Just Diagnosed- kind of....

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CoComedy
CoComedy Member Posts: 38
edited February 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Hello! Just found this community and I’m glad I did!! In the past week I’ve had my yearly mammogram, ultrasound, 4 biopsies and an MRI and I’m still not exactly sure what I’m dealing with. So far, two biopsy spots were declared DCIS. The third spot was a suspicious lymph node (benign). The 4th is a 2.4cm “mass” that presents like “invasive cancer”. The pathology came back benign but the radiologist believes they didn’t get good samples because the mass is behind/under a hematoma caused by the first two biopsies. Most likely the “ultrasound guided biopsy” guided them right to the hematoma. Lol. Ugh!

Couple questions:

1. the nurse said the mass measures “2.4cm enhanced (or with enhancing). What does that mean?

2. My MRI didn’t show any other suspicious areas. Between that and the negative result from my one biopsied lymph node is it safe to believe the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes?

3. With the mass being 2.4cm does that mean it’s automaticlly stage 2?

I’m scheduled for another biopsy on the “mass” in about 10 days. I have a consult with a surgeon and genetic testing this Wednesday. This all seems overwhelming right now. Any advice is soooo appreciated


THANKS!!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2018

    Hi CoComedy-

    Welcome! We're so sorry you find yourself, but this is a supportive place, and we're all here for you! You're absolutely right, it IS overwhelming. The best advice we can give is to take it a day at a time, and process everything as it comes. Best of luck on your next biopsy, please keep us posted on the findings!

    The Mods

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  • NikJ
    NikJ Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2018

    Hi Cocomedy, so sorry you are going through this. Your situation sounds similar to mine. I had 2 areas of DCIS and 1 IDC mass that measured about 2.3. No node involvement so with that my surgeon said I was between stage 1 and 2. It brings you into stage 2 due to the size. I'm almost 6 months out from lumpectomy and I'm doing really well. All I can say is stay positive and you'll get through it. Best wishes.

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  • CoComedy
    CoComedy Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2018

    Thanks NikJ! Our situations sound very similar. I met with a surgeon yesterday and did genetic testing. I have an appt with a plastic surgeon and anothe biopsy next week. They still need to get labs on the “mass”. My DCIS came back estrogen & progesterone positive. They were both 99/100. I guess that’s good? From what I understand the best case scenerio is for my lump to also test positive to estrogen and progesterone and be HER2 negative???? So much to learn!!


    Appreciate your help

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited February 2018

    Hi CoComedy. I'm just chiming in to agree with NikJ. MRI technology makes masses look slightly larger than they really are, so stage will depend on what that mass really is. If you choose a lumpectomy then the recommendation will likely be for a short course of radiation followed by a daily pill, like Tamoxifen. In that scenario ER + is good news since the pills will work well to prevent recurrence and that would be your path rather than chemo.

    If none of your doctors have noted signs of lymph node involvement that's great. And of course you can always choose a masectomy then the anti-hormone pills.

    Wishing you all the best.

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  • CoComedy
    CoComedy Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2018

    Hi Georgia1. Thanks for your comment. I met with my surgeon and she recommends a double mastectomy. Which I agree on. Would rather not stress that the cancer will grow in the other breast!! She also mentioned the hormone therapy and said to not start concerning myself with chemo yet. There’s still a couple things that need to be determined before worryingly about that. I really liked her so that’s a plus! I guess I will just take it day by day and see what the biopsy next week shows. Right now, things are pretty positive.


    Thanks ladies!


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