A month ago I went to my GP to request a breast exam. Today, a hospital consultant confirmed that I have invasive breast cancer.
What I've been told today is that it's grade 2 breast cancer - lobular, of the right breast. ER PR pos HER2 neg. There's a 30% chance it's spread to the lymph nodes (scans looked clear but inflamed, but to the touch the nodes feel suspicious, he says), the surgeon will do a sentinel biopsy. Full mastectomy of right breast is booked for 4 weeks time and "abdominoplasty" (trying to read his handwriting, I might have got the word wrong) but he explained it was about pulling skin up from under the bust because he wants to remove all the skin round the tumours that are at the top of the breast, and the tumours have also retracted the breast upwards - in order that what's left after surgery doesn't pull tight. Then I'll have radiation. And I'll see what the biopsy says as to whether I'll also need chemo (I really hope not).
Oh - and I'll be on a hormone tablet every day for 10 years, he said.
I asked about the practicalities of a double mastectomy, given that I'm big busted (36H, UK bra size) and will be very, very asymmetrical in size and weight, but he advised not to. He said a reconstruction using tissue from my tummy or back might be possible one day. But as later he was concerned that there might not be enough skin for just the flat wound to not pull too tight, I can't imagine how that could ever be reconstructed to a breast shape at a later date.
I forgot to ask when I was there, whether I can look at the scans - I would really like to see what it all looks like compared to the healthy breast. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to ask one day. I don't think I'll be seeing him again till my surgery. Has anyone else wanted to see their scans?
I'm alternating from numb to upset to terrified at the moment.
Hi MoominAncestor
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer is very treatable these days and there is a lot of support out there. You can receive free counselling if you need it.
If you do end up needing Chemo it’s nothing to be frightened about. While I won’t say it’s easy it is doable. You get a lot of support from your oncology nurses if you need it.
I was diagnosed with Triple negative Breast Cancer in September 2020 and had eight rounds of chemo. While chemo easy at times I did manage to get through it without too many side effects. They give you medication to help counteract any side effects you may have and if it doesn’t work they will reduce your chemo dose or change your anti-sickness meds. You will be given a contact number for your oncology nurse before you start treatment so that you can ring them if things get bad.
Wishing you all best with your treatments.
Best wishes
Daisy
I am thanks MoominAncestor.
Hi Tupp
Welcome and sorry to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer is very treatable these days so while it’s easy for me to say try not too worry too much. I found that doing the things that I love and the great support I’m getting from family and friends help me come to terms with my diagnosis.
Wishing you the best of luck for your operation in June.
Best wishes
Daisy
