1 yr follow-up Mammo after treatment yesterday - Questions/Advice:

[spankyandrex]

Mammogram today - first one since diagnosis on 12/2/2009. I had IDC with some DCIS and ALH (Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia).  They found New lump on cancer side. They think swollen lymph node but radiologist is not sure, could be good/bad. Leaving it up to Dr. to biopsy. Mammo&U/S looked "good" to radiologist, but recommending MRI because breasts SO dense and cancer could be hiding.

Talk to oncologist next Thu, so now it's hurry up and WAIT. All in all, so far, so good.... Heart scan, find out results next week as well (to make sure Herceptin is not causing damage).

My question is has anyone had a follow-up with a swollen lymph node, had it biopsied and found it to be cancer? She would have said if it felt like "scar tissue" or found a benign finding so I don't honestly know why she is leaving it up to my oncologist. She definately is recommending the MRI in case there is cancer hiding in there.

Should I insist on a biopsy? Since I had ALH (atypical lobular hyperplasia) found close to the cauterized margin on my lumpectomy surgery, (and I know lobular cancer does not show up on mammograms), but do they show up on MRI's?

My HER2 is a strong +++ and my cancer was high grade (3), Stage 1 IDC with some DCIS and ALH ER/PR negative. I am scared.

Sandra

[spankyandrex]

Thank you again Sue. They just called and my MRI is scheduled for next Tuesday 12/7 at 4:00 pm. I'll keep you posted :)

[SueYoung55]

Sandra,

I hope everything comes out great for you. I wish I could say that having bilateral mastectomies with or without immediate reconstruction means you don't have to worry ever again but that simply just isn't so.

Mastectomies reduce the amount of breast tissue on your body but it's never 100% gone.

I'm afraid the worry remains but knowing that I've reduced my risk as much as I possibly can helps me tremendously. I had stage 3 ILC (10 cm mass) with two nodes involved. I get yearly pet/ct scans and six months later I get an MRI.

I think you're doing the right thing getting the MRI. Keep up the surveillance! We're here anytime you need us to hold your hand and help you through the fear. We understand. Best wishes.

[spankyandrex]

Hi Sue, thanks for your note!  Yes, I still have my breast. I had a lumpectomy in 2007 on far left and a partial mastectomy (which is really a "large" lumpectomy) in 2009 where they found the cancer and that was from top of breast straight down against chest wall. I agree, I did just call my Dr. Oncologist and left a message w/his nurse that I'd like to get the MRI scheduled as soon as possible.  I would like I thinki to have them both taken off so I don't have to worry ever again .  Thank you and Best Wishes to you too.

Sandra

[SueYoung55]

First, I am so sorry you're still dealing with this beast! I had invasive lobular carcinoma and mine showed clearly on a MRI and not at all on a mammogram. Get it done first and then decide on biopsy. Or have both done.

You still have your breast? I'd get them gone too with but that's me, get it off, get it all off to reduce the risk as much as possible. I know that is MY personal decision and not everyone elses :)

Best wishes.