My Wife

[dave41]

My wife had a breast biopsy this Nov. 7 which turned out to be a 1.7cm without clean margins Grade III invasive poorly defined carcinoma. Her doctor/surgeon outlined treatment as Chemo 1st (were half way thru), surgery and radiation. We have done all the tests blood work for spread - negative, chest X-ray - negative, MRI scan - negative, ultra sound of lymph node - not difinitve and DNA testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 both negative. My question is is a lumpectomy still a possibility (with radiation) or is a mastectomy the only answer?

[katarina777]

It is very possible that your wife could get away with a lumpectomy followed by radiation. If her lymph nodes are OK, the doctor may also give her the option of having either that and/or mastectomy without radiation.  A lot more usually comes out during surgery, and in some cases, a woman undergoing a lumpectomy has to go back to surgery for a second time. I hope your doctor will give strong medical advice and then leave the parts that are a matter of preference up to you.

[Tessa247]

Hi Dave, I am new at this forum and I am sorry that your wife and you have to go through this difficult time. I hope that my story will help you in making decision. Having said that, please note that we are all different and have different kinds of cancers. I was diagnosed with IDC 1.5 cm in my left breast on Oct.9 last year. On mammogram, MRI - no lymph node involvment, rt breast no lesion found. I am 47, my family history seems at no high risk. I had this gut feeling to have bilateral mastectomy dispite my surgeon and my friends telling me that I was taking the gnut out with a machine gun. Well, I insisted and when I saw my surgeon 4 weeks after the surgery he said that I've made a wise decision. It t turned out (according to my pathology report) I had areas of LCIS in my rt breast as well as AHP and other changes. My oncologist also said that it was a right move and that I spared myself from radiation and possibly from chemo( further chemo treatment is still in the discussion since they decided to run OncotypeDx test). So, if your wife's doctor suggests mastectomy, please concider it. I hope that everything will go well with surgery and all necessary treatments! Blessings!

[KSandy]

Hi Dave,
I just found out two hours ago, about my friend possibly having cancer, and ironocially,  just today, sent a check (earlier from work) to a breast cancer foundation!  I hope that my friend is not sick so badly.  I also hope that a cure is found for this.  I do hope that things turn out ok for you.  I am new here, so pardon me if I dont respond correctly, nor have answers you may seek, but I am sorry.  I wish you the best possible outcome.  
Kim

[japdip]

This will depend somewhat on the results of the Chemotherapy .... if or how much the tumor has shrunk. There is no answer until Chemo is finished and tests are done. Regards to you both.

[Jen1967]

First - Im so sorry you and your wife have to go through this. I have just lived this nightmare for the past 6 months. If the drs are telling you a mastectomy - listen to them. They really do know best. I had a bilateral in Dec and Im doing ok. I also had chemo first. 16 rounds. Go to the best biggest hospitals you can to get the surgery. They have more skilled physicians and better options. I had a DIEP -or free tram flap - that the first surgeon in my home town hospital told me I wasn't a candidate for- at Penn. I wish you both all the luck in the world-
Best wishes
Jen