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

Hi, thank you very much. You are so helpful.

Hi Vickee,
I was 70 at my diagnosis in 2022 of stage 1 ILC in one breast and IDC in the other. I had a DMX. I also have osteoporosis and had 2 spinal compression fractures at the same time. So even tho I was way past menopause they put me on Tamoxifen because it can help your bones (if taken after menopause). The usual Aromatase Inhibitors that are given to bc patients after menopause can cause more bone loss. So those are not for me.
I had some mild hot flashes every night after starting tamoxifen, for maybe a year. I used a fan (either a little battery powered one, or an old fashioned fan) and that helped. I don't have the hot flashes anymore. I would say my mind wanders a little more than it did before tamoxifen but I can handle that. Again I would say that's mild. I had my surgery and aftercare at Mayo Rochester and they told me it was important to make sure and get up and move your legs, so walk around every 2 hours if you have been sitting or riding in the car or flying in a plane. That's important because there is a very slight risk of blood clots while on tamoxifen. So I make sure that I do that. Some women have no side effects at all. I hope that is the case for you! I take the 20mg pill right before bed as I read on different bc sites that women who take it at night before bed seem to have less side effects. So I figured ok why not take it at bedtime. As I take the pill I say to myself, "this tamoxifen is helping me, it's not harming me". Then when I say my prayers I ask for "help not harm" from tamoxifen. I am a believer in a positive attitude and a lot of prayer. Sending love and healing wishes to you and to all on this site❤️

I am new LBC patient. I have not started hormone therapy. I would like ask if every one who takes tamoxifin will has side effects, does anyone not have any side effects?

I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in August. I had single mastectomy 3 weeks ago. Can anyone tell me when will this pain, soreness and swelling go away ? Is there any cream, etc to help with that?

Hello,

My Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Stage 3c was found last October. Many tests and a mastectomy,
later - 3 different chemo treatments and 33 rounds of radiation - ended at the end of August.
My burns were finally healed just last weekend. I'm now taking drugs to help stop my cells
from turning into cancer cells and hoping for more than the 2 years my oncologist gave me.
It figures I would get something that hasn't been around very long.

I hope you ladies are doing well

Since I am new to this group, I’m never sure if I’m responding to someone or posting a new comment. This is new. This morning I met with my radiation oncologist (cancer patients have a lot of appointments!) Although at first he suggested one week of radiation, after reading the post-surgery pathology notes, he feels 3 weeks would be better. My core biopsy noted tubulo-lobular cells. But the path report on the excised malignancy was lobular and ductal. Because of the lobular spread (or some such thing) he wants to make sure he gets it all. I’m with him on that. But I was disappointed that lobular had reared its ugly head again. I think there’s more to learn about it.

There is a wonderful FB group: Invasive Lobular Cancer Science and Support, just use the search button. Be aware that there are a bunch of pseudo groups selling all kinds of stuff to cancer patients! Also, please join the FB group for Mepitel Film. It is a non adhesive film to use throughout your radiation to reduce the risk of burned skin. It is in clinical trials and not yet FDA approved but can be purchased from Mayo or medical supply houses in Canada. It saved my skin😊

That’s great to hear. I hope your recovery continues to go well and you can move on to the next phase.

Recovery going well. I think because my lymph nodes were not involved, my arm feels pretty good. I've made an effort to get out and walk. 👍

Good for you! It can be easy to lose yourself in this. My motto was keep moving forward! As for my symptoms, I had none. It was found during a routine mammogram, and I was told they were surprised it was even picked up. Stage 1A.