19 years since I’ve been through this

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Prairiedog
Prairiedog Member Posts: 40
edited April 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

It was nineteen years ago that I was diagnosed with ILC. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation at that time. Since then I have faithfully had my yearly mammograms Only once was I called back in for a closer look and it was dismissed as no problem. But this time around it appears that there is definitely a mass that is very apparent in the 3D images in the other breast that was cancer free. The ultrasound showed nothing. I am scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy on Monday, the 9th and have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday, the 13th.

I found my files from 19 years ago and reread all of my reports. Talk about a walk down memory lane! All of the details that I have pushed to the back of my memory for so many years have become much more vivid. Things have changed so much over the last two decades! I recall having difficulty finding detailed information. Trips to the library were needed to check out the few books they had on breast cancer. When I first asked years ago for copies of all of my visits and records my requests were met with some resistance. Clearly things have changed for the better since then.

Now I am in the waiting game again. From what I have seen of my mammograms I suspect that this is a new primary ILC in the other breast since invasive lobular carcinoma has a higher likelihood of occurring in the non effected breast. (I had forgotten that fact ) I keep telling myself that I have been there, done that, and can do it again; but I don’t seem to be settling into this waiting game very well. It has been interesting to read all of the postings of others and I am trying to absorb all of the information that I can.

I do have a couple of questions. With a stereotactic biopsy will the results provide information such as the type of cancer, the ER+ and HER-2+ status? Or does that information wait until after the surgery? What reports do I want to ask for at the biopsy? I really want to have a game plan!

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  • Rondeezee
    Rondeezee Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2018

    Hi Prariedod,

    I, too, am getting ready to be treated for a new primary BC in the same breast after 21 years. It truly is a walk back down memory lane. The pathology from the biopsy will tell you the preliminary histology of the tumor but the surgical excision if the tumor will confirm the final histology. Praying for B9 results for you

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  • Prairiedog
    Prairiedog Member Posts: 40
    edited April 2018

    Thank you, RohndaJ. It is interesting (from an intellectual viewpoint) to compare the reactions of “first timers" to my reaction. I do have a sort of peace that comes from knowing that I can do this. I got 19 years from the last round of treatment. If this gives me another 19 years I will be delighted. And if by some miracle the biopsy comes back benign then I will be double happy.

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  • Prairiedog
    Prairiedog Member Posts: 40
    edited April 2018

    I went in today for my biopsy. A stereotactic biopsy was scheduled but the radiologist decided to do a ultrasound guided biopsy. The main Doctor in the department came and did the procedure since the previous US did not show anything. I think he did a good job. I had lots of questions and the Dr asked if I had a medical background because I certainly knew more than his usual patients. I admitted to being an elementary principal. I need to thank this group for helping me to brush up on my BC knowledge. Thanks ladies!

    Now I play the waiting game for the results. It certainly looks like it is ILC like my previous BC, but none of the medical people at the biopsy would say that, just saying we had to wait for,the pathology. But I do have an appointment with the surgeon on Friday so the process is moving along. The general DX should be in by then.

    Since I am a planner I intend to head into the medical records department tomorrow morning and get my records so far on this problem. I've already started a notebook for my records. Having gotten so much out of the records that I collected from my BC 19 years ago icauses me to want to do an even better job this time around.

    Thanks for all of the information that is provided on this website!!

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited April 2018

    PrairieDog- I hope the pathology turns out to be benign.

    Reference being a planner, that word describes me as well. I signed a consent to release form at my local facility which is good for one year. I can then call and they mail me records without my having to go to the facility. This really helped me as I had 4 surgeries in the last year. Don’t know if you have that option or not but wanted to mention it.

    Best of luck!

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  • Prairiedog
    Prairiedog Member Posts: 40
    edited April 2018

    Thanks DodgersGirl, I’ll ask if I can do that. It does help to seem like I’m in control of something. I think it is the feeling of being out of control that really bothers me

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