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Kati218
Kati218 Member Posts: 25
edited January 2018 in Just Diagnosed

I found out today that indeed I have breast cancer. It is showing IDC. The tumor was 9mm. I'm completely overwhelmed and very very scared.

I need to make an appointment with a surgeon. Does this automatically mean mastectomy?


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  • molliefish
    molliefish Member Posts: 723
    edited January 2018

    I am sorry to hear about this diagnosis. No a diagnosis does not automatically mean mastectomy. As you travel along your path you will meet your many care givers who will recommend, based on your test and their experience, what they feel is the best path for you. And then you will make the best decision you can for you with the information you have. I know you have many questions and are very worried. Keep reading this site and gathering information for all of the appointments you will have. Best wishes.
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  • chronicpain
    chronicpain Member Posts: 385
    edited January 2018

    Kati: I also was diagnosed with a 9mm IDC. I had a lumpectomy, not a mastectomy, as do many. Many get radiation afterwards, and/or chemo before, depending on lymph node involvement and other factors, like genetic risks

    Your surgeon will explain options based on tissue type and hormone receptor presence or absence, and lymph node involvement, which also determine prognosis, which can be excellent!

    Start with making the appointment with a well-regarded breast surgeon and meanwhile consider asking your primary doctor for a sedative to help with the anxiety, as it will take a while to get key data in order.

    Sorry you are joining us and I wish you the best.



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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited January 2018

    No it does not. Mine was 9mm and I chose to have a mastectomy for various reasons. Many have lumpectomy followed by radiation. Get all the questions you have written down and ask your surgeon.

    Sorry that you had to join us, but welcome.

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  • feliciascintillation
    feliciascintillation Member Posts: 189
    edited January 2018

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Kati 218. I agree with molliefish's wise words. You have our support as you continue through this process.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited January 2018

    No, you have options -- which your doctor(s) will go over with you.

    9mm is really small, so that's good news.

    Take a breath. Hang in there. This journey gets easier here once you have more information and a plan in place.

    {hugs}

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited January 2018

    Lumpectomy with radiation vs. mastectomy, yield the same results. Since your area is so small, your surgeon will probably recommend the lumpectomy route. It sounds like it was caught early, and that is good. The size is a smaller area, that is good too. Try to focus on the upsides, not the downsides and your journey will be much easier.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2018

    Your tumor is very small so you may very well be advised to have lumpectomy with radiation. That combo is considered to be as effective as mastectomy in early breast cancers..

    I was all set to have lumpectomy and radiation. My sister did that and it has worked out well for her (5yr survivor.) I had my Lx and re-excision and was all set for rads, when we got results of my tumor that changed the game. I needed chemo. Then genetic testing revealed two rare gene mutations which cause breast cancer. Those breasts had to go! So, as much as i hated to do it I had BMX.

    It hasn't been easy. I'm glad there is treatment available, of course, and I'm not going to die from this. But I miss my breasts a lot. My advice is to do the least amount of surgery possible. You can always go back later to remove more tissue, if you need to. Once you lose your breast, it's gone forever.


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