Lobular Breast Cancer: Let's share and support each other

Sue Ellen, how did the meeting with your surgeon go?

Surgeon recommended lumpectomy - referred to data supporting that decision. I'm waiting for genetic tests given family history but have surgery scheduled in two weeks (OR's are backed up and if I didn't take that I would have to wait until end of Dec). If all goes well, radiation and then anti hormone like you all mentioned. Praying for clean margins. Oncologist mentioned most lobulars are grade 2 given how sneaky they are; chemo still on table as pathology reports seem critical post -op. Thx for all support. At 57 yrs I dread telling my 24 and 22 year olds but will do this weekend - the surgeon made it sound like I feel would good in a few days -but in my experience, recovery is also understated by surgeons:).xoxoox

I hope all goes well, and that your Genetic testing comes back Negative. I have had 2 Lumpectomies, and both recoveries were easy. I hope you have the same experience.

I received my diagnosis an hour ago. I am so glad there is a support group for this. I will try and figure out what some of the abbreviated language you are saying but I think, after I fully get into this situation, I will eventually know. I am 58 years old. My "grape" appeared 6 weeks ago now. I called to have an mammogram scheduled one week after I discovered it...hoping it would go away, which it didn't. They couldn't get me in for 2 1/2 weeks. I showed up and they asked me if I had any pain or discovered anything..I said yes and they told me that I needed to go to a different facility. That appointment took me out another week. Then another wait for the biopsy and results. The "grape" was not the actual spot for the invasive lobular carcinoma, it was beside it..possibly just inflammation from it. But thank goodness for it, I would have never detected it. I am kinda scared and kinda thinking..you got this. Right now, telling my parents and my son is going to be the worst.

@glendy you DO got this! You’ll learn more about your diagnosis each day and the experts will lay out a plan for you. Educate yourself and ask many questions. Write them down and write down the responses. The more you know will help drive your care tailored to your preferences. It feels daunting at this point of your journey…believe me, I know. I had a different breast cancer, but the feelings are the same. I’m on the other side now and wonder how did I get through all of this. I relied on family and friends. I didn’t want to tell them at first, especially my children and family, but they were the best support. Like I said…you DO got this!

Thank you so much! So encouraging! I have a cousin that just went through this, ending in a mastectomy. She just had her reconstructive surgery 2 weeks ago. She has been my rock! I will tell everyone after my surgical appointment on December 7th. Thank you!!!

@glendy it is a shock! When I called my daughter, her reaction was “but I don’t know anything about this kind of cancer”. I told her that I didn’t either, so we would be on this learning curve together. She has been there supporting me, as have family, friends and caretakers for the past 9 years. It is difficult to diagnose, so it is lucky your doctors identified it early. Good luck with your journey!

This sure is a sneaky cancer! I also found what I thought was a lump, only to find out that the cancer was elsewhere in my breast and larger than I thought. I was fortunate in that I didn't have to wait for a mammogram, biopsy or diagnosis. I walked into the oncologists office blind. I knew nothing about the different types of cancer, how they are graded, what tests are done, and what test measured my possible outcome. I quickly learned! My suggestions on this journey are to rest when you need it, rely on others, eat well, and exercise when you can. I finished my last treatment 2 months ago and am bouncing back to my previous energy levels. Still nap occasionally though. Good luck and many prayers are going your way.

There is only a handful of people that know right now. I don't want to cause stress on my parents until I know what the plan is. My dad, 86, just had a major surgery to remove a rare cancer..about took his life but he pulled through. My son is in his own little world, so he can wait until I know more. I did tell my best friend yesterday. She has been manic about researching this. Telling me what I should be eating, Soy Smoothie...eww lol. and what to stay away from, Meat..are you kidding me?. I'm still trying to get over the teary eyes every time I think about it. Guessing that will pass, or at lease get easier, after I know the plan on the 7th.

Good luck with family and friends. It took me a while to learn terminology. Be patient with yourself. Lobular cancer is a slow growing one. My thoughts and prayers are with you!