Worried, suspicious lesions found: Thought I was cancer free

Pinkbean, it’s a really tough time going through discovery and then the dreaded diagnosis. I went through this first week of Jan. 2022… putting all notions of a Happy New Year to rest! although I had a “normal” mammo in October, an MRI picked up two malignant tumors with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ( IDC) in the same breast ( multi foci) and one positive node ( ultimately 2 sentinel nodes were positive ).

Both tumors were bio similar in my case. It is possible to have two or more tumors in one breast that are not biologically similar and each require a different treatment. The world of breast cancer is way more complex than I had ever known with many types and variables. Incredible research has helped identify and treat all types even if different in the same breast.

I had a unilateral mastectomy in February. My diagnosis (tumor feature) made me eligible for an ONCOTYPE analysis that determined that chemotherapy would not be of benefit . As I am estrogen positive ( tumor needs estrogen to live) I take an AROMATASE INHIBITOR (AI) daily to help prevent estradiol from converting into estrogen.

For some breast cancers, chemotherapy is needed to shrink tumors prior to surgery so more biopsies are sometimes needed. It is indeed very difficult to learn that more concerns are being found each time. The diagnostic phase is excruciating and the wait unbearable.

During an unbearable 3 week waiting on ONCOTYPE my oncologist advised me to go out west and visit my daughter and grandchildren. Hard to imagine but I did relax and enjoy and put IT aside.

So, if you can find some opportunity to put this “aside” while you wait, I encourage that you do.

It turned out that my HAPPY NEW YEAR was diagnosing that I had BC … so that I could take every measure to treat as early as possible.

I’ll be thinking of you. Let us know how you are doing as you learn more. This is a safe place to “ talk”. Hugs 🌸

Jump to this post

@anjalima
Thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate your kindness and feel safe in this place talking about my feelings in this difficult time.

The radiologist told me she had 30% of patients have more findings of cancer after further test. It's not uncommon to have multi cancer on the same breast.

I met a breast surgeon today and she gave me more explanations on what could be the potential treatment based on different bio test result. She did mention about ONCOTYPE test that will be done after the surgery. My 1st DCIS showed PR/ER positive and they need know the new tumors bio type and hope they are the same type. If I have PR+/ER+/HER2-, they will order ONCOTYPE to determine if a chemo is needed after surgery. She said the neoadjuvant chemo (before surgery chemo) has the same survival rate with after surgery chemo. In my case, it not mandatory to have chemo before surgery because I still need mastectomy even though the tumor could shrink. In the case of chemo doesn't work, it wastes the precious time for surgery.

The ONCOTYPE test will be conducted after surgery. My next goal is to have the biopsy result by early next week and have surgery soon. I have 1 week waiting time and I will spend more time on work to get rid of the anxiety and prepare for time off after surgery. Put "cancer" aside for 1 week. It seems there are many milestones one after another.

I will stay positive and share the progress of my treatment. Thanks again.

Jump to this post

@windyshores thanks for reply.
I should know the results by early next week. Had biopsy this morning.

I consulted a breast surgeon today, she suggests me to have the mastectomy on the cancer breast now and have another one anytime in future. I want the flat now and may consider the construction when I can worry about the cosmetics. Will keep all posted of the test.

Jump to this post

I wondering if one can choose flat initially and then reconstruct later? Did the surgeon say this was an option?

Jump to this post

I am thrilled to say my PET scan showed no cancer. Scheduled for my first post oper mammogram today and radiation should begin after Christmas. So blessed!!!!!

Jump to this post

There is an option. I consulted plastic surgeon. One can always do the reconstruction after mastectomy.

Jump to this post

Hi all,

When you select surgeon and hospital, what is the consideration?

My situation now is my primary surgeon is 23 years of experiences, she works with private hospitals and other doctors such as Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist etc. She is referred by my family doctor and I was told she is pretty good surgeon in the area.

My 2nd opinion surgeon is from the best public hospital (leading medical school in the nation) which ranked No. 1 hospital in the metro area for last 6 years. This surgeon has around 10 years of experiences and just joined this medical school as assistant processor this year. Her education is all in prestigious schools and hospitals. I met her yesterday and she is very nice and proactively helping patient.

From surgery perspective, I feel they are similar. From post-surgery follow up, there will be difference in terms of where I can do the post-surgery treatment and regular checkups. They can book the same surgery date for me.

I would like to learn from you of your selection process. Please share your experiences and recommendations. Thank you.

Jump to this post