Got ILC diagnosis - scared witless in NYC
Hi. Yesterday I got the preliminary report on my core biopsy back:
"Infiltrating lobular carcinoma, pleomorphic type, with extensive necrosis"
My brain realizes that I won't know anything until further tests, but now I'm suspecting every mole and internal twinge as a sign that the cancer has spread. However, I 'm doing my best to keep breathing and move the ball forward.I am going with my OB/GYN's recommendation of starting at Sloan Kettering here in NYC. They received ny biopsy results and suggested I meet with a breast surgeon and medical oncologist at a joint appointment even before receptor status reports are back. Is this common?
If it feels right and I like the team my gut says just keep it moving along there. How important is it to get a 2nd opinion for treatment plans?
I've been lurking around these forums since I had a crummy ultrasound a few weeks ago. You all are an incredible group.
Comments
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Sloan Kettering has a good reputation. You don't always have to get a second opinion unless you feel you need one. Hope all goes well for you.
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I did not get a 2nd opinion, though I am only past my mesectomy sergury. I meet with the onco/ rad onco ect next week. After reading all the stories on here....I felt I was very blessed with the doctor I had. He would have done what ever I wanted (go flat/pre pare for reconstruction) which out any argument. I asked for an MRI, it was my one requirment of any doctor. He did not hesitate, and as I went in for more tests everyone who saw what doctor I was seeing said amazing things down to how he takes the time to do small stitches to help with the "visual" aspect later. I never questioned him. BUT---if something ever feels off with any doctor I WILL get a new one.
I have done in the past for little things. I say keep your appointments and see how it goes. Listen to your gut.
If you are young and have dense breasts, I would recommend asking for an MRI if it is not an automatic thing for your team. I would have had a lumpectomy had I not had an MRI that found 2 more spots. Lumpectomy was no longer even an option.
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Welcome, Agatha. I was diagnosed with the same type of cancer as you seven years ago. I think it's great that you are getting an early appointment with two specialists. You will feel better once you get the chance to talk with them and get more concrete information about what is likely to happen next.
Do you know how large your tumour might be? If it is small it is less likely to have spread. However, it can be difficult to gauge the true size of ILC from scans.
Wishing you well and keep us posted.
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we are in NYC and received a diagnosis for IDC and we also plan to use MSK. A friend recommended dr. Port at mount Sinai as well since they have been very well funded and dr. Port is from MSK. So we may seek a second opinion too. Same question and we think if we can get one quickly or MSK doesn't feel right, we may have the the second consult.
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ShellsOnTheBeach - thanks for the good wishes and support :-)
GreenEyes - I'm so glad you met a great surgeon right away. My OB/GYN told me that an MRI is likely in store. I will bring it up when I meet with them on Friday.
Racy - It's good to connect with someone on the other side of the planet who's already experienced what I'm going through. Thanks for responding. I know you're right. Once I get some more concrete information on my particular situation I'll feel better. One reason I'm very nervous is that the tumor is already 5cm (as seen on ultrasound).
Sd2906 - Hello neighbor. I'm sorry we have to meet this way. I hope the best for your treatment. Have you set up appointments for MSK yet? I've received recommendations of doctors at NYU, Cornell Weil, Mt. Sinai - I am just feeling a little overwhelmed. How do you know if you have found "the one" when it comes to a team of doctors working on your case? I am going to start at MSK and see how it feels.
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hi agatha,
It's hard to answer your question. We don't really know. I think we are trying to gather the details, see the recommendations for treatment, and then decide who we trust the most. Our MKS doctor wrote a book im reading today so trying to see how we feel about her. Will def let you know. Issue with MSK is they are the best but they are a factory is the rumor so attention can be tough. Port is really well regarded and Mt Sinai seems to give more attention. But all our experiences will be different and this is all secondhand. Will bee back
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Agatha, I was also diagnosed with pleomorphic ILC two years ago (second ILC diagnosis). I have done some reading on this subtype of ILC and in general it seems to have the same prognosis as classic ILC. This diagnosis stage is very hard but it will get better when you have a treatment plan. If your tumour is ER+ and Her2- you can have the OncotypeDX test on it to see if you would benefit from chemo. Lobular BC seems to respond best to hormone therapy although it depends on if you have node involvement etc. Wishing you the best.
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Hi Agatha,
Fellow NY'er here, I'm right over the border on Long Island. My dx came about a different way, but I did not see an oncologist until after I had surgery. I think it depends on the Doctor. I'm sure its just to talk about what they know already and the scenarios on how they may treat it. Perhaps by the time you have the appt. all the info will be in.
I choose Dr's out here but I already had been seeing my breast surgeon for different issues over the years and choose to stay. My surgeon is Chief of Breast Surgery/Oncology surgery so I felt confident and also with the recommendations made to me on an Oncologist and Plastic Surgeon by my BS.
As for being nervous about every twinge...does it ever stop? I'm still in that stage being 5 weeks out of surgery and think I will be this way for a very loooooooong time. So rest assured thats common.
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