Phyllodes

Hi . I think it's great when members join the Online Community and offer newly diagnosed ladies the opportunity to swap experiences of individual diagnoses. The Consultants don't always get it  !00% right but if information is exchanged, no matter how seemingly insignificant, someone can pick up on that and a whole new approach is taken.

The more information we exchange the stronger we become. I myself have a different type of cancer but I can, in some way, help overcome the fear of the unknown, then I'll do it.

Hugs to you, B xx

Thanks MrsBJH you are right - talking to someone who has been through your experience can really help.  New diagnosis is always a scary time but particularly when it is something rare and it is hard to get reliable information.

Hi Staploe, I was recently diagnosed with phyllode at Guys’ hospital after a fibroadenoma removal surgery. The doctor cannot decide between borderline and malignant and they’re waiting input from specialists from Royal Marsden. They told me 2 surgery options: mastectomy or local wide removal, depends on what Royal Marsden says. Can I ask what surgery you had?

Hi Jessie,  I'm sorry to hear that.  I had a lumpectomy for clear margins.  Mine was small only 16mm but unfortunately it was high grade malignant.  But even so they said clear margins were the key and a mastectomy wouldn't reduce risk any more than lumpectomy.  It will depend in size.  If it is big then clear margins are difficult without a mastectomy.  Marsden are very experienced. They will give good advice.  How are you doing?  It's a huge shock when you are first diagnosed and hard because it is so rare.