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undecided - mastecomy or lumpectomy
I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I have 1 mass that is 3.5 and a cyst that is 2.5 - not in the lymph nodes - just got back the BRAC test - everything good there. My Doctor and husband are both pushing for a lumpectomy and radiation. I feel that being so young (43) that a mastecomy is right since I have so long to live that I don't want to have to worry about it coming back. Plus if it does come back - if will come off anyway.
Both my husband and Doctor feel that least invasive, no real time off of work... I work with my husband in our own business and also cut hair for a living..my husband thinks, ok work during the day, get radiation in the evening, life continues as normal, sleep all night. Still do housework, dinners, etc. No big difference in life.
I guess my question is, do I make the decision with MY gut or follow what the Doctor reccommmend, since he IS the Specialist in this? AND is a regular life possible during radiation treatments?
Both my husband and Doctor feel that least invasive, no real time off of work... I work with my husband in our own business and also cut hair for a living..my husband thinks, ok work during the day, get radiation in the evening, life continues as normal, sleep all night. Still do housework, dinners, etc. No big difference in life.
I guess my question is, do I make the decision with MY gut or follow what the Doctor reccommmend, since he IS the Specialist in this? AND is a regular life possible during radiation treatments?
The decision is ultimately YOURS, since it is your body, your disease, your life.
With Stage 1, breast-conserving surgery could be a viable option, IF you have large enough breasts to have an acceptable cosmetic result after removal of a mass of that size. But the type (ER/PR/HER2 status) and grade (nonaggresive or aggressive) of your tumor are other features of your case that you might want to factor into the decision.
You might want to see a second opinion surgeon, and tell him/her you want to discuss primarily what is BEST for you in the long run, NOT just what is most convenient in terms of the family business and being able to "do your household duties." (BTW, what planet does your huband live on? Is he usually this insensitive to your needs?)
Relatively normal life is possible during radiation txs, but for standard radiation you wouldl have daily appts for several weeks, probably wont want to wear a bra due to possible skin irritation (like a sunburn, or for some people, worse), and can expect to feel tired. Many peolpe continue to work, but it might be exhausting to work in the business, cut hair, cook and clean, fit in evening appts, and try to get enough sleep to start the marathon all over the next day...
Best wishes...
With Stage 1, breast-conserving surgery could be a viable option, IF you have large enough breasts to have an acceptable cosmetic result after removal of a mass of that size. But the type (ER/PR/HER2 status) and grade (nonaggresive or aggressive) of your tumor are other features of your case that you might want to factor into the decision.
You might want to see a second opinion surgeon, and tell him/her you want to discuss primarily what is BEST for you in the long run, NOT just what is most convenient in terms of the family business and being able to "do your household duties." (BTW, what planet does your huband live on? Is he usually this insensitive to your needs?)
Relatively normal life is possible during radiation txs, but for standard radiation you wouldl have daily appts for several weeks, probably wont want to wear a bra due to possible skin irritation (like a sunburn, or for some people, worse), and can expect to feel tired. Many peolpe continue to work, but it might be exhausting to work in the business, cut hair, cook and clean, fit in evening appts, and try to get enough sleep to start the marathon all over the next day...
Best wishes...
Thanks for your reply.
No my husband really isn't as insensitive as it seems. This is his FIRST ever cancer in the family - he's really not sure HOW to handle things I think...he really is being strong - sometimes I think TOO strong trying not to make me go crazy through all of this..
That said, I am smaller in size, just barely a "B" cup, so my thoughts are it they take out much, I will feel mutilated...but I my Dr. keeps saying things like when it it this small, and such a little mass...blah blah blah... it makes me second guess myself, since he is the DR. !
They told me it was invasive ductal cell carcinoma - stage 1... whatever THAT means!
I guess what I am thinking is, if I have the lumpectomy, I then need to have 6 weeks of radiation, so I am feeling kind of crappy for 6 weeks, and my "girls" will be yucky looking...well at least one of them... but if I have the mastecomy, I will be feeling crappy for up to 6 weeks, probably not that long since the holidays are on the way! but the "girls" will be pretty, since they will HAVE to make them match and I won't need radiation, so it will just be the recovery from the surgery mostly. and NO cancer comeback
Either way I look at for the next 6 weeks, my life will be different.... why not get something good out of it....pretty "girls"!
It seems everywhere I look for what it is going to be like for those 6 weeks after each of the operations, I haven't really been able to find answers. I know everyone is different, but a basic list of you can't do this, you won't be able to do that, I haven't found. And I think asking the DR. is crazy, cuz he hasn't gone through this, how does he know? And I think I need to find this list somewhere so I can better make this decision
Thanks,
Lisa
No my husband really isn't as insensitive as it seems. This is his FIRST ever cancer in the family - he's really not sure HOW to handle things I think...he really is being strong - sometimes I think TOO strong trying not to make me go crazy through all of this..
That said, I am smaller in size, just barely a "B" cup, so my thoughts are it they take out much, I will feel mutilated...but I my Dr. keeps saying things like when it it this small, and such a little mass...blah blah blah... it makes me second guess myself, since he is the DR. !
They told me it was invasive ductal cell carcinoma - stage 1... whatever THAT means!
I guess what I am thinking is, if I have the lumpectomy, I then need to have 6 weeks of radiation, so I am feeling kind of crappy for 6 weeks, and my "girls" will be yucky looking...well at least one of them... but if I have the mastecomy, I will be feeling crappy for up to 6 weeks, probably not that long since the holidays are on the way! but the "girls" will be pretty, since they will HAVE to make them match and I won't need radiation, so it will just be the recovery from the surgery mostly. and NO cancer comeback
Either way I look at for the next 6 weeks, my life will be different.... why not get something good out of it....pretty "girls"!
It seems everywhere I look for what it is going to be like for those 6 weeks after each of the operations, I haven't really been able to find answers. I know everyone is different, but a basic list of you can't do this, you won't be able to do that, I haven't found. And I think asking the DR. is crazy, cuz he hasn't gone through this, how does he know? And I think I need to find this list somewhere so I can better make this decision
Thanks,
Lisa
Glad to hear your husband is generally more emotionally available! Dx with cancer is a crisis, which can bring out the best or the worst (or some of each) in all the people affected by it...
I am kind of surprised your surgeon referred to it as "such a little mass." IF the measurements you gave were in cm, as I assumed, a 3.5 cm tumor would be almost one and a half inches in diameter, plus they need to take extra tissue all around it to be sure they get clean ( malignancy-free) margins. However, if my assumption was incorrect, and the measurements were actually in mm, then it truly would be "a little thing"--about 1/8 of an inch--and that would be a whole different proposition!
Since you feel "pushed"--or perhaps a bit itimidated?--by your surgeon, I do think a second opinion, hopefully with someone with whom you would feel more rapport and be able to have a good back-and-forth discussion, might be helpful.
By the way, if you do decide on a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, be sure to research the subject, and your plastic surgeon, thoroughly, as there are many different types of reconstructions, and different doctors have different levels of skills in performing them. I will add another post with a link to an excellent thread that describes the many types of reconstructions that can be considered.
I also think it would be good tfor you to learn more about your cancer. IDC just means you have the most common type that women are diagnosed with--cancer originating in a duct, but infiltrating, or invading, through the walls of the duct into the adjacent area. of breast tissue. The additonal factors about it that I mentioned above are impotant
I am kind of surprised your surgeon referred to it as "such a little mass." IF the measurements you gave were in cm, as I assumed, a 3.5 cm tumor would be almost one and a half inches in diameter, plus they need to take extra tissue all around it to be sure they get clean ( malignancy-free) margins. However, if my assumption was incorrect, and the measurements were actually in mm, then it truly would be "a little thing"--about 1/8 of an inch--and that would be a whole different proposition!
Since you feel "pushed"--or perhaps a bit itimidated?--by your surgeon, I do think a second opinion, hopefully with someone with whom you would feel more rapport and be able to have a good back-and-forth discussion, might be helpful.
By the way, if you do decide on a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, be sure to research the subject, and your plastic surgeon, thoroughly, as there are many different types of reconstructions, and different doctors have different levels of skills in performing them. I will add another post with a link to an excellent thread that describes the many types of reconstructions that can be considered.
I also think it would be good tfor you to learn more about your cancer. IDC just means you have the most common type that women are diagnosed with--cancer originating in a duct, but infiltrating, or invading, through the walls of the duct into the adjacent area. of breast tissue. The additonal factors about it that I mentioned above are impotant
(Sorry about the typos and abrupt ending to my previous post. I had planned to say more, and to edit it, but got ahead of myself and posted too fast, due to thinking about locating the link I promised you...)
Here is the link to excellent information posted by one of our members, SueYoung55:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880
Here is the link to excellent information posted by one of our members, SueYoung55:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Trans-flap-vs-implants/show/1308880
p.s. You should also be aware that breast cancer CAN come back after a mastectomy...
Here is a link to a thread in the BC Expert Forum, by someone also trying to make a decision between mastectomy and lumpectomy:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Lumpectomy-vs-Bilateral-Mastectomy/show/1332287
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Lumpectomy-vs-Bilateral-Mastectomy/show/1332287
Hi everyone,
I just wanted tot ell you that I have decided on getting a lumpectomy and all of the debating that was going on in my head and heart is now gone. I wanted to tell you why, after being so set on a mastecomy, I made this decision, in hopes that it may help someone else. It is such a tough decision, and there is so much to learn, I was making myself crazy!
In weighing out my options, I looked at the recovery time. To me, this was a very important issue. To me, I wanted this part of my life over as quick as possible. I wanted to be able to move on as soon as I could. SO, after having my doctor answer 2 PAGES of questions, I decided on the lumpectomy with possible reconstruction if I thought I needed it. He assured me that he would make my breast look as nice as he could while taking out what he needed.
I then said what I said when I first felt the lump..... I 'm giving it to God, and he can do what he wishes with my decision.
I am not very religious, but I do feel that God is all powerful, and will take care of me. So I am taking back the - it is what it is attitude, I will take it one day at a time. If I need to sleep cuz I am sick I will, and not feel guilty . I will work when I can - if I lose my job, so be it. My family will be fine while I am sick, I have readied my house (been cleaning it like a crazy!) and my freezer ( I have stocked it with premade dinners!). I am ready to get well!
I hope this will help someone else maybe look at thier decision easier.
My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, with he said maybe a month of recovery, then 6 weeks of radiation........ If you look at the calender, you will see that I am going to be taking this right through the Christmas holiday, which is what I REALLY didn't want to do,but, I will at least have the month of November to get ready for it!....See everything for a reason. I may be sick for the Holiday, but I will be ready for them!!!!!
I will keep you posted as how thing went or are going
Thanks you much,
Lisa
I just wanted tot ell you that I have decided on getting a lumpectomy and all of the debating that was going on in my head and heart is now gone. I wanted to tell you why, after being so set on a mastecomy, I made this decision, in hopes that it may help someone else. It is such a tough decision, and there is so much to learn, I was making myself crazy!
In weighing out my options, I looked at the recovery time. To me, this was a very important issue. To me, I wanted this part of my life over as quick as possible. I wanted to be able to move on as soon as I could. SO, after having my doctor answer 2 PAGES of questions, I decided on the lumpectomy with possible reconstruction if I thought I needed it. He assured me that he would make my breast look as nice as he could while taking out what he needed.
I then said what I said when I first felt the lump..... I 'm giving it to God, and he can do what he wishes with my decision.
I am not very religious, but I do feel that God is all powerful, and will take care of me. So I am taking back the - it is what it is attitude, I will take it one day at a time. If I need to sleep cuz I am sick I will, and not feel guilty . I will work when I can - if I lose my job, so be it. My family will be fine while I am sick, I have readied my house (been cleaning it like a crazy!) and my freezer ( I have stocked it with premade dinners!). I am ready to get well!
I hope this will help someone else maybe look at thier decision easier.
My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, with he said maybe a month of recovery, then 6 weeks of radiation........ If you look at the calender, you will see that I am going to be taking this right through the Christmas holiday, which is what I REALLY didn't want to do,but, I will at least have the month of November to get ready for it!....See everything for a reason. I may be sick for the Holiday, but I will be ready for them!!!!!
I will keep you posted as how thing went or are going
Thanks you much,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
It is great to hear that you have reached a decision with which you feel comfortable!
I hope everything goes well for you, and please do keep us posted all along the way.
Warm regards,
bluebutterfly
It is great to hear that you have reached a decision with which you feel comfortable!
I hope everything goes well for you, and please do keep us posted all along the way.
Warm regards,
bluebutterfly
I was pressured by my doctor to get a lumpectomy when my gut told me to get bilateral mastectomies to get as much breast tissue off me as possible. After a diagnostic MRI was done and my 1.5 cm mass ended up being 10 cm she finally admitted that lumpectomy wasn't an option.
What was the results of your biopsy? Are ER, PR and/or HER2 Positive or negative?
Each of those can be negative or positive. I'd want the answer to those questions before I'd make a decision at your young age.
Best wishes :)
What was the results of your biopsy? Are ER, PR and/or HER2 Positive or negative?
Each of those can be negative or positive. I'd want the answer to those questions before I'd make a decision at your young age.
Best wishes :)
Ps.. I stopped for my radiation treatments every morning at 6am and went straight to work. It only takes about 20 minutes or so for the radiation treatments. You can do this :)
Wow, I was under the impression that radiations makes you "dog tired" - everyone I have spoken to said that they just existed during treatments. Eating, sleeping and treatments is what I have been told by some...O hope that I can ge SOME work done during!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Lisa
Thanks for your encouragement!
Lisa
Well, my surgery went well. I really didn't like the anesthesia though.... I felt a little pushed out of the hospital, as they started late, then it took longer than expected, and the nurses wanted to GO HOME! I don't really remember that first night after the surgery.
My scars look good, and I have only taken 1 pain pill (half at a time) as there has been no pain! Three days after surgery, and I am doing the laundry with no help!!!! So glad to be up and around!
The Doctor did take out the cyst that had me so concerned, but he said was "only" a cyst....we will see when all of the tests come back!
I have an appointment with him next Wednesday, adn I guess he will then tell me what comes next.
I am glad that I went with the lumpectomy, because, I don't like not being "in control" and the anesthesia made me feel like I had no control, so I probably wouldn't want to go through this again!
Smiles all over me face though, knowing I am on my way back to being ME!
Lisa
My scars look good, and I have only taken 1 pain pill (half at a time) as there has been no pain! Three days after surgery, and I am doing the laundry with no help!!!! So glad to be up and around!
The Doctor did take out the cyst that had me so concerned, but he said was "only" a cyst....we will see when all of the tests come back!
I have an appointment with him next Wednesday, adn I guess he will then tell me what comes next.
I am glad that I went with the lumpectomy, because, I don't like not being "in control" and the anesthesia made me feel like I had no control, so I probably wouldn't want to go through this again!
Smiles all over me face though, knowing I am on my way back to being ME!
Lisa
Glad to hear your surgery went so well, and that you are already able to be active!
Keep us posted as you continue your BC journey.
Best wishes...
Keep us posted as you continue your BC journey.
Best wishes...
I posted this elsewhere, but was told to (thank you) put it here....which makes sense now! I am not sure if I am supposed to move the replys though?
Thansk,Lisa
my results are in- can you help
by popvendr321, Nov 10, 2010 10:36AM
Ok so now I have had my surgery, went to the doctor for a follow up, and I have the results from the test.... but I don't understand them... I know this
2 cm mass was removed along with what he was calling "just a cyst" - it took longer than he expected cuz he went deeper in
not in the nodes
her 2 (+)
er (+)
pr (+)
When I asked what this all means, they just say, these rhings will determine the treatment. Well OK I get that BUT what does it mean? Do these things mean it is a more dangerous type of cancer, more recurring type of cancer, etc.... should I have gone with a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy? Is that an option now before I start treatment? And will that matter?
I just really want to understand it more than they are giving me I guess. If anyone can help any info - good bad or ugly! I like to know ahead of time not when I am in the doctors office and they try to get me to make decisions.
Thanks in advance,
Lisa
Thansk,Lisa
my results are in- can you help
by popvendr321, Nov 10, 2010 10:36AM
Ok so now I have had my surgery, went to the doctor for a follow up, and I have the results from the test.... but I don't understand them... I know this
2 cm mass was removed along with what he was calling "just a cyst" - it took longer than he expected cuz he went deeper in
not in the nodes
her 2 (+)
er (+)
pr (+)
When I asked what this all means, they just say, these rhings will determine the treatment. Well OK I get that BUT what does it mean? Do these things mean it is a more dangerous type of cancer, more recurring type of cancer, etc.... should I have gone with a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy? Is that an option now before I start treatment? And will that matter?
I just really want to understand it more than they are giving me I guess. If anyone can help any info - good bad or ugly! I like to know ahead of time not when I am in the doctors office and they try to get me to make decisions.
Thanks in advance,
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa!
I've copied my answer here for continuity:
1. A 2 cm mass is fairly large (approaching an inch in diameter), At 2cm, it is on the upper limit of the T1 category in the TNM classifcation system for determining the Stage of a person's BC. Above 2cm it would be a T2. (This probably doesn't mean too much to you, but as your doctor indicated, it is used in tx planning.)
2. ER and PR are parts of your "hormone receptor status" and ER+/PR+ is considered favorable, because there are targeted treatments (tamoxifen and AIs) for it which can significantly reduce your risk for recurrence.
3. The fact that you have no lymph node involvement (meaning cancer cells appear not to have spread from your tumor to the axillary lymph nodes) is another good-news finding.
4. HER2+ staus is a concern, because this indicates an aggressive type of BC with an increased risk of recurrence. For this reason, the latest view is that even small HER2+ tumors call for tx with both chemo and Herceptin (a targeted tx for HER2+ BC).
"From the San Antonio Breast Conference in December, new data shows a higher than predicted rate of breast cancer recurrence even with very small breast cancers that are HER2 positive. The data is from the first large study to analyze early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller. All these women would benefit from adjuvant Trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, (for one year, the standard in America) -- along with adjuvant chemotherapy. This represents a shift in the way women with early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer should be assessed for risk of recurrence and considered for treatment, according to the study's author."
4. All of this does not mean you made the "wrong choice" in having a lumpectomy, because in cases where either approach was an option, studies have not found a difference in survival rate related to which surgery was chosen by the patient. However, many women are still choosing mastectomies even when they are not considered medically necessary. These are the most common reasons given for that choice:
1. If no spread to nodes, then didn't need to go through radiation if took mast. route. 2. Wanted to make sure it was completely gone. 3. Esp. with older women, some were more concerned about survival and the strain and inconvenience of returning repeatedly for radiation (esp. where access to care and poverty were issues), than with appearance. 4. Even with younger women, if a person's breasts are on the small side, a lumpectomy for a larger growth may not leave a cosmetically pleasing result, making mast. and reconstructive surgery preferable.
A mastectomy is still an option if that is what you want, but the best timing for it is something you would best discuss with your treatment team.
Best wishes,
bluebutterfly
I've copied my answer here for continuity:
1. A 2 cm mass is fairly large (approaching an inch in diameter), At 2cm, it is on the upper limit of the T1 category in the TNM classifcation system for determining the Stage of a person's BC. Above 2cm it would be a T2. (This probably doesn't mean too much to you, but as your doctor indicated, it is used in tx planning.)
2. ER and PR are parts of your "hormone receptor status" and ER+/PR+ is considered favorable, because there are targeted treatments (tamoxifen and AIs) for it which can significantly reduce your risk for recurrence.
3. The fact that you have no lymph node involvement (meaning cancer cells appear not to have spread from your tumor to the axillary lymph nodes) is another good-news finding.
4. HER2+ staus is a concern, because this indicates an aggressive type of BC with an increased risk of recurrence. For this reason, the latest view is that even small HER2+ tumors call for tx with both chemo and Herceptin (a targeted tx for HER2+ BC).
"From the San Antonio Breast Conference in December, new data shows a higher than predicted rate of breast cancer recurrence even with very small breast cancers that are HER2 positive. The data is from the first large study to analyze early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller. All these women would benefit from adjuvant Trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, (for one year, the standard in America) -- along with adjuvant chemotherapy. This represents a shift in the way women with early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer should be assessed for risk of recurrence and considered for treatment, according to the study's author."
4. All of this does not mean you made the "wrong choice" in having a lumpectomy, because in cases where either approach was an option, studies have not found a difference in survival rate related to which surgery was chosen by the patient. However, many women are still choosing mastectomies even when they are not considered medically necessary. These are the most common reasons given for that choice:
1. If no spread to nodes, then didn't need to go through radiation if took mast. route. 2. Wanted to make sure it was completely gone. 3. Esp. with older women, some were more concerned about survival and the strain and inconvenience of returning repeatedly for radiation (esp. where access to care and poverty were issues), than with appearance. 4. Even with younger women, if a person's breasts are on the small side, a lumpectomy for a larger growth may not leave a cosmetically pleasing result, making mast. and reconstructive surgery preferable.
A mastectomy is still an option if that is what you want, but the best timing for it is something you would best discuss with your treatment team.
Best wishes,
bluebutterfly
After printing out your post, I began looking at the medications, and OMG - the side effects of them, and WOW my brain hurts!
some of the sides are heart problems...really??? on top of cancer, I now get to deal with heart problems too??? Is there a way to find medicines that will cure the cancer, but not kill the patient in the mean time? OR am I loooking to much into this?
Thanks again,
Lisa
some of the sides are heart problems...really??? on top of cancer, I now get to deal with heart problems too??? Is there a way to find medicines that will cure the cancer, but not kill the patient in the mean time? OR am I loooking to much into this?
Thanks again,
Lisa
Some of these medications are very powerful--powerful enough to kill cancer!--and therefore are likely to have side effects. (But when it comes down to facing the risk of side effects versus facing the results of untreated or undertreated breast cancer, it's usually a "no-brainer" ...)
However, most of the more serious side effects are quite rare, and not everyone gets all of the more common side effects that are listed. Oncologists take many precautions to protect pts undergoing chemo--heart tests before one chemo that can (rarely) affect the heart, premedications to prevent strong reactions to the drugs, followup medication to prevent blood counts from dropping too low, etc.
Some people (including some of our members who have posted about it) have a rough time, and others get through it fairly easily. For someone close to me, there were no serious side effects at all, despite all of our worrying ahead of time! The most prominent side effects were hair loss and discolored fingernails and toenails, both of which were reversible.
Also, please keep in mind that you haven't learned yet what your tx team may recommended in YOUR case. (You stated that you wanted as much info as possible--"good, bad, or ugly"--so I outlined what COULD be part of your tx, not necessarily what WILL be.)
And whatever you may be facing, some of the best advice I've heard is, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Just take it one step at a time and you'll get though it."
Warm regards,
bluebutterfly
However, most of the more serious side effects are quite rare, and not everyone gets all of the more common side effects that are listed. Oncologists take many precautions to protect pts undergoing chemo--heart tests before one chemo that can (rarely) affect the heart, premedications to prevent strong reactions to the drugs, followup medication to prevent blood counts from dropping too low, etc.
Some people (including some of our members who have posted about it) have a rough time, and others get through it fairly easily. For someone close to me, there were no serious side effects at all, despite all of our worrying ahead of time! The most prominent side effects were hair loss and discolored fingernails and toenails, both of which were reversible.
Also, please keep in mind that you haven't learned yet what your tx team may recommended in YOUR case. (You stated that you wanted as much info as possible--"good, bad, or ugly"--so I outlined what COULD be part of your tx, not necessarily what WILL be.)
And whatever you may be facing, some of the best advice I've heard is, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Just take it one step at a time and you'll get though it."
Warm regards,
bluebutterfly
Thank you so much for all of the information you have given to me and others. It is so helpful to me. I am trying not to put the horse before the cart so to speak, but I guess I wanted to know what could happen...unfortunately now I am scareing myself, so I am going stop reading the side effects!
I do have a couple of more questions, if yoo don't mind...
IF the surgery got the whole mass out, which is what my dr said, and it was her2 pos, then they do radiaton to get that last little bugger that wanted to stay in me, ....how does it come back if there is nothing to "remake" the cancer?
2nd question - I know each breast is in of itself its own entity so to speak.... how come my right breast now seems different? In the shower, I noticed it "feels" diffeerent.... a little heavier, fuller, and more lumpy? I have been told that it is fiberous (not sure if that is th right word).... do you think I should make mention of this to the dr. when I see them... should I get it checked out before? I am not sure when they do the mammogram next, if it is now before treatment or after treatment.
I 'm tellin you, Tuesday can't come quick enough for me. I am crawling out of my skin waiting to find out what and when the rest of my journey is.
Thanks so much,
Lisa
I do have a couple of more questions, if yoo don't mind...
IF the surgery got the whole mass out, which is what my dr said, and it was her2 pos, then they do radiaton to get that last little bugger that wanted to stay in me, ....how does it come back if there is nothing to "remake" the cancer?
2nd question - I know each breast is in of itself its own entity so to speak.... how come my right breast now seems different? In the shower, I noticed it "feels" diffeerent.... a little heavier, fuller, and more lumpy? I have been told that it is fiberous (not sure if that is th right word).... do you think I should make mention of this to the dr. when I see them... should I get it checked out before? I am not sure when they do the mammogram next, if it is now before treatment or after treatment.
I 'm tellin you, Tuesday can't come quick enough for me. I am crawling out of my skin waiting to find out what and when the rest of my journey is.
Thanks so much,
Lisa
Thank you for your kind comment; it is always nice to hear that our information has been helpful.
1. Radiation is a local tx, which can only attack the cancer cells directly in the radiated area. Chemo is a systemic tx, which can reach anywhere in your body on its "search and destroy mission," and is given to attack any possible stray malignant cells, including microinvasions too small to be detected, that could have escaped from the original site and could otherwise lead to a spread or recurrence. (As I've said, I don't know if it will be recommended in you case.)
2. Yes, anytime you notice changes in your breasts, you should report it to your doctors. Often such changes are benign, but esp. when someone has already been dx with BC, it's wise to be doubly cautious.
I hope you doctor's appt. goes well, and please come back and tell us what you find out about "the rest of your journey."
bb
1. Radiation is a local tx, which can only attack the cancer cells directly in the radiated area. Chemo is a systemic tx, which can reach anywhere in your body on its "search and destroy mission," and is given to attack any possible stray malignant cells, including microinvasions too small to be detected, that could have escaped from the original site and could otherwise lead to a spread or recurrence. (As I've said, I don't know if it will be recommended in you case.)
2. Yes, anytime you notice changes in your breasts, you should report it to your doctors. Often such changes are benign, but esp. when someone has already been dx with BC, it's wise to be doubly cautious.
I hope you doctor's appt. goes well, and please come back and tell us what you find out about "the rest of your journey."
bb
You wrote: IF the surgery got the whole mass out, which is what my dr said, and it was her2 pos, then they do radiaton to get that last little bugger that wanted to stay in me, ....how does it come back if there is nothing to "remake" the cancer?
As long as you have breast tissue you have a risk for re-occurence or a new breast cancer. With a mastectomy, most breast tissue is removed thereby reducing your risk of another cancer in the breast. Double mastectomy removes even more risk.
There is no cure for breast cancer, just surveillance, surgery, treatment and hopefully, remission with no evidence of disease. Hold tight, you're going to handle all of this just fine.
Best wishes.
As long as you have breast tissue you have a risk for re-occurence or a new breast cancer. With a mastectomy, most breast tissue is removed thereby reducing your risk of another cancer in the breast. Double mastectomy removes even more risk.
There is no cure for breast cancer, just surveillance, surgery, treatment and hopefully, remission with no evidence of disease. Hold tight, you're going to handle all of this just fine.
Best wishes.
Ok, so I went to the Onocologist today - VERY nice doctors! Then plan is chemo,(6 x every 3 weeks) heceptin, radiation (5 days a week for 6 weeks and then tamoxifen. I was all concerned abouth the timing of all of this, with the holidays coming up and all...... then he said we will start treatment JANUARY 4th!
At first I was all for it because Christmas is HUGE in my family. Then I told my two teenage daughters, my youngest one burst in to heavy tears( very unlike her) she thinks we should start now - and too bad if we have to miss some of the partying, she just wants mommy better! My older daughter is like isn't waiting the wrong thing to do since it grew so fast, arent they afraid it will come right back?
NOW I am second guessing the thought of waiting until after the holidays....MY dr said we could do it either way , start now or later. My younger daughter said, if it is going to take almost a year to finsh treatment, we will be dealing with this for 2 Christmases, but if you start now, you will be way done by NEXT Chirstmas..........
OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH so many decisions. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Lisa
At first I was all for it because Christmas is HUGE in my family. Then I told my two teenage daughters, my youngest one burst in to heavy tears( very unlike her) she thinks we should start now - and too bad if we have to miss some of the partying, she just wants mommy better! My older daughter is like isn't waiting the wrong thing to do since it grew so fast, arent they afraid it will come right back?
NOW I am second guessing the thought of waiting until after the holidays....MY dr said we could do it either way , start now or later. My younger daughter said, if it is going to take almost a year to finsh treatment, we will be dealing with this for 2 Christmases, but if you start now, you will be way done by NEXT Chirstmas..........
OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH so many decisions. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Lisa
Oh yeah forgot to tell you.... I asked about my "good" breast, and my dr said keep checking it so that I can learn what is right for me, but since I am just coming off of the Depo shot ( 1st time in 15 years!) my breasts may change some.
When the dr told me I had to get off the Depo shot - I jokingly told him - - oh boy, now you are killing me! He didn't think it was a funny comment, buuuuuuuuut I haven't had a period in 15 years, and I am NOT looking forward to THAT coming back! LOL
When talking to my Dr. this morning, he was a little taken back about my question about birth control for now during my treatments, he really didn't answer what I am supposed to do ther than - DON'T GET PREGNANT! I was like - no, duh!
Any ideas about that part of life that I should know?
Lisa
When the dr told me I had to get off the Depo shot - I jokingly told him - - oh boy, now you are killing me! He didn't think it was a funny comment, buuuuuuuuut I haven't had a period in 15 years, and I am NOT looking forward to THAT coming back! LOL
When talking to my Dr. this morning, he was a little taken back about my question about birth control for now during my treatments, he really didn't answer what I am supposed to do ther than - DON'T GET PREGNANT! I was like - no, duh!
Any ideas about that part of life that I should know?
Lisa
Hi again Lisa,
So glad to hear you felt comfortable with the oncologist!
The decision about when to start your tx is of course up to you, but many people want to start as soon as possible, to "hit it fast and hit it hard." It also might be nice to look forward to having it all behind you in time for next year's holiday season.
As far as bith control. the old standbys of diaphragm and condoms are possibilities, or if you've completed your family, it might be a good time to consider permanent freedom from accidental pregnacy though vasectomy or tubal ligation.
bb
So glad to hear you felt comfortable with the oncologist!
The decision about when to start your tx is of course up to you, but many people want to start as soon as possible, to "hit it fast and hit it hard." It also might be nice to look forward to having it all behind you in time for next year's holiday season.
As far as bith control. the old standbys of diaphragm and condoms are possibilities, or if you've completed your family, it might be a good time to consider permanent freedom from accidental pregnacy though vasectomy or tubal ligation.
bb
I changed my mind and called the DR. Friday to tell him I wanted to do the Chemo now instead of later ........... I have an appointment Tuesday to start.
Now this is really getting "real" to me. With everything I know, and with all who have gone before me, I am still scared! All of the what ifs are coming to mind. Pre chemo jitters I guess.
I will let you know how I do!
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Lisa
Now this is really getting "real" to me. With everything I know, and with all who have gone before me, I am still scared! All of the what ifs are coming to mind. Pre chemo jitters I guess.
I will let you know how I do!
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Lisa
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