Double lumpectomies in same breast

Welcome @creekgirl. As if being diagnosed with breast cancer wasn't enough, you were diagnosed with 2 different kinds of breast tumors in one breast! I can imagine that you feel untethered and like you're walking alone in the wilderness.

Like you, @trixie1313 has also had 2 different types of breast cancer, with 3 tumors in one breast. While she didn't have sarcomatoid carcinoma, I think she can relate to how you're feeling and the impact of such a confusing diagnosis.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is sometimes referred to as pleomorphic carcinoma. @timely and @ilcpfightee have mentioned having pleomorphic lobular carcinoma.

@creekgirl, there are other members I can introduce you to who have sarcomatoid carcinoma located in the lungs, kidney, bladder and other locations. I'll be interested to hear what you learn from the PET scan about the origin of the sarcomatoid carcinoma and how it will be treated.

You mentioned that you are still sore from the surgery. How has recovery been? Can you share more?

@creekgirl
I am so sorry you are going through these very frightening times. I, too, had two lesions. The first, invasive ductal cancer, was found at the first lumpectomy. Margins were too close so I was preparing for a second surgery but prior I had asked for MRI breast because I was worried about the other breast. That breast turned out clear, but on the opposite side from my first lesion was noted another tumor so at the second surgery, I underwent partial mastectomies. The second lesion turned out to be a neuroendocrine cancer. Like your sarcomatoid cancer, neuroendocrine is considered highly aggressive but usually starts in colon, liver, or lung. My case was studied through 3 Tumor Boards. One recommendation was to do more chemo which for neuroendocrine would have been the same as oat cell ca of lung which could cause many other problems. I chose not to go through with this but to follow. We were doing every 3-month PET scans which were fine and backed off to every 6 months and now every 9 months but there are some quirky things going on now in the lungs that are being followed...they do not show cancer, just have radiologists stumped for now. I also have a history of bronchiectasis with atelectasis so that could be contributing to the lung issue. My pulmonary doctor also follows the PET scans. Neuroendocrine in the breast is so rare that there is not much research yet. My advice to you is to request Tumor Board presentations which your oncologist can request. Hospital Tumor Boards consist of experts in the various areas that usually meet monthly to discuss difficult or unusual cases. Please let us know how you are doing. Sending best wishes to you in this journey.

Thank you for your comments. The PET scan showed that the spot on my lung isn't maligned, but my lung surgeon is going to remove it February 16 along with checking three chest lymph nodes. My second breast surgery is Feb 3 to remove another slice of breast tissue, check lymph nodes and insert a port for chemo.

The center of my breast is still very tender, but I know it takes time to heal. I really don't have pain anywhere else which I truly thank God for.

My breast surgeon is considered the very best in eastern NC (maybe farther) and has been performing these operations for at least 20 years, but has only seen this Sarcomatoid Carcinoma every couple of years.

I have two tumor boards, one lung and one breast and an Oncologist.

The two cancers were discovered the middle of November, so I'm thankful surgeries and tests have been moving quickly.

I really believe that if I had not had a reason to have the 3-D mammogram and ultrasound, these cancers would still not be diagnosed. I had my regular mammogram and breast exam not long before that and nothing was found.

But my faith in God's mercy and healing and the strong support of my husband and children is what will get me through this.

Thank you again so much.

Thank you so much for your comments. I thought having two tumor boards was strange, but I guess the more the better when you need them.

I'll keep you in my prayers. These cancers you and I have may be rare to doctors, but God knows exactly what we need. Thank you again.

I had two tumors in my left breast. Did full mastectomy and aesthetic flat closure.

@creekgirl
Please let us know how it all goes. I have my next PET scan in the spring...hoping all the lung junk magically disappears!

Did they say that mastectomy was best cure?

Hello,
I had 2 types in one breast. I knew about the DCIS before the Lumpectomy, but while the surgeon was in there, she noticed a section next to the DCIS that she said looked “different” so she removed that area as well. Between the tumor and tissue, she ended up taking out a little bigger than the size of a Lemon.
When pathology came back, I had extensive grade 2 DCIS but I also had an extremely rare type of Metaplastic Invasive Carcinoma called Low Grade Adenosquamous (LGAS).
On August 28th, I went in for Sentinel Node Biopsy surgery and luckily there was no sign of cancer in the 2 Lymph nodes that were removed. I did have a really hard time recovering from the Lymph node surgery but with PT and time, it’s getting better.
I met with a Radiation Oncologist as well as a Medical Oncologist and they both agreed my margins were way too close and more tissue needed to be taken out. I just had that surgery on September 28th and my breast is sore but not too bad. I am waiting for Pathology to come back, hopefully this week. As far as I know, it has not spread anywhere else. If this pathology report comes back with clear margins, once I am healed, I am scheduled to start Radiation.
Best of luck to you!

Just diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer and invasive lobular cancer in same breast. Planning on double lumpectomies in November. Seems like pathology report of margins comes back post surgery and theoretically one could need another surgery if margins are not clear. Is this right?

That is correct. I have idc & having a lumpectomy which will be remove the cancer this week. The doctor has advised if the margins are not clear, they will go back in apprx 2 weeks. Hopefully they will be clear. They are also going to inject dye into the sentinel lymph nodes so hopefully that is going to be ok. My prayers & thoughts are with you that all goes well.