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Post by essiejean on Oct 18, 2022 15:48:23 GMT
***UPDATE 2 - oncology report was negative on all tissue and lymph node samples!! I will be meeting with the medical oncologist but my surgeon is not anticipating chemo - just 3 weeks of radiation treatments and 5 years on a daily medication. Thank you all for your support, positive vibes and prayers!
***UPDATE - Had surgery last week and all went well. Rested for a couple of days and returned to work on Monday. Sore and fatigued but otherwise feeling good. Heading to my follow up appointment in about 30 minutes to review the pathology reports. Am very nervous and I'm praying for clean results. Will update later this afternoon. Thank you all for your prayers and support these past few weeks.
I am 57 and went in for my mammogram (my second one - first was in 2019 and all was clear) September 16th and was shocked when they called me to schedule another with additional views because of some suspicious areas. So on September 26th I went back in for further screening and an ultrasound. The next day I had a biopsy.
I was diagnosed with infiltrating lobular carcinoma in my left breast. It is a 9mm tumor - so considered small.
I have since met with a breast navigator, a surgeon and a radiologist. We determined that the best course of action is a lumpectomy on the 26th of this month. They will also locate and remove up to 3 lymph nodes that are receptors for pathology. In November I will begin a 3 week course of daily radiation treatments. Depending on the pathology report from the tumor, the margin tissue and the lymph nodes they will then determine if chemo is needed (praying this will not be required) and/or just the 5 year anti-estrogen therapy (pill).
Of course everyone at work is coughing and sneezing with colds, strep, flu etc. Apparently no one feels it is necessary to stay home unless they are positive for COVID - but please feel free to come in and spread every other germ around. So I'm doing my best to avoid getting sick as I do not want to delay my surgery.
I did not feel a lump and even knowing where it is now after the mammo & ultrasound I still do not feel a lump. This is scary! If I hadn't gotten my mammogram (thankful that my husband persisted until I made an appointment) then this tumor may not have been as curable as it is right now if I waited until I felt it.
I have no history in my family of breast cancer so I thought I was safe. Did not go in for my first mammogram until I was 55 and only went in then because I was having pain in my right breast - turned out to be nothing and they attributed it to my 60 lb weight loss. So then I wasn't too concerned about getting it done annually. Like I said - my husband persisted so I finally scheduled my second one two years later.
Get your mammograms ladies!!
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,676
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Oct 18, 2022 15:56:10 GMT
Wishing you the best - there are so many woman here who've walked in your shoes, I'm sure you'll get tons of support and advice.
Had my mammo last month. I do all of my appointments in September - just easier to remember!
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Post by gar on Oct 18, 2022 16:00:36 GMT
Wishing you well and you’re soon treated and fully recovering - so glad you went for your mammo!
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Post by scrapmaven on Oct 18, 2022 16:02:03 GMT
May you have a healthy, cancer-free outcome.
I want to add that if you can get it covered, having an ultrasound along w/your mammo is also important. U/s detects stuff that mammo might not catch.
Wishing you complete healing.
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Post by Neisey on Oct 18, 2022 16:11:06 GMT
Wishing you well and that your recovery goes well too!
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,675 
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Post by valincal on Oct 18, 2022 16:14:55 GMT
All the best through your treatment and healing. Keep us updated on your progress. Take care.
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Post by quietgirl on Oct 18, 2022 16:20:06 GMT
I'm sorry about your diagnosis, and hoping you continue to stay well for your surgery. I remember when I had breast cancer I was petrified of germs, and this was before Covid times. My best wishes to you, and hoping you don't need the chemo.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Oct 18, 2022 16:31:28 GMT
I’m glad they found it early! I’ve been putting off getting my mammogram but lately am hearing so many stories that I am finally going to call and make an appt.
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leeny
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,667
Location: Northern California
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Oct 18, 2022 16:46:55 GMT
essiejean Sorry this happened but glad you are on your way to being cancer-free. I had a similar experience in June in that I had no idea until I had a routine mammogram. After genetic testing (I do have several breast-related cancers in my family), and a lumpectomy I am now in my second week of about seven weeks of radiation. I wear a mask every time I am in a group of people. I don't want to jepordize my health at this point.
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Post by canadianlinda on Oct 18, 2022 16:55:04 GMT
I’m glad you went for your test, it’s so important. Hope everything goes well for you, please keep us updated.
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Post by papersilly on Oct 18, 2022 17:39:27 GMT
great PSA. i have mine schedule for the 25th of this month. i am wishing you all the best with your treatment and recovery!
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Post by lurker on Oct 18, 2022 17:59:05 GMT
Wishing you the best possible outcome.
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Post by stormsts on Oct 18, 2022 18:52:33 GMT
I am so sorry for your diagnosis. Thanks for the reminder. I always have mine done in October but have not scheduled it yet. Off to do that now.
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Post by scrapcat on Oct 18, 2022 18:52:34 GMT
I am sorry to read of your diagnosis, but glad you caught it early and have a plan in place. Also glad your doctors are working quickly through the steps to get the cancer out. I pray you have a good outcome! Ask your nurse navigator about any supportive programs in your area or associated with your practice. Sometimes they offer complimentary therapies to help in recovery. I was diagnosed at 38 with IDC, no node involvement, did lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, HR+,PR+, Her2-. I had an oncotype test which recommended chemo - otherwise clinically it would not have been recommended. I did 8 rounds of dose dense, AC+T chemo, then 36 rounds of radiation. For endocrine therapy, on aromatase inhibitors & monthly lupron injections. I am happy to answer any questions, you can PM me. I will leave a few good resources here: breastcancer.org/www.lbbc.org/uniteforher.org/rethinkbreastcancer.com/And yes please everyone schedule your mammogram! I have 3 other friends going through BC now and some of them put off screenings during covid. Please get checked! |
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Post by peace on Oct 18, 2022 20:17:38 GMT
I am VERY sorry about your diagnosis. I received the same news in May. I had invasive ductal carcinoma all estrogen fed and it was 1.2mm. I opted for the double mastectomy for 2 reasons- to avoid radiation and this is my second cancer (first one was not related). I had exactly what you describe- 3 lymph nodes removed (if any of those had signs of cancer, they would take more) and you wait on pathology to see about chemo. I am getting my expanders removed and implants in on Nov 1. Hallelujah
I will say from the support group I attend and the women that had lumpectomies, you will do quite well. It's a much easier surgery from which to recover and they all seem very happy with their results. Every once in a while I think maybe I should have opted for that route (the double mastectomy recovery is brutal) but my brain would've tortured me with the "what ifs".
Side note: they should also order a bone scan for osteoporosis. That helps to determine which estrogen blocker they recommend.
Best of luck! There are many survivors here and we are quite happy to help answer any questions you might have.
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Post by Zee on Oct 18, 2022 20:21:14 GMT
I'm sorry to hear you've joined this awful club, but so glad that you found it with early detection! Like you, I had no family history, no real risk factors, no reason to worry, no lumps that I could detect. I was going to wait until I was 50 to get my first mammo, as per newer recommendations from my OB/GYN, but my PCP insisted so I was like WHATEVER and huffed off to get the mammogram at age 41.
I ended up having several benign biopsies over the next few years until I finally had a cancerous tumor detected at age 44. I ended up having a bilateral mastectomy but was lucky that it did not spread to my lymph nodes. I am now 6 years out and have yearly MRIs and take tamoxifen but was able to avoid chemo and radiation. I now have a set of perky fake breasts that look much better than my real ones ever did, LOL. Except that there are no nipples. I kind of like that. No bra ever needed and I hated my nipples anyway.
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,532
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Post by peasquared on Oct 18, 2022 20:29:06 GMT
I am so sorry! Thank goodness you have found it so early. Thank your DH for all of us.
You are in great hands here at the pea pod, as many have been in your shoes and can offer you help and suggestions.
Keeping you in my prayers!
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Post by bc2ca on Oct 18, 2022 21:12:54 GMT
I'm sorry about your diagnosis and validate your frustration with the sniffles and coughs surrounding you. I hope everything stays on track.
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Post by essiejean on Oct 18, 2022 21:25:49 GMT
Thank you all for the support and love. I realize that everyone's cancer journey is different (my Breast Navigator warned me to stay off Google and to not compare my cancer with anyone else's experience) but it does help to hear everyone's stories. It makes you realize you are not alone in this.
My doctors also offer genetic testing - I am going to talk with my daughters to see if this is information they would like to know or not. They are 30 & 34. Regardless of the genetic testing, I will of course be on them daily once they turn 40 to get annual mammograms.
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 18, 2022 21:38:47 GMT
Thank goodness for your DH nagging you. I hope you have the best possible outcome.
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Post by worrywart on Oct 19, 2022 2:31:35 GMT
I'm so glad you went for the mammogram. Sending healing thoughts for your surgery, radiation and recovery!! Definitely get your daughters on board - a baseline mammogram at 40 is always a good idea.
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Post by malibou on Oct 19, 2022 7:44:28 GMT
I've got you tucked up in my warmest safest thoughts as you navigate this change in your life path. Wishing you a fantastic medical team.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,763
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Oct 19, 2022 7:49:15 GMT
Wishing you the best and swift positive outcome. Hugs
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sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,171
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on Oct 19, 2022 8:10:45 GMT
I was where you are 4.5 years ago. I do have a family history and remember at my mammo the tech saying I was eligible for annual mammos, not every two years as is standard here, due to that. Not that it mattered, as a few days later I got the dreaded 'Don't worry, but . . ' letter from the clinic, with a followup appointment date a couple of days later. Like you, I hadn't felt a lump before then, though when the doctor at my second appointment showed me where it was and had me feel it, it seemed so obvious.
I had a lumpectomy and they removed two lymph nodes (radioactive tracers guided), which both proved to be clear, so then I had about a month of radiation treatment once my incision was healed. After that, I went on to estrogen blockers for 5 years, so only one year left of that. My next mammogram is due in April - I did every six months for three years, then back down to annual. They also do an US each time.
It is a long and sometimes scary journey, but we are here to listen if you need it.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,039
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Post by mimima on Oct 19, 2022 10:40:33 GMT
So glad that you went. We are behind you!
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on Oct 19, 2022 10:49:25 GMT
So glad you found this and wishing you the best possible outcome. (((HUGS)))
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Post by librarylady on Oct 19, 2022 14:11:59 GMT
Best wishes for a good outcome.
It is an old book about the diagnosis, but I have heard it is still relevant.
book title: First You Cry by Betty Rollin
It is supposed to be a comfort to read when you have been diagnosed. It came out about the same time my SIL was diagnosed, so I remember the title.
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Post by withapea on Oct 19, 2022 14:28:55 GMT
I’m so sorry, I know how scary it is. It’s so good they found it early, treatment has come a long way too. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and sending lots of good vibes your way. ❤️
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Post by ss on Oct 19, 2022 15:13:22 GMT
Gentle hugs!
I was diagnosed in 2021, lumpectomy, 5 lymph nodes removed and radiation. It all seems like a dream. Did this really happen to me?
But fast forward! All is well and it doesn’t cross my mind, even daily anymore. It can really suck you in initially. So hang in there, you will get thru this, the peas are cheering you on❤️❤️❤️❤️
I can honestly say that all the health care personnel that I came in contact with were the nicest, most compassionate people I have ever met. EVERY SINGLE ONE. I hope you will feel the same.
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Post by missmcd on Oct 19, 2022 17:53:02 GMT
I was diagnosed at age 39 with Triple negative breast cancer. I did 16 rounds of chemo followed by a lumpectomy and had ALL lymph nodes under my arm removed (20). I then had six weeks of radiation followed by six months of oral chemo. I have no family history and do not carry the BRCA gene but I would urge you and your daughters to get tested. The more you know the earlier you can start checking, if needed, and we all know early detection is key.
One of my dad's cousin's has Lobular carcinoma. She just met with one of the 11 (in the US) lobular oncologists at MD Anderson. If you would like his information I could get that for you. He was so kind and extremely knowledgeable.
This is a horrible club to be in but we have the greatest ladies in it. If you ever want to chat feel free to message me.
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