I joined GRACE in 2010 when my husband was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. After he passed away in 2011, I lurked mostly, sometimes commenting on our experience with hospice. About 9 months ago, I stopped lurking. I felt it was time to get on with my life with my new husband.
However, I am now back, but this time it is for me. I felt a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago and went to my FP. He sent me over the same day for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. The said the lump was a irregularly marginated heterogeneous mass and marked it as bi-rad 4. I had a ultrasound guided needle biopsy done last Thursday and am awaiting results tomorrow.
I don't have any questions right now. I know that only 20-35% of these are malignant, but I am experiencing a lot of anxiety and know that this is a good place to get reassured.
Thanks,
Louise
Reply # - March 15, 2015, 04:53 PM
Hi Louise,
Hi Louise,
It is good to welcome back an old (meaning long-standing, not aged!) GRACE friend, and I'm glad to hear that you have married your new love and enjoying your life with him.
Of course I wish you didn't have this reason to return, but Lisa and I will keep you in our thoughts for good results from your biopsy. It's good that the odds are so much in your favor.
Please provide us with an update when you have it, and know that many here are wishing you well.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - March 16, 2015, 01:48 PM
Well, I got a call from the
Well, I got a call from the breast center this morning. I have invasive lobular carcinoma. I met with the surgeon this afternoon and will see the plastic surgeon on Wednesday to discuss reconstruction. Monday I have a breast MRI to help me make a decision to do a single or bilateral mastectomy.
Can you tell me what pleomorphic features are? That is about the only thing I didn't understand on my pathology.report.
Louise
Reply # - March 16, 2015, 02:48 PM
Hi Louise, I am so sorry
Hi Louise, I am so sorry about the diagnosis. I'd like to reach out from the computer to give you hugs and perhaps a cocktail.
Dr. Sanborn described pleomorphic this way, "I am sorry to hear about your father. A “pleomorphic carcinoma” in general means that a tumor contains a mixture of some elements of a more-common lung cancer, in addition to cells that look (under the microscope) more “sarcomatoid” (meaning that there are larger, or “giant” cells, or other types like “spindle cells” seen). The presence of these “sarcomatoid” components are in general what implies a more aggressive cancer." While the topic is lung cancer here my understanding is the description is general in nature. http://cancergrace.org/topic/treatment-for-pleomorphic-carcinoma
I'll ask for comment from a breast cancer specialist. You should hear back in the next day.
I hate so much to know you've now got to move through a cancer journey of you own. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Janine
Reply # - March 16, 2015, 02:50 PM
Have they done any other
Have they done any other scans to see if you might have metastasis anywhere else? I'd make sure this is done. Wishing you the best. Take care, Judy
Reply # - March 16, 2015, 03:01 PM
Pleomorphic typically refers
Pleomorphic typically refers to the in situ or non-invasive part of the lobular carcinoma (lobular carcinoma in situ component or LCIS) and means that those cells are more high grade. As you have an invasive lobular carcinoma, your treatment plan will be dictated by the invasive component and the pleomorphic nature of the LCIS is unlikely to change your treatment.
Dr. Cianfrocca
Reply # - March 16, 2015, 05:10 PM
Thanks all. My pathology
Thanks all. My pathology report says that I am estrogen and progesterone receptor positive, which I understand is a plus for treatment options. I am so much calmer now that I know what is going on. The surgeon says he wouldn't order the PET scan, so I will talk to the medical oncologist about it.
Louise
Reply # - March 17, 2015, 09:45 AM
It's good to know your stress
It's good to know your stress has calmed significantly. I remain adamant that this will be a dramatic and defining footnote in an otherwise adventurous and happy and much longer life. You know we're here for support and info.
Janine
Reply # - May 3, 2015, 06:00 PM
I am 4 weeks out from surgery
I am 4 weeks out from surgery. I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders placed. My recovery has gone very well and I have most of my strength back. My oncologist sent a sample in for Oncotype DX and and results came back with a score of 23, intermediate risk for reoccurrence. I also did more research on my family for cancer history. I knew there were 2 first cousins, one on each side with breast cancer. I also found out that there was another 1st cousin with breast cancer and that my maternal grandmother died from ovarian cancer. There is also colon, lung, stomach, pancreatic, skin and bone cancer spread out among parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
The combination of the intermediate score and extensive history of cancer on both sides of my family helped me to make the decision to have chemotherapy. The oncologist is using the TC regimen. 4 cycles, 3 weeks apart. I go in next Thursday to have my port placed, with my first treatment on May 12.
Louise
Reply # - May 4, 2015, 11:47 AM
Hi Louise,
Hi Louise,
I'm so glad your surgery went well and you've regain strength. Continue to heal!
Please take note from Zem's treatment and take care of chemo side effects before they become a problem.
I hope you keep us posted, use your doctors and nurses for their knowledge and experience.
Lots of ((((HUGS)))
Janine