MRI Results: Completely the Last Thing I Expected!

Hey, Grace! My known cancer is like yours (left breast, IDC, ER+ PR- HER2-, grade 3). What size is your tumor? Mine's 2.1 cm.

Still awaiting some biopsy results on the unexpectedly discovered mass in the right breast (found a couple weeks after the first one). My next consultation with the docs is Wednesday ... same as you!

I like your attitude. Let's kick some cancer butt!

Grace ... you bet! As down in the dumps I get and how much anxiety I have right now, I am trying to remain hopeful. Within a single day, I go from despair to optimism. Sort of a weird spectrum, and it really plays havoc with my life. Still, I hope for the best not only for myself but for all others traveling this rough road.

Hi, all. I have a preliminary update on the pathology report on the right breast (left breast was previously confirmed with IDC Stage IIA in December; right breast mass found "incidentally" on a pre-surgical MRI).

Anyway, the pathology report says the RB has both invasive lobular (grade 1) and invasive in situ. Hormone receptor and HER2 results not ready.

So, I am in fact dealing with synchronous bilateral BC. I have an appointment this afternoon with my SO and MO.

Thanks, SummerAngel. I have learned from this website that treating the most serious/worst tumor is the protocol, and I imagine that's what my SO and MO will tell me. As I mentioned earlier, the silver lining in this cloud is that they found the tumors in the second breast now rather than later. Would definitely not want to go through two separate surgeries and treatments, like so many women have had to do.

That is great advice, Snickersmom. Much appreciated! There's no cancer in my family on the paternal or maternal side, so, like you, I was completely floored by my diagnoses. I'm totally all right with the possibility of BMX. I prefer not to spend the rest of my life in fear that I'll get another breast cancer.

I'm being very careful with my Xanax dosing and frequency. I take "as needed" rather than the prescribed "three times a day". Most days, I end up taking 1.5 or 2 tablets, and there are some days when I don't take any. All the same, maybe I should ask one of my doctors about Zoloft or something else besides Xanax.

I had a Maine Coon tortoiseshell cat, but she passed away from kidney failure a couple of years ago. She was a very sweet little thing. My husband and I have two cats living with us now. One is old and cranky, and the other is young and full of antics.

SavedbyGrace: You sound like you are decisive and have a plan to move forward. That's great news (well, great news in the face of a bad situation!).

As I think I mentioned, my left breast cancer, which has been tested in every way imaginable, is IDC 2.1 cm, grade 3, HR+ PR- HER2-, just like yours. I did finally receive the full pathology on my right breast yesterday at my appointment with the SO and MO: ILC grade 1, 1.2 cm, HR+ PR+ HER2-. There's also an LCIS, but the doctor said LCIS is no longer considered cancer by most specialists; rather, it is considered a marker or possible precursor.

My MO ordered an Oncotype DX, but that'll take three weeks for results, and she is also setting up an appointment with a genetic counselor. Apparently, for bilateral BC, those things are "standard of care". My SO is setting up an appointment with a plastic surgeon for a consult.

So, nothing really scheduled yet as far as surgery. The results of the Oncotype and genetic testing should help me make up my mind on lumpectomies in both breasts vs. bilateral mastectomy. I'd been leaning toward the latter but I need to really think about the pros and cons of each.

Finally, my MO gave me the option of starting on Arimidex for 3 months because the tumors are both ER+. The hope is that it will shrink both tumors, although neither one is actually considered large. I figured what the heck and will start on it right away. The MO said she'll check the tumors in 3 weeks and if there is no change in size, we can move directly to surgery. Or, if the tumors actually grow larger in that time, we'll definitely schedule surgery. (The Arimidex might also completely eradicate the LCIS, she said.)

Guess it's time for me to start on some research. Lots of decisions to make in the next 3 weeks!

Prayers and best wishes for you, timetobebrave. I went back and read your earlier posts to learn what I could about your situation. From what other posters have said, it sounds like the IDC was found early and that you will have a very good prognosis. Hang in there, keep breathing, and let us know what the surgeon says.

(Saying "keep breathing" sounds silly, but there were times when in panic I realized I was holding my breath and getting light-headed! Panic and anxiety can do weird things to a person.)