Aa
Diagnosed today
Hi to everyone
I am still in shock. I went for a routine mammogram 10 days ago and was recalled for a repeat mammogram 3 days later. Immediately following the mammogram they walked me over to ultrasound , completed the US and then did a core needle biopsy right away. My doctor called me today and had me go in. Diagnosed with invasive mammary carcinoma of the right breast , 3 cm size in the upper outer quadrant.
I am in shock , its all so sudden. He is referring me to a surgeon on Monday. I couldnt even think of what to ask or say.
I am divorced , all my family are in Europe , and my daughter is away till next week , and I will not tell her till she gets back next week.
Can anyone offer any help in what I should be asking the surgeon , and what to say , do or plan ?
I feel like I have been hit by a truck I am in such shock and disbelief.
Sheila
I am still in shock. I went for a routine mammogram 10 days ago and was recalled for a repeat mammogram 3 days later. Immediately following the mammogram they walked me over to ultrasound , completed the US and then did a core needle biopsy right away. My doctor called me today and had me go in. Diagnosed with invasive mammary carcinoma of the right breast , 3 cm size in the upper outer quadrant.
I am in shock , its all so sudden. He is referring me to a surgeon on Monday. I couldnt even think of what to ask or say.
I am divorced , all my family are in Europe , and my daughter is away till next week , and I will not tell her till she gets back next week.
Can anyone offer any help in what I should be asking the surgeon , and what to say , do or plan ?
I feel like I have been hit by a truck I am in such shock and disbelief.
Sheila
In the U.S. we pay for our medical insurance policies and it is a common pratice in the Insurance industry to deny coverage when prexisting or genitic predisposition' s are uncovered. When I was diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2001, I was asked if I wanted to be tested for the BRCA gene and I declined because it would have given the Insurance Companies ammunition to deny coverage, or write exclusionary clauses, for all of my female relatives if I tested positive. You don't need a genitic test to tell you that the female's in your family are at risk because in 2001 the statisic's were already three out of every ten women would get breast cancer. We are all at risk, and it doesn't matter what country we live in!
In the U.S it is not a common pratice to see an Oncoligist before the Cancer operation is done. It is your surgeon who will discuss the various surgery options that are best for your type of cancer, and they can only do that once the biopsy results come in. The biopsy report is called the Pathology Report. Again, I strongly recommend that you get the Sentinal Node biopsy test done before the major surgery to avoid having too many lymph nodes removed unnessarly. If they can see that your cancer has moved into the upper sentinal nodes, then you and they will be able to make a much wiser decision about how agressive your surgery should be and it will prepare you for what will follow in treatments and help you determine what type of reconstruction you desire.
I cannot express how important and helpful the Breast Cancer Book will be for you from the beginning to the end of going through the whole experience of being diagnosed, understanding what your up against exactly, and making informed decisions regarding your choice of treatment from start to finish. The Breast Cancer book explains every type of breast cancer, how agressive each type is, teaches you how to quickly assess your own risk level baised upon the point's assinged to each factor you have going against, and for you. These points are determined by the pathology report. The book will show you how to read your patholigy report, understand what points you have overall, and walks you though all potential outcomes and risk factors you have given your patholigy report.
The HER2 result is just one of many, many factors that are part of the overall factors which will be assinged a point value once they see what type of cancer you have, what stage it is in, or if it has moved beyond the breast itself. These are just some of the other factors that will determine how aggressivly they recommend you go after it. If you are in stage one, you have won over half of the battle already. Depending upon your age, pre or post menopausal, estogen user or not are all just as important factors in what treatment is best for you.
This book puts you back in control when you feel like you no longer have control over your life. You will find out where the support groups are in Canada once you get into the breast cancer system in Canada. I'm sure that the Canadian system and woman are just as willing to assist those with breast cancer as we in the U.S are.
You need to go buy the book and start learning all about breast cancer and the options you have. The booik will be your bible throughout the ordeal your going through. Just from the little I've gathered about your cancer, you have a very good fighting chance to wipe this out in round one, and that is what you want to do, whatever it takes. One last thing to consider, the foam prosthetics are very, very uncomfortable and you should reconsider some type of reconstruction.
In the U.S it is not a common pratice to see an Oncoligist before the Cancer operation is done. It is your surgeon who will discuss the various surgery options that are best for your type of cancer, and they can only do that once the biopsy results come in. The biopsy report is called the Pathology Report. Again, I strongly recommend that you get the Sentinal Node biopsy test done before the major surgery to avoid having too many lymph nodes removed unnessarly. If they can see that your cancer has moved into the upper sentinal nodes, then you and they will be able to make a much wiser decision about how agressive your surgery should be and it will prepare you for what will follow in treatments and help you determine what type of reconstruction you desire.
I cannot express how important and helpful the Breast Cancer Book will be for you from the beginning to the end of going through the whole experience of being diagnosed, understanding what your up against exactly, and making informed decisions regarding your choice of treatment from start to finish. The Breast Cancer book explains every type of breast cancer, how agressive each type is, teaches you how to quickly assess your own risk level baised upon the point's assinged to each factor you have going against, and for you. These points are determined by the pathology report. The book will show you how to read your patholigy report, understand what points you have overall, and walks you though all potential outcomes and risk factors you have given your patholigy report.
The HER2 result is just one of many, many factors that are part of the overall factors which will be assinged a point value once they see what type of cancer you have, what stage it is in, or if it has moved beyond the breast itself. These are just some of the other factors that will determine how aggressivly they recommend you go after it. If you are in stage one, you have won over half of the battle already. Depending upon your age, pre or post menopausal, estogen user or not are all just as important factors in what treatment is best for you.
This book puts you back in control when you feel like you no longer have control over your life. You will find out where the support groups are in Canada once you get into the breast cancer system in Canada. I'm sure that the Canadian system and woman are just as willing to assist those with breast cancer as we in the U.S are.
You need to go buy the book and start learning all about breast cancer and the options you have. The booik will be your bible throughout the ordeal your going through. Just from the little I've gathered about your cancer, you have a very good fighting chance to wipe this out in round one, and that is what you want to do, whatever it takes. One last thing to consider, the foam prosthetics are very, very uncomfortable and you should reconsider some type of reconstruction.
Hi, Sheila
I've been to Windsor many times---my hubby is Italian and they have the best Italian restaurants on Erie Street outside of Italy according to him! The only exception is the
pizza at the Caboto Club- it's the best! Anyway, I say that only to let you know that
Ann Arbor isn't that far. However, the Karamanos Center in downtown Detroit has excellent
doctors and leading edge technology also. Hope you can find a system that will be helpful to you, because it sure sounds like the Canadian system isn't. I've heard similar stories from many of our Canadian friends and relatives. It makes me wonder why we would want to go to a socialized medicine system here in the States. I KNOW our system is far from perfect, but I think we should be careful what we wish for.
It's really hard to believe there's no support group for you in Windsor. It may be worthwhile to join one in Detroit, since it isn't that far.You might need a pass for the bridge or tunnel because that could get expensive, but if you find good people to give you the support and help you need it would be worth it.
Again, I wish you all the very best and hope you'll keep us advised on how you're doing.
Take care and I'll be thinking of you.
nc
I've been to Windsor many times---my hubby is Italian and they have the best Italian restaurants on Erie Street outside of Italy according to him! The only exception is the
pizza at the Caboto Club- it's the best! Anyway, I say that only to let you know that
Ann Arbor isn't that far. However, the Karamanos Center in downtown Detroit has excellent
doctors and leading edge technology also. Hope you can find a system that will be helpful to you, because it sure sounds like the Canadian system isn't. I've heard similar stories from many of our Canadian friends and relatives. It makes me wonder why we would want to go to a socialized medicine system here in the States. I KNOW our system is far from perfect, but I think we should be careful what we wish for.
It's really hard to believe there's no support group for you in Windsor. It may be worthwhile to join one in Detroit, since it isn't that far.You might need a pass for the bridge or tunnel because that could get expensive, but if you find good people to give you the support and help you need it would be worth it.
Again, I wish you all the very best and hope you'll keep us advised on how you're doing.
Take care and I'll be thinking of you.
nc
They will test for HER2 in order to determine the genetic makeup of the cancer and what is the best treatment for you following your surgery. You will see the results in your patholigy report which comes after the surgery. I live in the U.S and before my operation they ran all kinds of test on me to see if the cancer had spread. Once again I recommend that you get the "Breast Cancer Book" because it is so informative. I tried a couple of support groups after my surgery, but did not like the fact that both were mixed types of Cancer patients and many members were in advanced stages and knew they had lost the fight. I found that very distressing and decided to go it on my own. I'm not much of a group person anyway. The book will give you all the information you seek and put you back in control over what is happening and what you want to do about it. Thank you Sue about the update on the new surgery. You are correct about what the Tram-Flap does and it draw backs. I have just passed the ten year marker of being Cancer free. I think you will make it this far too slam. Knowlege of what your up against is very important. Keep learning and think positive.
Ginbud
Ginbud
Hi NC and everyone,
What a week ! Thanks to everyone who helped out !!
I am in Windsor , Canada so was looking in the Detroit area,
but its disappointing and shocking regarding Canadas system.
Firstly - they will not test for the BRCA gene !!!!!!! I was told that my family medical history of maternal grandmother with BC at age 50 is not a risk enough , and they will not test me for it.
So I guess my daughter and my sisters in the UK just have to keep guessing !
The HER testing is only done after the lumpectomy , and you cannot see an oncologist over here until you've had it excised. DUMB HUH !!!
Bone scan today to check for mets prior to surgery ( and that was a mistake because they werent supposed to check it unless it was a stage 3 or 4 ....so I scooped the first appointment I could and got it done )
Canada - the land of opportunity - PFFFFT !!!!
Its a case of .....you have cancer , so were gonna remove it by lumpectomy , then maybe radiation 6 weeks after the surgery , and you can see the oncologist 6 weeks after the surgery , and maybe we'll tell you about the HER status then , but you'll never know if you carry the gene.
Can everyone sense my frustration ...
and oh yeah , theres no support group in the area , called the cancer clinic and she told me theres nothing but she would ask around and see if anyone else knew anything and she'd call me back - that was Monday - todays Thursday and she never even bothered calling back )
When they say you're a breast cancer survivor - now I know why its so special , because you've survived the system too !!!
Sheila
What a week ! Thanks to everyone who helped out !!
I am in Windsor , Canada so was looking in the Detroit area,
but its disappointing and shocking regarding Canadas system.
Firstly - they will not test for the BRCA gene !!!!!!! I was told that my family medical history of maternal grandmother with BC at age 50 is not a risk enough , and they will not test me for it.
So I guess my daughter and my sisters in the UK just have to keep guessing !
The HER testing is only done after the lumpectomy , and you cannot see an oncologist over here until you've had it excised. DUMB HUH !!!
Bone scan today to check for mets prior to surgery ( and that was a mistake because they werent supposed to check it unless it was a stage 3 or 4 ....so I scooped the first appointment I could and got it done )
Canada - the land of opportunity - PFFFFT !!!!
Its a case of .....you have cancer , so were gonna remove it by lumpectomy , then maybe radiation 6 weeks after the surgery , and you can see the oncologist 6 weeks after the surgery , and maybe we'll tell you about the HER status then , but you'll never know if you carry the gene.
Can everyone sense my frustration ...
and oh yeah , theres no support group in the area , called the cancer clinic and she told me theres nothing but she would ask around and see if anyone else knew anything and she'd call me back - that was Monday - todays Thursday and she never even bothered calling back )
When they say you're a breast cancer survivor - now I know why its so special , because you've survived the system too !!!
Sheila
I've had problems getting updates and just started getting them again today. I'm so sorry to hear all you've been through but you've gotten great advise and support from the wonderful women here. Dealing with breast cancer is hard enough and I'm so glad to hear your thyroid just had cysts.I just wanted to add that I'm in Michigan and wonder which part of Michigan you were recommended to? I'm in the Ann Arbor area and we have both the
University of Michigan Hospitals and St.Joseph Mercy Health System here. They are great facilities and I've gotten wonderful care for my LCIS since I was diagnosed in Oct.'09 at SJMHS. My father-in-law was treated for leukemia there and I have the same oncologist who treated him. He is so compassionate---he sent us a handwritten note when my f-i-l passed away. I've had friends who used U of M and they are fantastic, too. My diagnosis is nowhere near as bad as yours, but I really appreciate the good care from this doctor.He spends as much time as needed when I see him and always asks if I have any questions at the end of our visit. I appreciate him so much because I knew very little about my condition and he spent about an hour going over my list of questions on our first visit.
I just hope you are able to find someone just as good. You've been through a lot already and you sound like a strong, positive woman who will make her way through whatever the future holds. I wish you all the very best and send you a big hug ( ),
nc
University of Michigan Hospitals and St.Joseph Mercy Health System here. They are great facilities and I've gotten wonderful care for my LCIS since I was diagnosed in Oct.'09 at SJMHS. My father-in-law was treated for leukemia there and I have the same oncologist who treated him. He is so compassionate---he sent us a handwritten note when my f-i-l passed away. I've had friends who used U of M and they are fantastic, too. My diagnosis is nowhere near as bad as yours, but I really appreciate the good care from this doctor.He spends as much time as needed when I see him and always asks if I have any questions at the end of our visit. I appreciate him so much because I knew very little about my condition and he spent about an hour going over my list of questions on our first visit.
I just hope you are able to find someone just as good. You've been through a lot already and you sound like a strong, positive woman who will make her way through whatever the future holds. I wish you all the very best and send you a big hug ( ),
nc
Thanks both - I am so relieved to have news that the Thyroid is "just" cysts.
I saw my GP today and feel so relieved to only have to deal with one cancer - and the Thyroid can be placed on hold , to deal with later.
My GP was happy to see all my questions , and took time to answer whatever he could.
Its so different here in Canada - you dont see an oncologist until after your surgery ( ludicrous isnt it , how can you make the best decision until you know facts ? )
I also dont know anything re: the BRCA gene or HER2 readings - as they dont test it in the biopsy??!!! I am confused as to how to make the best decision for me without knowledge so I need to wait till I see the surgeon then ask as many questions as I can.
I see her Wednesday morning so I am very fortunate to get in so quickly.
My GP gave me a copy of the biopsy report ( thanks Sue for that advice ) and I have started my file.
I talked to the GP about how different it seems for you all in the States , and he gave me a website for Michigan I can go to and have a consult done with a team over there.
Just found out today my maternal grandmother had breast cancer at age 50....
The fuzziness in my head is clearing and Im starting to believe I can do this and get through this
( No reconstruction for me I think - if thats the way I choose , I think I may just get an external prosthesis , no-one to impress here but the dog , lol )
Thanks ladies , hugs to you all :-)))
I saw my GP today and feel so relieved to only have to deal with one cancer - and the Thyroid can be placed on hold , to deal with later.
My GP was happy to see all my questions , and took time to answer whatever he could.
Its so different here in Canada - you dont see an oncologist until after your surgery ( ludicrous isnt it , how can you make the best decision until you know facts ? )
I also dont know anything re: the BRCA gene or HER2 readings - as they dont test it in the biopsy??!!! I am confused as to how to make the best decision for me without knowledge so I need to wait till I see the surgeon then ask as many questions as I can.
I see her Wednesday morning so I am very fortunate to get in so quickly.
My GP gave me a copy of the biopsy report ( thanks Sue for that advice ) and I have started my file.
I talked to the GP about how different it seems for you all in the States , and he gave me a website for Michigan I can go to and have a consult done with a team over there.
Just found out today my maternal grandmother had breast cancer at age 50....
The fuzziness in my head is clearing and Im starting to believe I can do this and get through this
( No reconstruction for me I think - if thats the way I choose , I think I may just get an external prosthesis , no-one to impress here but the dog , lol )
Thanks ladies , hugs to you all :-)))
Tram flap moves abdominal muscles that are necessary in the abdomen. They support all the "innards" as well as the lower back. It puts women at risk for hernias and other abdominal issues.
Tissue flap transfers have changed and Tram Flap is considered the old style reconstructive surgery.
DIEP flap is now done with the best benefit if walking out with your own tissue but the muscles stay in place.
Best wishes and continued good recovery for you.
Tissue flap transfers have changed and Tram Flap is considered the old style reconstructive surgery.
DIEP flap is now done with the best benefit if walking out with your own tissue but the muscles stay in place.
Best wishes and continued good recovery for you.
I have had the identical Cancer as you, but my tumor was smaller than yours. The surgon I was referred to asked if she could do a biopsy on my other breast due to some odd calcium deposits identified. I ended up finding out that I had three different types of cancer, all in stage one, in both breast.
My surg0n recommended I read an excellent book which became my bible. It is titled "The Breast Cancer Bo0k." Get this book today because it will put you back in the drivers seat and anwser every question you may have. I gave copies to all my sisters because it was so superior to anything else on the market. The book will esplain every type of Cancer, its seriousness and the treatments recomended for it. Ask the Surgon to biopsy the other side too, and to preform what is called a Sentinal Node inspection on both sides (minor operation) before you go in to have the cancer rem0ved. This pre-operation may save you from having unecessary nodes removed during the bigger surgery and in turn can help you avoid problems with lymphnomia afterwards.
If the cancer is not seen in your upper Sentinal Nodes, your in good shape to knock this out in one big punch. If Breast Cancer runs in your family history, I would have the breast taken off ASAP and rebuilt at the same time with a trans flap reconstruction. The key to lowering the odds of it returning is catching it early and aggressively stomping it out the first time. Once it comes back, your long term survival odds drop significantly. Don't let vanity play into any part of the decision you make. This is a fight for your life and the trans-flap rebuild are very natural feeling and look great when done well. Think aggressivly and read the book I recomended while you go through the process. From what you wrote, your in a good position to take it down in round one. Good Luck.
My surg0n recommended I read an excellent book which became my bible. It is titled "The Breast Cancer Bo0k." Get this book today because it will put you back in the drivers seat and anwser every question you may have. I gave copies to all my sisters because it was so superior to anything else on the market. The book will esplain every type of Cancer, its seriousness and the treatments recomended for it. Ask the Surgon to biopsy the other side too, and to preform what is called a Sentinal Node inspection on both sides (minor operation) before you go in to have the cancer rem0ved. This pre-operation may save you from having unecessary nodes removed during the bigger surgery and in turn can help you avoid problems with lymphnomia afterwards.
If the cancer is not seen in your upper Sentinal Nodes, your in good shape to knock this out in one big punch. If Breast Cancer runs in your family history, I would have the breast taken off ASAP and rebuilt at the same time with a trans flap reconstruction. The key to lowering the odds of it returning is catching it early and aggressively stomping it out the first time. Once it comes back, your long term survival odds drop significantly. Don't let vanity play into any part of the decision you make. This is a fight for your life and the trans-flap rebuild are very natural feeling and look great when done well. Think aggressivly and read the book I recomended while you go through the process. From what you wrote, your in a good position to take it down in round one. Good Luck.
Hi Sheila,
I'm not sure what your GP can do to help as cancer is typically outside the realm of their expertise. But your GP can be an excellent part of the treatment team you are building and should recieve copies of all the treatment reports and surgeries you may have in the future.
One thing I will recommend is from the very first visit with the oncologist, surgeon, etc. please ask for and keep a copy of your medical records. I have every film, PET, CT, mammogram and MRI done on me. This way when I have to go to an appointment I can bring with me whatever I need and also make sure I take it home with me too. It solves the running around from facility to facility to get films to take with you.
See if there is a breast center available where you can meet with the hematology oncologist, breast surgeon, radiology oncologist and plastic surgeon at the same appointment so you can get an over all idea of what treatment options are available for you and get a plan of action. Most breast centers now offer this service for us for that very reason. Each doctor has a specialty that they perform as part of your team and knows their specialty to a T. Not knowing which doctor to ask the right question to can be confusing and can lead to your not getting all the information you seek. When I had my consultation with the "team" the plastic surgeon was not there and so I never learned the CORRECT options I had for reconstruction given my diagnosis and the breast surgeon gave me the wrong info. So you see, create a team that completes your treatment process and gives you the best chance for success both physically, cosmetically and emotionally.
You mention your family is out of the states right now. Lean on your friends for support and as I mentioned before, SUPPORT GROUP, JOIN ONE. :) It helps so much. When someone is steps ahead of you they can share with you what it was like, what helped and believe it or not, you will make lifelong friends. There is no point in walking through the mud when there is a paved road right there with hundreds of our footsteps imprinted in it. Let everyone help in whatever way they can. Now is not the time to try and do this alone. Positive reinforcement is a good thing :)
We're here to help :)
I'm not sure what your GP can do to help as cancer is typically outside the realm of their expertise. But your GP can be an excellent part of the treatment team you are building and should recieve copies of all the treatment reports and surgeries you may have in the future.
One thing I will recommend is from the very first visit with the oncologist, surgeon, etc. please ask for and keep a copy of your medical records. I have every film, PET, CT, mammogram and MRI done on me. This way when I have to go to an appointment I can bring with me whatever I need and also make sure I take it home with me too. It solves the running around from facility to facility to get films to take with you.
See if there is a breast center available where you can meet with the hematology oncologist, breast surgeon, radiology oncologist and plastic surgeon at the same appointment so you can get an over all idea of what treatment options are available for you and get a plan of action. Most breast centers now offer this service for us for that very reason. Each doctor has a specialty that they perform as part of your team and knows their specialty to a T. Not knowing which doctor to ask the right question to can be confusing and can lead to your not getting all the information you seek. When I had my consultation with the "team" the plastic surgeon was not there and so I never learned the CORRECT options I had for reconstruction given my diagnosis and the breast surgeon gave me the wrong info. So you see, create a team that completes your treatment process and gives you the best chance for success both physically, cosmetically and emotionally.
You mention your family is out of the states right now. Lean on your friends for support and as I mentioned before, SUPPORT GROUP, JOIN ONE. :) It helps so much. When someone is steps ahead of you they can share with you what it was like, what helped and believe it or not, you will make lifelong friends. There is no point in walking through the mud when there is a paved road right there with hundreds of our footsteps imprinted in it. Let everyone help in whatever way they can. Now is not the time to try and do this alone. Positive reinforcement is a good thing :)
We're here to help :)
Thanks Sue - it is starting to sink in now and hopefully I can ask some relevant questions on Monday. I have an appointment with my GP Monday so I am going to keep it and ask him some of what you explained.
I may ask for the MRI as I know he is sending me for an abdominal US and bone scan prior to the surgery , I guess he does that routinely to check for metastases.
I appreciate the advice on the valium , Im not a pill taker but Im driving myself crazy and need some help.
Your opinion , I am guessing is go for mastectomy? I appreciate opinions and its always good to hear what everyone has to say - the end result of choice is still the persons alone.
I only hope that I get through this and can be of help someday to others as you are being with me.
Thanks !
I may ask for the MRI as I know he is sending me for an abdominal US and bone scan prior to the surgery , I guess he does that routinely to check for metastases.
I appreciate the advice on the valium , Im not a pill taker but Im driving myself crazy and need some help.
Your opinion , I am guessing is go for mastectomy? I appreciate opinions and its always good to hear what everyone has to say - the end result of choice is still the persons alone.
I only hope that I get through this and can be of help someday to others as you are being with me.
Thanks !
I've always thought there was a link between thyroid and breast cancer.
Your biopsy will tell them the pathology of the samples they took. Cancers have different genetic makeup, so to speak. They are not the same at all. However, they do have some groupings that you will become most familiar with on this journey. Some cancers are "fed" by estrogen, some by progesterone, some by both. If thats the case with your cancer, then you will be ER & PR +. If that's not what's feeding your cancer, then you could be ER & PR -. Or you could be one of each. Then there is HER2neu. HER2 is a gene that sends control signals to your cells, telling them to grow, divide, and make repairs. A healthy breast cell has 2 copies of the HER2 gene. Some kinds of breast cancer get started when a breast cell has more than 2 copies of that gene, and those copies start over-producing the HER2 protein. As a result, the affected cells grow and divide much too quickly. If your results are graded as HER2 positive, that means that your HER2 genes are over-producing the HER2 protein, and that those cells are growing rapidly and creating the cancer. If your results are graded HER2 negative, then the HER2 protein is not causing the cancer.
Personally, I think they should also do an MRI to get a better picture of your breast cancer before you have surgery. It's another tool that can help you decide which type of surgery to go after. Whatever you do, don't ask me my opinion because on that topic I am very opinionated, totally, out of control, one track mind, won't change my mind opinionated :)
You've been knocked sideways with this diagnosis and also the fear of the thyroid too, not fun, I know. Please don't hesitate to ask your doctor for a prescription for valium to help you calm yourself. Sometimes we all need a little help.
Your biopsy will tell them the pathology of the samples they took. Cancers have different genetic makeup, so to speak. They are not the same at all. However, they do have some groupings that you will become most familiar with on this journey. Some cancers are "fed" by estrogen, some by progesterone, some by both. If thats the case with your cancer, then you will be ER & PR +. If that's not what's feeding your cancer, then you could be ER & PR -. Or you could be one of each. Then there is HER2neu. HER2 is a gene that sends control signals to your cells, telling them to grow, divide, and make repairs. A healthy breast cell has 2 copies of the HER2 gene. Some kinds of breast cancer get started when a breast cell has more than 2 copies of that gene, and those copies start over-producing the HER2 protein. As a result, the affected cells grow and divide much too quickly. If your results are graded as HER2 positive, that means that your HER2 genes are over-producing the HER2 protein, and that those cells are growing rapidly and creating the cancer. If your results are graded HER2 negative, then the HER2 protein is not causing the cancer.
Personally, I think they should also do an MRI to get a better picture of your breast cancer before you have surgery. It's another tool that can help you decide which type of surgery to go after. Whatever you do, don't ask me my opinion because on that topic I am very opinionated, totally, out of control, one track mind, won't change my mind opinionated :)
You've been knocked sideways with this diagnosis and also the fear of the thyroid too, not fun, I know. Please don't hesitate to ask your doctor for a prescription for valium to help you calm yourself. Sometimes we all need a little help.
Thankyou both very much for your kind words and information.
Its so hard tonight as I am sure you both understand.
I am waiting for results of a biopsy I had on my thyroid 2 days ago as well , so its double as hard.
What confused me more was that the doc said they would have to find out what type it was and then plan the post surgery options , but they wouldnt know what type ( he rambled about some letters etc ) until they removed it. So how do you know if you should have a lumpectomy or mastectomy unless you know which kind and how aggressive it is ?
I also just dread telling my daughter next week and calling my family in Scotland to tell them. I am used to being a caregiver , not needing help or support from others.
This is helping so much though being able to share and read with others in the same situation.
Thankyou both, Sheila
Its so hard tonight as I am sure you both understand.
I am waiting for results of a biopsy I had on my thyroid 2 days ago as well , so its double as hard.
What confused me more was that the doc said they would have to find out what type it was and then plan the post surgery options , but they wouldnt know what type ( he rambled about some letters etc ) until they removed it. So how do you know if you should have a lumpectomy or mastectomy unless you know which kind and how aggressive it is ?
I also just dread telling my daughter next week and calling my family in Scotland to tell them. I am used to being a caregiver , not needing help or support from others.
This is helping so much though being able to share and read with others in the same situation.
Thankyou both, Sheila
I am sorry you are going through this anguish. We'll help any way we can.
Your appointment with your surgeon will be about your surgical options. You will most likely be given a choice between a lumpectomy and mastectomy. Each removes breast tissue, one more than the other. You are NOT in a great hurry to do this and you HAVE time to research options PRIOR to surgery.... even though you most likely have the mindset of get it out of me now! You are in control of your options and treatment, to a point.
If you choose mastectomy to remove as much breast tissue as possible you also have the right to have immediate breast reconstruction so that when you come out of hospital, you have two breasts just like when you went in. But you also need to know if you will be having radiation and chemo.
I've attached a link about breast reconstruction that should pretty much get you started on your research and will get you asking questions.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880?personal_page_id=384050
Feel free to bring a voice activated tape recorder to your appointment so you don't miss anything while your mind stops to ponder something that was said and the doctor keeps on yapping :)
Two words..... SUPPORT GROUP find one, join it, let them be your big sisters to walk you through this. Ok? And remember, no question is a dumb question when it comes to you and your treatment. Best wishes and a giant hug for you.
Your appointment with your surgeon will be about your surgical options. You will most likely be given a choice between a lumpectomy and mastectomy. Each removes breast tissue, one more than the other. You are NOT in a great hurry to do this and you HAVE time to research options PRIOR to surgery.... even though you most likely have the mindset of get it out of me now! You are in control of your options and treatment, to a point.
If you choose mastectomy to remove as much breast tissue as possible you also have the right to have immediate breast reconstruction so that when you come out of hospital, you have two breasts just like when you went in. But you also need to know if you will be having radiation and chemo.
I've attached a link about breast reconstruction that should pretty much get you started on your research and will get you asking questions.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880?personal_page_id=384050
Feel free to bring a voice activated tape recorder to your appointment so you don't miss anything while your mind stops to ponder something that was said and the doctor keeps on yapping :)
Two words..... SUPPORT GROUP find one, join it, let them be your big sisters to walk you through this. Ok? And remember, no question is a dumb question when it comes to you and your treatment. Best wishes and a giant hug for you.
I am so sorry you are having to deal with being dx with BC, especially when you are alone!
I have sent you a private message with a link to a Web site that lists questions that people might want to ask at different points in their "cancer journey."
Please know that there is a whole community of members here that is willing try to help you, by providing information, sharing personal experiences, or just offering emotional support.
Best wishes...
I have sent you a private message with a link to a Web site that lists questions that people might want to ask at different points in their "cancer journey."
Please know that there is a whole community of members here that is willing try to help you, by providing information, sharing personal experiences, or just offering emotional support.
Best wishes...
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