New member - MX scheduled next week

WellWishes · August 2017

Hi, I am relatively new to the site (2 months); I joined as soon as I got my diagnosis... I just didn't have the courage to write anything until today. I am pretty well scared out of my mind about the surgery and what comes afterward.

A little history... I did not feel a lump. I had my first mammogram in Oct., 2016; which found some areas that needed a closer look so I had a diagnostic mammogram in Nov. 2016. This showed "high density tissue" but didn't seem overly concerned. They asked that I come back in 6 months for a "follow-up".

Fast forward to June, 2017... I went in for my DX follow-up and was told that there was a "new" spot that they wanted to biopsy. I was told that the new spot was VERY small (approx. 5mm) but the biopsy results came back cancerous. I was later informed that I have infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC).

After having another biopsy (which came back benign), I was informed that I needed to have a MX because there were so many other areas of concern (high density) in my breast that it would be difficult for them to biopsy them all and thus recommended a MX.

I am scheduled for surgery on August 25th; which includes MX with sentinel node biopsy and tissue expander for reconstruction.

Moderators · August 2017

Hi WellWishes, and welcome. We really appreciate that you took the time and effort to post -- you're sure to receive great support here!

We know things are overwhelming and scary right now, but the more you find out about your diagnosis, the better you'll be able to strategize with your team about the best course of action for you, and from there, you'll feel empowered and ready to take this on!

Thanks again for posting. We look forward to hearing more from you soon, and supporting you the whole way!

--The Mods

beach2beach · August 2017

Hi WellWishes,

I didnt feel anything either. Had Mammo/Sono in July. Long story short, wound up being dx with a 7mm lump on biopsy. They thought it was IDC. I opted for a BMX. Had it on 8/7 on pathology it changed to ILC ER+ PR+ and HER2-. Same dx as you.

It is very scary. I was shocked. I cried. I was numb. Think I'm still shocked and numb even after surgery. As for surgery, I was more scared about anesthesia. I'm on the other side of it now. Surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had barely any pain, just tightness. I also had reconstruction at the same time. They did not give me any painkillers and did not need any.

You will do great. Its normal to worry about every step that is coming, but you are taking the next step moving forward and you will deal with everything that comes after. I know saying glad they caught it small doesnt seem like much, but from everything I heard about ILC usually they don't find it as small as they found ours, so it is a good thing. They tend to spread out like fingers so not easy to detect and they could be wider than what they think. Mri's are the best to find it.

You will do great! Lots of people here to support you.

Luckynumber47 · August 2017

The fear is just the worst, isn't it? Between a tape on guided imagery for surgery and a klonopin the morning of surgery I sailed through just fine. I instructed my DH to find out how many lymph nodes were taken out when the surgeon went in to talk to him while I was in recovery and that's the first thing I asked him when I woke up. When I heard just one on each side I knew I'd be fine.

I really babied myself after surgery - I felt like I deserved it - got new jammies, cute slippers, a new coffee cup. Recovery wasn't as bad as I expected. Pain wasn't bad, I slept ok and drains came out after a week (thank God)

Things hurt for a while but eventually everything gets better, even the fear and you figure out you're a powerful woman who's got this!

Best of luck with your surgery. It won't be long before you are healing and kicking cancer's butt

Lots of hugs, Lucky

New member - MX scheduled next week

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