Stage 2 Sisters Club

I agreed with many of the previous comments. Gather all of the information and facts that you can. That'll make next steps easier. Good luck

Oh darn, Kotch, I am sorry to hear this. But remember, Stage III is still considered EARLY stage!! Hang in there 💗

Joining in as I just came across this thread.

I haven't been able to read the previous posts, but will do so.

KotchAJ - so sorry to see you are now Stage 3.

Smiling_Brenda, did you recently get your Covid vaccine orbooster? I had my screening delayed eight weeks after my booster because the vaccine could cause an enlargement of the lymph nodes.

If you recently had a Covid vaccine, definitely wait on the biopsy.

Serendipity,

Thanks! It's all good. I've always been an overachiever:-) Just thought maybe I could stop trying to better myself, lol.

I feel great, so regardless what it is, I'm going to kick it's butt to the curb.

Hi all! I’ve recently joined the stage 2 club so thought I’d say hi to all! The forum to date had been a great help in navigating and understanding BC of which I was completely and utterly ignorant of until recently as no family or friends have been down this path.

I was diagnosed at start of year with IDC and at least 1 positive LN through biopsy at 43 and was a massive shock which sometimes even now I still struggle to accept is actually happening to me. That said the mind numbing fear has eased since then and moving forward as best I can. I had a UMX as well as ALND and pathology results doubled my tumour size to 33 mm from an estimated 18 mm, but remained as 1 positive node but this was 11mm with ENE. I also had associated high grade DCIS which wasn’t detected in scans and while removed I had close deep and medial margins (approx 0.5mm) due to location to chest wall. I am hoping radiation will take care of this as BS stated further surgery wasn’t possible. MO recommending chemo but we’re awaiting oncotype results (I requested)to get all info, need to make decisions soon but is tough to know what is best as suspect i am falling into a bit of a premenopausal hormone positive node positive grey area!!

Thanks all and no doubt chat soon on the chemo/radiation forums!

@K-Gobby I am very sorry about your BRACA diagnosis. Sending loving kindness to you and your siblings. I am not BRACA+, but had a double mastectomy and I'm happy to share my experience with that, if you make that decision and have any questions. Much love!!

@Hippmark My surgeon only removed 1 lymph node (SLN) and it was positive. I'm now in radiation-- in part because of my pre-op scans (which showed questionable/concerning lymph node involvement before my surgery 07/28/2021). My RO said radiation is less likely to cause lymphedema than surgical removal, so they are not recommending any additional surgery for me. If you haven't yet, ask them if your pre-op scans showed possible involvement. In June of 2021, I had (I think 3) lymph nodes biopsied along with my tumor and all 3 biopsies were negative- so I was also Stage 1 and presumed that I had zero lymph involvement before surgery. I am a little frustrated that no one shared with me the pre-op scan concerns and that if my surgeon was aware of those that she only took 1 node during surgery and that no one told me that the team had concerns back in July 2021 until just this month as I started radiation. I never met with the surgeon post-op, only her nurse. It is frustrating for sure. Anyway, I hope you get answers and comfort in the decisions that will guide next steps. Sending love!

Today is my routine lupron injection date. Right before today, I just found there is a small lump on my surgical area, it is quite similar to the other side's texture, but different, like the small area thickened. Doctor said, last mammogram (three months ago) mentioned that there are calcification changes in surgical area after surgery, so he ordered an urgent ultrasound for that. Fingers crossed. I am 2.5 years after diagnosis.

ruthbru,

Thanks!

Good. The sooner the better as waiting is dreadful!

Hi beginagain, you are in the worst part. Once you get a treatment plan in place, then you just buckle down and get it over with. Hang in there!

Beginagain,

Sorry that you have to be here, you'd better study then you can talk to your oncologist, and understand the treatment very well.

Best wishes!

Cathy

Cathy, can you visit with your doctor when you get the report on Friday? If it can't be in person, over Zoom or email. He/She could answer some of your questions.

cathy67,

That must be worrisome for you. And to wait until 05/04 to get a biopsy must seem like a long time.

I am wishing you the best and sending warm thoughts your way.