Just diagnosed

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kandyhunt
kandyhunt Member Posts: 87
edited April 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Had a mammogram on February 20th. Ultrasound on March13th. Biopsy on March 22nd. The radiology that did the biopsy told me that he was sure I had cancer. But saw my doctor a few days later and she told me yes. She was upset as she was not given any of the reports until the last one the day before my appointment. She is a friend of my daughter and was a bit freaked out.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Well Differentiated left side

I saw the surgeon on Tuesday. He has order an MRI. He told me to visit with a plastic surgeon and then decide what I want to do. A lumpectomy and radiation or a mastectomy. So I have been doing a ton of research on which one I want to do. I think I am at the point where I want someone to make the choice for me. I have had major back surgery from a disk that exploded that caused me to have no feeling from my waist down. I am recovered. I broke both legs and had to have my leg and ankle reconstructed. I am recovered. I went through a really bad marriage and divorce. And I am recovered. So I think I can get through this. But I am scared of making the wrong choice. I thought I wanted to do a lumpectomy and radiation no brainier. Then I started looking at the side effects and the long term side effects of heart issues from radiation on your left side. I have high blood pressure and have had an echocardiogram that that was in the normal range but things the doctor will watch as time goes on. So now I am leaning to doing the mastectomy. And that is making me nervous. I don't want to lose my boob. Anyone else relate to these feelings.

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  • Tinkerbell49
    Tinkerbell49 Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2018

    Hi Kandyhunt

    Sorry you find yourself here, but you are in the right place. I personally have not had bc but diagnosed with adh. I was also given the option of a mastectomy.. I have 1 cousin and 1 cousin-in-law that were diagnosed with IDC. My cousin-in-law did lumpectomy, chemo and radiation this was 17 years ago. She has been clean since. She was 35 when diagnosed. My cousin just finished treatment last year. She did lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. She now is also ned. I can't tell you what to do as that is a very personal decision. There is still a lot of information you will be getting. You willl get stage of bc if its ER PR positive or neg and her 2 positive or negative. This will help in making your decision. What I can say is you need to do as much research as possible because knowledge is power. If you do choose a mastectomy. DO NOT get textured breast implant as reconstruction. Many women have gotten bia alcl which its a lymphoma cancer caused by these textured implants. I tell you this not to scare you but to inform you. Usually textured implants are used after a mastectomy because they stay in place better. So do lots of research and if you choose mastectomy look into all your reconstruction options. I know there will be other ladies that have been through your diagnosis and can give you good advice. I pray God gives you the knowledge you need to make the best decision for you. Sending HUGS!!!!!

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  • zoeycarolina
    zoeycarolina Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2018

    Hi Kandyhunt,

    I don't normally respond but I had similar to your situation. Left side, well differentiated. I decided to do the lumpectomy and radiation. I will tell you I am now kind of wishing I had had the mastectomy because I am a worrier. But with that said, I did not have any issues at all. Breezed through all the treatment with no side effects. No chemo for me. Mine was 7mm invasive and larger size DCIS surrounding it. I was worried because of the left side and the radiologist said to me.."if it were me, with the way your body and heart is located" the radiation does not come near your heart. Until you are in there and they do your measurements, there is no way of knowing how close the radiation comes to your heart. Good luck..it's a tough decision. But if you are in good health otherwise, I would say go for the less invasive route. It was more emotional draining for me than physical. Not sure why my details did not post.

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  • kandyhunt
    kandyhunt Member Posts: 87
    edited April 2018

    I have high blood pressure and I am always worried that I will die of a heart issue. LOL and here I have breast cancer. And never thought this would be my issue. Go figure our crazy ideas that come to mind. Thanks for your imput.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited April 2018

    I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments and Tamoxifen for 5 years. My BS was all about saving the breast. He described my cancer as wimpy. I was IDC, Stage 1b, Grade 1. I had the Oncotype test done because my MO ordered it. It came back at a score of 11 which is low. This test many oncologists use to see ifchemo would be beneficial. I had a micromet in my SN.

    It is a personal decision but frankly for me I didn’t worry about the left side heart worries. Radiation is a lot safer now although nothing is fool proof.

    I am 7 years out this August.

    You have been through a lot. You are such a survivor and you will survive this too.

    I do agree do your homework. Be your own advocate. It’s your body, your life and needs to be your decision.

    In my case I questioned my oncologist why she prescribed Arimidex for me knowing it attacks the bones and I had borderline osteoporosis. She immediately switched me to Tamoxifen so don’t take anything for granted when it comes to your doctors.

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