Re: Comedo/Cornedo (Tomato/Tomahto)

[Guest guest]

,

Mine was infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Mine was 2.5 cm. In my opinion a

mastectomy would be highly advisable. If I had had a support group 16 yrs ago I

would have gone with a double mastectomy. I did not have reconstruction so can't

help you there and never heard of comedo type.

I had a bone scan but not a Pet scan. My surgery was over 16yrs ago so that

could be the difference. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

BreastCancerStories.com

http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

Comedo/Cornedo (Tomato/Tomahto)

Thanks for helping me firgure out that the pathology report

said " comedo " not " cornedo. " See info below.

I need more help from y'all. I have a lot of questions - all my

doctors have been on vacation this week, and I have not yet been

referred to an oncologist.

pathology: " infiltrating poorly differentiated duct carcinoma and

intraductal carcinoma, high-grade, comedo type. " No additional

information available until this coming week.

My understanding is infiltrating, poorly differentiated, high-grade

and comedo type all mean a more aggressive and/or advanced type of

cancer. Yes?

Other info: I saw the mammogram pictures, multiple ducts are involved,

so the surgeon feels mastectomy is recommended. The largest tumor is

5 cm, so before anything else is known, it is stage 2.

Is it standard to have full-body PET/Ct and bone scans at this point,

or is it indicative of a more-informed concern about spreading?

I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left is

uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be shortly

after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me as

possible for this important event.

I did go and pick out a wig yesterday. The woman was really nice, so

it wasn't as traumatic as I had feared. As I say, these details are

unpleasantly impinging on my denial. ;-)

Please share! Remember what it was like when you first learned?

THANKS!

http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/dcis.asp

The term, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), refers to a family of

cancers that occur in the breast ducts. There are two categories of

DCIS: non-comedo and comedo. The term, comedo, describes the

appearance of the cancer. When comedo type breast tumors are cut, the

dead cells inside of them (necrosis) can be expressed out just like a

comedo or blackhead on the skin.

Comedo type DCIS (also referred to as Comedocarcinoma) tends to be

more aggressive than the non-comedo types of DCIS. Pathologists are

able to easily distinguish between comedo type DCIS and other non-

comedo types when examining the cells under a microscope because

comedo type DCIS tends to plug the center of the breast ducts with

necrosis (dead cells). When necrosis is associated with cancer, it

often means that the cancer is able to grow quickly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.3/423 - Release Date: 8/18/2006

[Guest guest]

,

My understanding is infiltrating, poorly differentiated, high-grade

> and comedo type all mean a more aggressive and/or advanced type of

> cancer. Yes?

Yes. You are most likely a grade 3 (me too). I could almost feel the damn thing

growing.

> Other info: I saw the mammogram pictures, multiple ducts are involved,

> so the surgeon feels mastectomy is recommended. The largest tumor is

> 5 cm, so before anything else is known, it is stage 2.

I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do you know your

tumor hormone

profile at this point?

> Is it standard to have full-body PET/Ct and bone scans at this point,

> or is it indicative of a more-informed concern about spreading?

Yes. Anytime the surgeon in concerned about an aggressive cancer, it's off to

the imaging center.

And you might be having an echocardiogram later, if chemo is in your future. One

of the chemo

drugs, Adriamycin, can have some toxic cardiac effects, so they want to make

sure we can withstand

it.

> I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left is

> uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

> What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so the difference

isn't wacky. I

also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

> I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be shortly

> after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me as

> possible for this important event.

If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are more than

mammary tissue and

hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your son might want

you to look

" normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating from the norm.

> I did go and pick out a wig yesterday. The woman was really nice, so

> it wasn't as traumatic as I had feared. As I say, these details are

> unpleasantly impinging on my denial. ;-)

I never wore my wig. I shed my hair as it got warmer. The one time I wore it, I

started sweating

and itching. I think I lasted about 25 minutes. I feel most confident in my

husband's fishing hat.

Most of us have shaved our heads as soon as the hair started falling out because

it gets

everywhere! I have enough work keeping the dog hair from taking over the house.

> Please share! Remember what it was like when you first learned?

All of us will never forget those moments. They are right up there with

childbirth and marriage as

defining life moments.

Take care, . If you need anything, holler!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

My understanding is infiltrating, poorly differentiated, high-grade

> and comedo type all mean a more aggressive and/or advanced type of

> cancer. Yes?

Yes. You are most likely a grade 3 (me too). I could almost feel the damn thing

growing.

> Other info: I saw the mammogram pictures, multiple ducts are involved,

> so the surgeon feels mastectomy is recommended. The largest tumor is

> 5 cm, so before anything else is known, it is stage 2.

I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do you know your

tumor hormone

profile at this point?

> Is it standard to have full-body PET/Ct and bone scans at this point,

> or is it indicative of a more-informed concern about spreading?

Yes. Anytime the surgeon in concerned about an aggressive cancer, it's off to

the imaging center.

And you might be having an echocardiogram later, if chemo is in your future. One

of the chemo

drugs, Adriamycin, can have some toxic cardiac effects, so they want to make

sure we can withstand

it.

> I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left is

> uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

> What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so the difference

isn't wacky. I

also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

> I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be shortly

> after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me as

> possible for this important event.

If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are more than

mammary tissue and

hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your son might want

you to look

" normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating from the norm.

> I did go and pick out a wig yesterday. The woman was really nice, so

> it wasn't as traumatic as I had feared. As I say, these details are

> unpleasantly impinging on my denial. ;-)

I never wore my wig. I shed my hair as it got warmer. The one time I wore it, I

started sweating

and itching. I think I lasted about 25 minutes. I feel most confident in my

husband's fishing hat.

Most of us have shaved our heads as soon as the hair started falling out because

it gets

everywhere! I have enough work keeping the dog hair from taking over the house.

> Please share! Remember what it was like when you first learned?

All of us will never forget those moments. They are right up there with

childbirth and marriage as

defining life moments.

Take care, . If you need anything, holler!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

My understanding is infiltrating, poorly differentiated, high-grade

> and comedo type all mean a more aggressive and/or advanced type of

> cancer. Yes?

Yes. You are most likely a grade 3 (me too). I could almost feel the damn thing

growing.

> Other info: I saw the mammogram pictures, multiple ducts are involved,

> so the surgeon feels mastectomy is recommended. The largest tumor is

> 5 cm, so before anything else is known, it is stage 2.

I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do you know your

tumor hormone

profile at this point?

> Is it standard to have full-body PET/Ct and bone scans at this point,

> or is it indicative of a more-informed concern about spreading?

Yes. Anytime the surgeon in concerned about an aggressive cancer, it's off to

the imaging center.

And you might be having an echocardiogram later, if chemo is in your future. One

of the chemo

drugs, Adriamycin, can have some toxic cardiac effects, so they want to make

sure we can withstand

it.

> I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left is

> uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

> What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so the difference

isn't wacky. I

also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

> I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be shortly

> after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me as

> possible for this important event.

If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are more than

mammary tissue and

hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your son might want

you to look

" normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating from the norm.

> I did go and pick out a wig yesterday. The woman was really nice, so

> it wasn't as traumatic as I had feared. As I say, these details are

> unpleasantly impinging on my denial. ;-)

I never wore my wig. I shed my hair as it got warmer. The one time I wore it, I

started sweating

and itching. I think I lasted about 25 minutes. I feel most confident in my

husband's fishing hat.

Most of us have shaved our heads as soon as the hair started falling out because

it gets

everywhere! I have enough work keeping the dog hair from taking over the house.

> Please share! Remember what it was like when you first learned?

All of us will never forget those moments. They are right up there with

childbirth and marriage as

defining life moments.

Take care, . If you need anything, holler!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks

>

> I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do

you know your tumor hormone

> profile at this point?

>

Still waiting on this info, expected Tuesday.

>

> > I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left

is

> > uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

> I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

Yes, I do. Has anyone chosen to have both breasts taken and

regretted it?

> > What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

> I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so

the difference isn't wacky. I

> also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

My breasts have always been large - they're a " big " part of me, ha

ha. 40DD

>

> > I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be

shortly

> > after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me

as

> > possible for this important event.

> If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are

more than mammary tissue and

> hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your

son might want you to look

> " normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating

from the norm.

I guess I'm thinking I will have no idea what kinds of clothes to

wear with a different shape - I guess I'll have to let go of this

particular " fear " for now.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks

>

> I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do

you know your tumor hormone

> profile at this point?

>

Still waiting on this info, expected Tuesday.

>

> > I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left

is

> > uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

> I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

Yes, I do. Has anyone chosen to have both breasts taken and

regretted it?

> > What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

> I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so

the difference isn't wacky. I

> also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

My breasts have always been large - they're a " big " part of me, ha

ha. 40DD

>

> > I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be

shortly

> > after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me

as

> > possible for this important event.

> If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are

more than mammary tissue and

> hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your

son might want you to look

> " normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating

from the norm.

I guess I'm thinking I will have no idea what kinds of clothes to

wear with a different shape - I guess I'll have to let go of this

particular " fear " for now.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you are going to the Bar Mitvah flat, you have a chance to wear some lovely

things that you

couldn't previously, due to your bustline. You could take advantage of it and

wear something in a

20's flapper silhouette - a nice drapey velvet with the waist at the hipline. Or

you could wear

the fake breast/s for the special event.

Keep us posted, . I know this is a tough time for you.

> Thanks

> >

> > I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do

> you know your tumor hormone

> > profile at this point?

> >

> Still waiting on this info, expected Tuesday.

> >

> > > I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left

> is

> > > uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

> > I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

>

> Yes, I do. Has anyone chosen to have both breasts taken and

> regretted it?

>

> > > What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

> > I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so

> the difference isn't wacky. I

> > also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

>

> My breasts have always been large - they're a " big " part of me, ha

> ha. 40DD

>

> >

> > > I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be

> shortly

> > > after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me

> as

> > > possible for this important event.

> > If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are

> more than mammary tissue and

> > hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your

> son might want you to look

> > " normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating

> from the norm.

>

> I guess I'm thinking I will have no idea what kinds of clothes to

> wear with a different shape - I guess I'll have to let go of this

> particular " fear " for now.

>

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

If you are going to the Bar Mitvah flat, you have a chance to wear some lovely

things that you

couldn't previously, due to your bustline. You could take advantage of it and

wear something in a

20's flapper silhouette - a nice drapey velvet with the waist at the hipline. Or

you could wear

the fake breast/s for the special event.

Keep us posted, . I know this is a tough time for you.

> Thanks

> >

> > I had a mastecomy as my tumor was 4.9 cm. I was ER/PR+, HER-. Do

> you know your tumor hormone

> > profile at this point?

> >

> Still waiting on this info, expected Tuesday.

> >

> > > I have not yet asked, but will, about doing both breasts (left

> is

> > > uninvolved), because I do not want to do it twice. Comments?

> > I very much wish I had done that. Less to worry about, you know?

>

> Yes, I do. Has anyone chosen to have both breasts taken and

> regretted it?

>

> > > What is your experience with reconstruction right away vs. later?

> > I don't want reconstruction. My breasts weren't all that big, so

> the difference isn't wacky. I

> > also don't wear a breast form. Too sweaty and bothersome.

>

> My breasts have always been large - they're a " big " part of me, ha

> ha. 40DD

>

> >

> > > I'm especially concerned because my son's bar mitzvah will be

> shortly

> > > after the surgery, and I want to feel (and look) as much like me

> as

> > > possible for this important event.

> > If so, you may want to think about reconstruction later. You are

> more than mammary tissue and

> > hair, so you will be " you " no matter how you look. However, your

> son might want you to look

> > " normal " , as he is 13. And you know how teens are about deviating

> from the norm.

>

> I guess I'm thinking I will have no idea what kinds of clothes to

> wear with a different shape - I guess I'll have to let go of this

> particular " fear " for now.

>

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

This is a scary time, I feel the most frustrated

because I can never find a straight answer to my

personal cancer. I'm 34(just recently find out I have

cancer) and my cancer was described as yours, my tumor

was 6.2 cm in the end. I'm ER/PR- and waiting on a FSH

test to clarify my Her status. I just had a mastectomy

and reconstruction(tram) and will soon start

chemotherapy. I'm a stage IIIa, which I'm so upset

about, I really don't know what will happen but I

think it is important to share with you some things

that were shared with me.

Be aggressive with your treatment and course of

action. Please look into a few other opinions(I had

3), you really don't hear different takes on the type

of cancer but on what you should do about it. You will

need to go with what you feel most comfortable with.

You have a cancer that is aggressive and you need to

take charge, don't settle for something when it

doesn't feel right to you. I don't want to be an

alarmist, but it really is important to look around. I

found that cancer center or surgeons and oncologist

who specialize in only breast cancer where the most

educated on the most recent procedures. Advancements

are happening and you want to take advantage, well

that's my opinion:)

My original surgeon and I agreed to mastectomy then

reconstruction later so that I could begin

chemotherapy sooner. Well I was okay with that but

when I looked into it more it just didn't seem good

enough for me. I finally was referred to a Surgeon in

NY,who only works with breast cancer patients, by a

friends who's mother swears that he saved her life. He

agreed to see me early one morning before his other

patients, so we drove 2+ hours to meet with him. Well,

it was well worth it. He states that only 5% of women

shouldn't do reconstruction and I wasn't one of the

5%(sorry I know can't remember who shouldn't) and that

he worked with a group of plastic surgeons that he has

been working with for the last 15-20 years. Wow, what

a difference. It meant that I didn't have to search

for a ps nor would I need to coordinate the surgery,

they did. Of course I researched the ps that was

available and she was wonderful. The results are

amazing, if you like I will send you pictures. Plus

this groups did hundreds of this kind of surgery vs

some hospitals who only may do 30 a year. I didn't

want to be a first for anyone.

What I'm trying to say is it is best not to go with a

general surgeon, but with surgeon who specializes in

breasts.

Now, the reconstruction I did was the Tram, where the

tissue from my stomach was used to rebuild my breast.

My family and friends marvel about what a great job,

there are not stitches around the breast, only around

where she transplanted the nipple. It is my skin when

I look down(stretch marks and all from past

pregnancy;) Really ,you may want to see my pictures

because when I tried to find pics on the Internet, I

didn't see many that I thought were good.

I hope this helped, I feel passionate about educating

ourselves, and I also believe we must feel confidant

in our choice. Please email me directly if you would

like to ask more questions or to see my pictures.

Take care,

from NJ

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks again ; this is a scary time. I am actually concerned

that with more testing, they will " up " my stage to IIIa, like you.

Of course, statistics are not that important for each individual --

it's only ever 100% or 0% - and I am determined to be a 100%

survivor.

PS. Mark Twain said, " There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned

lies, and statistics. " :-)

>

> ,

>

> This is a scary time, I feel the most frustrated

> because I can never find a straight answer to my

> personal cancer. I'm 34(just recently find out I have

> cancer) and my cancer was described as yours, my tumor

> was 6.2 cm in the end. I'm ER/PR- and waiting on a FSH

> test to clarify my Her status. I just had a mastectomy

> and reconstruction(tram) and will soon start

> chemotherapy. I'm a stage IIIa, which I'm so upset

> about, I really don't know what will happen but I

> think it is important to share with you some things

> that were shared with me.

>

> Be aggressive with your treatment and course of

> action. Please look into a few other opinions(I had

> 3), you really don't hear different takes on the type

> of cancer but on what you should do about it. You will

> need to go with what you feel most comfortable with.

> You have a cancer that is aggressive and you need to

> take charge, don't settle for something when it

> doesn't feel right to you. I don't want to be an

> alarmist, but it really is important to look around. I

> found that cancer center or surgeons and oncologist

> who specialize in only breast cancer where the most

> educated on the most recent procedures. Advancements

> are happening and you want to take advantage, well

> that's my opinion:)

>

> My original surgeon and I agreed to mastectomy then

> reconstruction later so that I could begin

> chemotherapy sooner. Well I was okay with that but

> when I looked into it more it just didn't seem good

> enough for me. I finally was referred to a Surgeon in

> NY,who only works with breast cancer patients, by a

> friends who's mother swears that he saved her life. He

> agreed to see me early one morning before his other

> patients, so we drove 2+ hours to meet with him. Well,

> it was well worth it. He states that only 5% of women

> shouldn't do reconstruction and I wasn't one of the

> 5%(sorry I know can't remember who shouldn't) and that

> he worked with a group of plastic surgeons that he has

> been working with for the last 15-20 years. Wow, what

> a difference. It meant that I didn't have to search

> for a ps nor would I need to coordinate the surgery,

> they did. Of course I researched the ps that was

> available and she was wonderful. The results are

> amazing, if you like I will send you pictures. Plus

> this groups did hundreds of this kind of surgery vs

> some hospitals who only may do 30 a year. I didn't

> want to be a first for anyone.

> What I'm trying to say is it is best not to go with a

> general surgeon, but with surgeon who specializes in

> breasts.

>

> Now, the reconstruction I did was the Tram, where the

> tissue from my stomach was used to rebuild my breast.

> My family and friends marvel about what a great job,

> there are not stitches around the breast, only around

> where she transplanted the nipple. It is my skin when

> I look down(stretch marks and all from past

> pregnancy;) Really ,you may want to see my pictures

> because when I tried to find pics on the Internet, I

> didn't see many that I thought were good.

>

> I hope this helped, I feel passionate about educating

> ourselves, and I also believe we must feel confidant

> in our choice. Please email me directly if you would

> like to ask more questions or to see my pictures.

>

> Take care,

> from NJ

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Keep the below in mind when the oncs start giving you the disease free

survival statistics for any particular chemotherapy. See the

following on " Weighing Treatment Options " from breastcancer.org

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment_stats.html

Ruth

PS There is a big difference between absolute and relative statistics!

>

>

> PS. Mark Twain said, " There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned

> lies, and statistics. " :-)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am a stage 111...if you need any information i have my computer on most of the

day....

Betsy (North Carolina)

Note: forwarded message attached.