Guest guest Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Hi There! I am brand new here, as well as to the diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 57. A couple months ago, I found a small palpable spot in my right breast which I thought was probably scar tissue from surgery years ago. My primary care physician could feel nothing, and repeat mammograms showed no changes compared with previous years. But they wisely referred me to a breast surgeon for further testing, saying that a woman knows her body best. So I had an ultrasound with needle biopsy, and they also took one from the other side... for good measure. On February 13th, you could have bowled me over when the pathology results of the breast biopsies were confirmed as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in BOTH!! How common is it to have a first occurance of cancer in BOTH breasts??? On February 18th, I went for Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. How many of you have gotten your first clear view of your cancers using this imaging method? No other spots were found in either breast, but the lymph nodes do not show up in this procedure. Now I am scheduled for surgery next Thursday (March 1st), for a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Only then will we know the stage of the cancer(s). I have many decisions to make and I can sure use some input from those who are also going through their trials or have gotten past the worst of it. My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to get the ball rolling faster than it does. Here's the crazy thing... almost two years ago, my neurologist told me she thought I had all the symptoms of PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME, but with no sign of the accompanying cancer. She ordered several MRIs (chest, brain, and I forget what else) to see if there were any signs of it, but they came up negative. She told me that sometimes the cancer shows up later, so to keep vigilent. Then I lost insurance for a year and had to quit seeing her. When I called to tell her the recent diagnosis, she said that it sure seems to confirm her previous diagnosis. So here's another question for you all... is anyone in this group familiar with Paraneoplastic Syndrome (please look up the info online)? And if so, what can you tell me about your own experience with it? Penny (in Houston) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 I was 47- both breasts 5mm and 1mm. Came back 3 years later both breasts again! 6mm and 6mm. Bilateral mastectomy done If only I had known I would have done the mastectomy sooner. Marcia > > Hi There! > > I am brand new here, as well as to the diagnosis of breast cancer at > the age of 57. A couple months ago, I found a small palpable spot in > my right breast which I thought was probably scar tissue from surgery > years ago. My primary care physician could feel nothing, and repeat > mammograms showed no changes compared with previous years. But they > wisely referred me to a breast surgeon for further testing, saying > that a woman knows her body best. So I had an ultrasound with needle > biopsy, and they also took one from the other side... for good > measure. > > On February 13th, you could have bowled me over when the pathology > results of the breast biopsies were confirmed as Invasive Ductal > Carcinoma in BOTH!! How common is it to have a first occurance of > cancer in BOTH breasts??? > > On February 18th, I went for Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. How many > of you have gotten your first clear view of your cancers using this > imaging method? No other spots were found in either breast, but the > lymph nodes do not show up in this procedure. > > Now I am scheduled for surgery next Thursday (March 1st), for a > sentinel lymph node biopsy. Only then will we know the stage of the > cancer(s). > > I have many decisions to make and I can sure use some input from > those who are also going through their trials or have gotten past the > worst of it. > > My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off > my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more > use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to > get the ball rolling faster than it does. > > Here's the crazy thing... almost two years ago, my neurologist told > me she thought I had all the symptoms of PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME, but > with no sign of the accompanying cancer. She ordered several MRIs > (chest, brain, and I forget what else) to see if there were any signs > of it, but they came up negative. She told me that sometimes the > cancer shows up later, so to keep vigilent. Then I lost insurance for > a year and had to quit seeing her. When I called to tell her the > recent diagnosis, she said that it sure seems to confirm her previous > diagnosis. > > So here's another question for you all... is anyone in this group > familiar with Paraneoplastic Syndrome (please look up the info > online)? And if so, what can you tell me about your own experience > with it? > > Penny (in Houston) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Penny welcome to the group. I am glad you went to the breast surgeon but sorry to hear about cancer in both breasts. I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, 1 bad node out of 23, 6 mo of chemo (12 treatments) no radiation or reconstruction. That was back in 1990 and I am doing fine. I was 44 at that time. I opted for a mastectomy with no reconstruction and never regretted it. The only thing I do regret is not having both breasts removed. At that time we didn't have a computer plus I didn't know of anyone with breast cancer. 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 BRAND NEW HERE Hi There! I am brand new here, as well as to the diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 57. A couple months ago, I found a small palpable spot in my right breast which I thought was probably scar tissue from surgery years ago. My primary care physician could feel nothing, and repeat mammograms showed no changes compared with previous years. But they wisely referred me to a breast surgeon for further testing, saying that a woman knows her body best. So I had an ultrasound with needle biopsy, and they also took one from the other side... for good measure. On February 13th, you could have bowled me over when the pathology results of the breast biopsies were confirmed as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in BOTH!! How common is it to have a first occurance of cancer in BOTH breasts??? On February 18th, I went for Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. How many of you have gotten your first clear view of your cancers using this imaging method? No other spots were found in either breast, but the lymph nodes do not show up in this procedure. Now I am scheduled for surgery next Thursday (March 1st), for a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Only then will we know the stage of the cancer(s). I have many decisions to make and I can sure use some input from those who are also going through their trials or have gotten past the worst of it. My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to get the ball rolling faster than it does. Here's the crazy thing... almost two years ago, my neurologist told me she thought I had all the symptoms of PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME, but with no sign of the accompanying cancer. She ordered several MRIs (chest, brain, and I forget what else) to see if there were any signs of it, but they came up negative. She told me that sometimes the cancer shows up later, so to keep vigilent. Then I lost insurance for a year and had to quit seeing her. When I called to tell her the recent diagnosis, she said that it sure seems to confirm her previous diagnosis. So here's another question for you all... is anyone in this group familiar with Paraneoplastic Syndrome (please look up the info online)? And if so, what can you tell me about your own experience with it? Penny (in Houston) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 - Release Date: 2/18/2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Dear Lucinda, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your post...it's refreshing to see someone with your incredible sense of humor!! I had a double in 6/04 and other than tennis, which I never did anyway, I have NO regrets. I wish you all things beautiful as you proceed with treatment. I've been blessed with an incredible man in my life for 25 years (April)...he wasn't a " boob " man either! It's your heart, sister, not your boobs that make you a woman... Best, ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Welcome, Penny! I want to respond to: " My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to get the ball rolling faster than it does. " Me! Me! I want them off too! I have a tumor on the right breast, and when I discussed options with my Breast surgeon (yes, that's all she works with), she said I could have the whole breast removed and reconstructed. I asked her what about just going ahead and removing both with NO reconstruction? Or just do reductions so both would match smaller(I wear a 40D bra and that's not very comfortable). She said that was also an option. She questioned my feelings about my breasts. I told that at my age (54), they serve no function except to keep me from looking bottom heavy (I guess I'll have to work on the belly & butt, right? LOL!) My husband was sitting right there, and the look on his face was priceless! So the doctor asked him how he felt, and I treasure his reply. " I'd rather have her " boobless " and around for a long time. " Hmmmmm...he always said he was a leg and thigh man...I thought he was just referring to chicken! As far as a time line goes for me, I'm having chemo first, then the surgery about mid-June. This works out just fine for me, since I'm a teacher, and I have been able to keep up with school pretty well. I take the Friday off for chemo, and then have the weekend and Monday to recover. Then it's back to school for another 2-1/2 weeks until the next treatment. Keep us posted with how things are going. Can't say I'm having a " blast " with this, but it sure is an interesting " lump in the road " ! Lucinda in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 I had cancer only in my left breast. When the doctor offered either breast conserving surgery or a mastectomy, I chose a mastectomy. And then I told him that if my insurance would cover it, I'd like the right side removed as well. My surgery was in December. Now I'm flat and don't regret what I've done. I love not having to wear a bra. I was a D cup, but only 5'3'', so I look more balanced now, I think. I haven't even gotten prothesis (prothesises???) yet. I'm able to wear shirts that button up the front w/o gapping. I'm able to wear tight fitting shirts w/o looking like I'm advertising my boobs. It is actually fun to shop for clothes now since I can wear shirts that fit across the shoulders. > > Hi There! > > I am brand new here, as well as to the diagnosis of breast cancer at > the age of 57. A couple months ago, I found a small palpable spot in > my right breast which I thought was probably scar tissue from surgery > years ago. My primary care physician could feel nothing, and repeat > mammograms showed no changes compared with previous years. But they > wisely referred me to a breast surgeon for further testing, saying > that a woman knows her body best. So I had an ultrasound with needle > biopsy, and they also took one from the other side... for good > measure. > > On February 13th, you could have bowled me over when the pathology > results of the breast biopsies were confirmed as Invasive Ductal > Carcinoma in BOTH!! How common is it to have a first occurance of > cancer in BOTH breasts??? > > On February 18th, I went for Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. How many > of you have gotten your first clear view of your cancers using this > imaging method? No other spots were found in either breast, but the > lymph nodes do not show up in this procedure. > > Now I am scheduled for surgery next Thursday (March 1st), for a > sentinel lymph node biopsy. Only then will we know the stage of the > cancer(s). > > I have many decisions to make and I can sure use some input from > those who are also going through their trials or have gotten past the > worst of it. > > My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off > my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more > use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to > get the ball rolling faster than it does. > > Here's the crazy thing... almost two years ago, my neurologist told > me she thought I had all the symptoms of PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME, but > with no sign of the accompanying cancer. She ordered several MRIs > (chest, brain, and I forget what else) to see if there were any signs > of it, but they came up negative. She told me that sometimes the > cancer shows up later, so to keep vigilent. Then I lost insurance for > a year and had to quit seeing her. When I called to tell her the > recent diagnosis, she said that it sure seems to confirm her previous > diagnosis. > > So here's another question for you all... is anyone in this group > familiar with Paraneoplastic Syndrome (please look up the info > online)? And if so, what can you tell me about your own experience > with it? > > Penny (in Houston) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 > > My reaction since diagnosis is to get these " disgusting things " off > my body... " the gals on my chest " have let me down and I have no more > use for them. Is this a common reaction? I am antsy and just want to > get the ball rolling faster than it does. -------------------------------- Hi Penny, I can't answer your other questions, but, like you, my first reaction was to get rid of a part of my body that had " betrayed " me. Interestingly, I wanted to get *him* off my chest.....my breast had changed sexes!! My hubby's reaction was to get that *thing* in the trash can asap, soas to extend my life. As to reconstruction, I just wanted to get the removal done without complications and make that decision later...it's only been a few months and still haven't decided. Deal what's on your plate now, the future will take care of itself. The sun will come out again for you. Kathleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 You wonederful, gracious ladies! What a blessing it is to share this life after cancer with you all. Thanks for bringing humor to the group. ssist@... wrote: Dear Lucinda, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your post...it's refreshing to see someone with your incredible sense of humor!! I had a double in 6/04 and other than tennis, which I never did anyway, I have NO regrets. I wish you all things beautiful as you proceed with treatment. I've been blessed with an incredible man in my life for 25 years (April)...he wasn't a " boob " man either! It's your heart, sister, not your boobs that make you a woman... Best, ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.