First diagnosis

Anonymous · September 2017

First diagnosis

Yankeegtt · September 2017

I have seen 70 summers this year but still it has been a season of firsts for me and set me on a journey I never wanted or expected. I received my first BC diagnosis of DCIS, Grade 3 in August. A suspicious mammogram led to a stereostatic biopsy which led to a lumpectomy on the 6th of September. Yesterday my results showed 3 borders not clear and 5mm IDC. So back again for more surgery which will include a sentinel node biopsy.

It's a scary time in my life and and though I realize everyone's cancer is unique to them, I know that we all need the reassurance, empathy and compassion that others sharing a similar diagnosis can offer. I have spent the day reading through the various forums and posts in this community and know that this is the place that I will find the companionship I will to need to encourage me and guide me on my journey. Looking forward to hearing from all of you and increasing my knowledge about this disease so I can make wise choices. I probably have lots of questions I should be asking but right now I need my fears allayed more than anything.

Has someone had success with a second lumpectomy to attain clear borders? Conversely, has someone not? Was the next step a mx? How painful is a sentinel node biopsy? I have small breasts so not a lot "to work with." Thanks in advance for the "cyber" arm around my shoulders.

beach2beach · September 2017

Hi Yankeegtt,

Sorry you are here, but welcome. I can't answer to the lumpectomy since I opted for a BMX from the get go for various reasons. I am sure there are others who will be along soon to post. I had small, boobs. I had sentinel node biopsy done at time of bmx so I don't know if there is any difference or not, but the only thing I really noticed was not pain, but the numb feeling in my armpits and back part of my upper arms. Over 5 weeks out and most all of the numb feeling has left. Was interesting shaving the armpits and not being able to feel it. Does your BS think he/she can get clear margins on a repeat lumpectomy? How much more will they have to take? That may make a difference to you having small boobs and the possible uneven look compared to the other. Then you could get reconstruction on it. I'm sure you will come up with a lot of questions. Keep asking.

You will get through this. Plan on seeing many more summers, you will. I've seen 51. It's disheartening to have to go back again for surgery. You just want to push forward and move on. You don't know what to think except to go to the worst, darkest places. Having this community helped so much. Family too.

You will find the reassurance, (you will see many more summers). You know you are not alone. Day or night on here.

Tessm · September 2017

yes I had second surgery to achieve clear margins and sentinel node which is fine

runor · September 2017

Hello. Sorry you are here.

I did not have a needle biopsy, had surgical biopsy. Recovery from that was a breeze. It was sore a bit, but I went shopping the next day.

The lumpectomy that followed went in at the same incision and followed the same path as the biopsy. Surgeon had to cut out and remove all tissue she had come in contact with first time in. I fully expected it to also be an easy recovery.

I had complications and it was not an easy recovery. But I am the exception and not the rule and many, many women on here came through very well and bounced back quickly.

My boobs are very large. The left is different than the other. It is shorter. (it's all about the hang). The nipple puckers a bit differently due to tissue loss above it. My nipple was also green for a couple months but radiation seems to have burned off the residual ink. (they inject your boob with dye to help find the lymph nodes. It is green dye. My pee was blue!). THe underarm incision for the node was sore and I was worried that I would not get mobility back in that arm. But once I was good and healed I did exercises to make sure I used that arm in a full range of motion and not baby it. I didn't lift weights, but I did slow, gentle, full range stretches.

In a bra no one can notice the difference between my boobs, except me. And out of a bra... well anyone unfortunate enough to get that view will be distracted by the jubbly gut. My boobs are no longer prime viewing real estate.

You will find in yourself a well of strength you didn't know you had. You might not even realize it until months after this is all over and done. That does not mean that you will not feel fear and terror and like falling over and crying. It means you will feel all that and show up for the appointments and procedures anyway. When you have a question, write it down. And if a doc gives you and answer you do not understand, ask again. Hugs are all around you. We know how you feel.

MentePositiva259865 · September 2017

Hi, sorry to hear you're going through this. I did get clear margins on the second surgery, though I had DCIS not IDC. So keep the faith, ask your doctor about the procedures i had and see if they're suitable for your case. I have small breasts (A cup) so the doctor was worried about the ability to obtain clear margins. If it's not possible, you can always have a mastectomy. Nowadays there are great reconstruction options. But first let's focus on re-excision being successful

The second surgery was more complex for me because on the first a mammoplasty was already performed. Basically a plastic surgeon moves tissue around to fill in the cavity and maintain the contour and size of my breast.

So for the second, the doctor implanted a biodegradable thing called BioZorb. It looks like a coil and it's placed in the cavity where the tumor was and prevents your breast from caving in. It'll dissolve in 1-2 years but it'll allow time for tissue to settle slowly. And I'm hoping fat grafting will be safer then. Science advances so fast. Another great thing about biozorb is that it helps radiotherapy be more targeted and reduce the impact on healthy tissue.

Every case is different. Ask your breast surgeon about BioZorb andif it makes sense to involve a plastic surgeon. I was afraid my insurance wouldn't t cover the plastic surgeon since it was a lumpectomy but it did! And I have Obamacare and my doctors were great. Good luck!

Moderators · September 2017

Dear MentePositiva,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are so glad that you reached out to share your story in support of another member. We hope that you will stay connected and find support and information here that will help you along the way. The MOds

Yankeegtt · September 2017

Dear MentePostiva,

I am very grateful and consoled by your message. It was very kind of you to relate your experience and situation which seems similar to mine. Shared sorrows offer succor. Although I will not be able to talk to my surgeon till the day of surgery since it is scheduled for Thursday,, I will certainly ask about the plastic surgeon if more surgery is required. This is a "brave new world" that I have entered, inhabited by kind, caring people like you.

Gratefully, Yankeegtt (gone to Texas)

Yankeegtt · September 2017

Thanks for the encouragement. Going back under Thursday and hoping for the best.

Yankeegtt · September 2017

runor,

It was very kind and compassionate of you to take the time to encourage and console me. I will be having my 2nd surgery Thursday. I am hoping that for me the second time will be the charm. This is, as I just wrote a "brave new world" full of amazing, caring people. Prayers for all to find peace and strength.

First diagnosis

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