Connect
HR+PR+HR2-
I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (HR+PR+HR2-) with Mucinous Features on 4/25/2025. I am 57 and have always been healthy up until now so this was a major shock for me, I know I am not alone. My surgery is sched for 5/27/2025, I am leaning towards double mastectomy and since I am trans this aligns with my gender. However, I am highly squeamish and have low pain tolerance so I am not sure if I can withstand the pain so would opt for the lumpectomy; however, I want to give my body the highest chance it won't come back so I believe a double would be the way to go.
I was up on my medical appts and mammos were all clear. I was not due for my next mammo until this Nov 2025 so I don't know what I could have done to catch it earlier. I felt a lump in my left breast while showering in March 2025 and sched an appt with my PCP and then was referred to the surgeon (had to wait a couple of weeks for that).
I couldn't stay still for the lymph node biopsy but somewhat tolerated the breast biopsy. Doctors are telling me I can do the lymph node biopsy in surgery. The first doctor said that one or two of my axilla lymph nodes have 2 4 mm nodes on them; but then the second doctor didn't necessarily think so and that the 2 lymph nodes in question may only be "reacting" or "angry".
I completed my CT scan and bone scan and they came back negative.
Since the CT scan and getting injected with the contrast agent, my neck lymph nodes are swollen. I am very fatigued and seem to need a lot more sleep. I am used to doing a lot of cleaning and maintenance around my house so now I can do about 1/2 or less with a lot of struggle. I reported this to my surgeon. I don't have an oncologist assigned to me yet.
I am also feeling constant pressure in my left breast and my left armpit. I am not sure if this is the result of the biopsy or is it the cancer hurting?
Has anyone experienced swollen lymph nodes on both sides of the neck after the CT scan? Or is this related to the cancer infiltrating more lymph nodes? I am very concerned. My tumor is Grade 1 and the surgeon said it was slow growing. Could my tumor travel that fast even if it's slow growing?
Any comments or help is appreciated. I am really struggling and crying a lot.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Hi. I know you’re really scared. I was terrified too. But can I reassure you that a double mastectomy is not super painful. They put in nerve blocks and you really don’t experience a lot of pain. If you do you ask for pain meds. You might also ask to not be done as an outpatient, but to be able to stay overnight the first night. That’s what I did and I’m so happy I did. But it really isn’t terribly painful. It’s dramatic, but you can handle low discomfort. That’s what it mostly is. Discomfort with the drains and the compression bra that they make you wear for the first 10 days or so. But the pain? Not terrible. You can handle it. The rest of the stuff is really scary and you’ll know a lot more after the surgery about your particular condition. Best of luck to you. Let us know if you need more reassurance.
Thank you so much for your advice. Can you please elaborate on the rest of the stuff being scary? My doctor is telling me I have Stage 1b or 2a but won’t know until surgery. I am trying to meditate and engage in positive self-talk. Easier said than done. Just one day at a time. Thanks for your input. It really helps.
@oliviasj Next steps will depend on your specific case. After your surgery, your medical team will develop a treatment plan tailored just for you. I’ve found it helpful not to worry too much about what comes next—taking things one step at a time can really help ease the stress.
If your doctor has said your cancer is growing slowly, there’s no reason to believe it's suddenly spreading quickly to your lymph nodes. Staying focused on your immediate next steps is key: prepare for your surgery, nourish your body with natural, healthy foods, get good sleep, and remind yourself that you’re in excellent hands with your medical team.
Right now, your body needs your immune system to be as strong as possible—so put your energy into supporting your well-being. One day at a time.Good luck!
View Translation
Hi Angie, thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. I’ve already changed my diet —just adding more veggies and fruits. I’ve always enjoyed veggies and fruits so just eating more. I can honestly say my diet was not horrible Before this.
Not big on red meat or processed foods. I was exercising almost daily but now increased my exercise although I find it hard to concentrate. I’m eating lots of fruits and vegetables and I’m eating organic chicken. I’m staying away from sugar as much as possible. I’m trying to lose weight because I know that cancer cells live in the fat cells. Losing weight I believe is the most important thing. I don’t have a whole lot of weight to lose but I do have some of course, probably about 20-30 pounds. I’m a psychologist. I have been working in the mental health field for decades. I love my job. The thought of me not working even just for a month is hard to fathom but I know rationally I need to slow down. Being a psychologist, I am well aware of the powerful connection between body and mind; of course, being on the other side of the fence is shocking at this time. Diagnosis is very new, so I’m trying to adjust to a new normal. You are saying I need to support my immune system which I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve already started taking a multivitamin. What else can I do to support my immune system?
Thanks for your help!!