Connect
Where to begin with treatment in or south of Boston
Hello! I am new to the breast cancer group as I just got diagnosed at age 54 with INVASIVE LOBULAR CARCINOMA, NOTTINGHAM GRADE 1 upon moving to the Cape Cod area from NH where I did get diagnosed. I'm in general pretty healthy with exercise and eating healthy. Most of the time I strive to do alternative treatments but realize I need to move quickly with my cancer and also find the best place for treatment and ways to stay healthy and my immune system strong. I am looking for any advise to stay healthy, finding treatments, alternative treatments etc.
Embracing the fact I have cancer is what I am working on to stay positive and feel like I can go through the next steps with ease. Thank you in advance and I appreciate the fact there is a group like this to lean on and learn from.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Hello ladies. I am updating on my original post and have surgery scheduled on Aug. 14th at Mass General in Boston doing a single right side mastectomy and reconstruction. Hopefully no radiation is needed but I will find out after the surgery. I am hopeful that doing one side will look like it matches somewhat to the left side. Even am considering enhancing the left to go with an improved right breast. If going through all of this why not have an outcome that can look good while 54? Still wish I was not going through any of this and I know you all do as well. I am grateful for this forum and other support I have found on social media and through friends and family. It is encouraging to know that these platforms can be very helpful, resourceful and create community. Courage, strength and faith really come to mind when making these decisions and going through the process.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi! We are all rooting for you - keep us in mind! My surgeon at MGH was Michelle Specht - and I see Caroline Block at Dana Farber for oncology. I went with lumpectomy - 1.8 cm ILC and radiation finishing Feb 2023. Currently on Letrozole. Did you meet Dr. Metzger at Dana as I believe you were trying to get in to see him as he focuses on Lobular. xoxo
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionSurgery is complete and now I am recovering and waiting for results of nodes etc. I had a right side mastectomy with an implant. Overall I feel pretty good except for stomach issues probably due to drugs during and after surgery and antibiotics. Definitely eating very healthy food regularly and drinking water etc. and walking a bit.
Hi! I did meet with Metzger. He is super nice and easy to talk to. I am not sure if I go back to him or someone else since went to MA General for surgery but will find out. Just in recovery phase after surgery on Monday. Doing well though!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThinking of you and in your "corner" - I also had my surgery (lumpectomy ILC) at MGH - Dr. Specht. I did move to Dana Farber as I had a referral to Dr. Block, Oncologist at Dana Farber. I sure hope they all confer as ILC seems to be a subset but at same time grouped in with Ductual for treatment etc. We need more Dr. Metzger's, don't ya think? Did he have any specific feedback related to ILC. I am 57 yrs and just wondering why mastectomy was your choice if you don't mind sharing as I was also Stage 1, no nodes. Keep us posted!!!!!! xoxxo
also had surgery with Michele Specht at MGH she is excellent! Seeing Érica Mayer at DFCI for medical follow also excellent. Had radiation hypofractionated (5 treatments in total) at MGH. Now taking Anastrozole in 8th week…ugh 4years and 10 months to go. Side effects weakness hip and lower back aching and intermittent profound fatigue. Unable to do my daily workouts at this point. We’ll see how long I stay on this. Dx DCIS invasive stage 1.
@semurrey @jlgc Hi ladies. I am finally getting caught up reading these! I am recovering well and my second drain is coming out today. Feeling pretty good and back to work and luckily working from home. My nodes and margins came back good so no need for radiation. One reason I chose the mastectomy and reconstruction is to try avoid radiation. I had two tumors, which originally was one, and in the biopsy became two. So that made my decision more definitive. Also I am very small chested so if they took out two tumors, surrounding tissue, then did radiation, I would not have much left.... My implant is over the muscle so hopefully a one and done. I honestly do not think I could go through multiple surgeries. That is a bit too much to endure and I feel for all of the women and men that have to go through them. I have not started any further treatment yet. Waiting on more pathology and may get a second opinion on the next steps because that is the part I am most nervous about.
Hi - agree with you that we were in good hands with Dr. Specht. I'm at Dana Farber and finished 19 radiation treatments (invasive Lobular - no nodes) and now on Letrozole - i'm getting accustomed to it but have started Omega 3's which maybe helping with joint pain.
I see my onco in Oct and will report back as I'm hoping to get a supplemental MRI as very dense. DCIS - so glad you caught that early - was that with a regular mammo and do you have dense breasts - any sharing helpful and keep us posted! xoxox