had my ovaries removed about 6 yrs ago...I also take Effexor which is an anti-depressant which is supposed to help with hot flashes...hoping that maybe I'll not need too much AI since I don't have any ovaries. I know other parts of the body produce estrogen but the bulk of it has to come from the ovaries I would imagine...thanks for your feedback Meow13!
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My guess too is that HRT will be discontinued. But I've found that regular old meno symptoms haven't been unbearable for me. You're lucky--small, apparently no nodes involved, and hormone positive.
Although being lucky doesn't dismiss the fear and shock of any c dx, for sure. I hope the treatment you decide on will allow you to move forward and live a happy normally-long life. I bet it will. Hugs.
Claire in AZ
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Thanks claireinaz...hugs to you too
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