Setting In

The reality is hitting tonight. I was diagnosed with ILC on 23 November and it's just been surreal. I've been going through the motions. Hasn't felt real until now. Had an appointment with surgeon last Wednesday and booked for Lumpectomy and node biopsy on 8th December. Having a bone scan and CT next Thursday and trying to mentally prepare for any surprises that may arise. I have had some time to think after last week's whirlwind of diagnosis and information and wondering about a mastectomy if surgeon can't get margins. Has anyone ever gone in for a Lumpectomy but if can't get margins then direct for a mastectomy in the one surgery. I have underlying health conditions so if I can reduce the amount of surgery the better. At this stage the surgery is scaring me almost as much as the cancer.
Regards
Regards
Winnie
2
Comments
It’s an unfortunate aspect of breast cancer that decisions often need to
be made when we feel shocked and confused. That’s why it’s often good to have another, less affected person with you at consultations. Some further discussion with your surgeon will help clarify the position. It’s useful for both of you - your surgeon needs to know your preferences and you need to know, more clearly, what your surgeon plans. It’s not at all
unusual to need these conversations. Most of us have had no practice at this sort of thing before! Best wishes.
So sorry you find yourself here. It really is so overwhelming in the beginning. I had a lumpectomy and node biopsy. Surgeon took a big bit out of me , about the size of an orange but luckily all the margins were clear. Relief! Hopefully you will get that result too. Have a chat to the Surgeon about the ' what if'. Most surgeons understand this is a stressful time and decision making is hard. You can call and talk to them before your surgery. They should take your call. Also have they assigned a breast care nurse? Maybe chat to them or call the nurses here at bcna for a chat. The whole thing is we don't have those crystal balls until they test via pathology. It is the pathology that determines the treatment.
Try not to get too far ahead of yourself and don't google if you can. The information on bcna is helpful. Keep busy and muster your support. Get a couple of meals prepared for post surgery as you probably won't feel like cooking. Recovery is ok from the lumpectomy but it does take a bit of time. You won't be too sore.
Take deep breaths often, maybe a bit of walking or other exercise to help prepare for your surgery. Believe in yourself. You can do this and i bet you are stronger than you think. Big hugs to you. 💐
Here's a couple of links from the BCNA website for you to learn a little more about your type of Breast Cancer
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/types-of-breast-cancer/
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/bcna-resources/podcasts/episode-22-invasive-lobular-carcinoma/
Deep breaths
It's doable!
Understanding and a treatment plan will bring focus
Take care
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As @FLClover says - they won't know until they get it out, to see if it is bigger than they thought and only the pathology will show the clearance margins ..... Surgeons don't normally do a mastectomy unless they have to ... mine was ILC (under the nipple) and I had a lumpectomy. I didn't have chemo but did have radiation & now on hormone tablets.
The Yanks have a dedicated Lobular web site that you may like to look at and I am on a Facebook ILC group too. (https://lobularbreastcancer.org/ (An American website is the main organisation that is especially dedicated to invasive lobular cancer.)
take care,take deep breaths and take one day at a time. Try and keep busy between the ‘waits’ doing things you love. It mucks with your brain as much as your body xxx
ask any questions you think of .... there are no silly questions. Xx
I listened to the webcast and I fall into the category where mine wasn't picked up on mammogram and I felt a strange lump so headed to Dr. I worry as I don't know how long this sneaky thing has been in there. Even my surgeon said she was amazed that I felt it as it doesn't present to her feel like other lumps. Moral of story get all changes checked.
It's a process and at this time all you try to stay in the present moment. Big breaths help that as does being busy, walking or anyone you can get absorbed in.
At night when I woke up (still do) I sometimes either read or listen to a podcast. My mind would wander sometimes but then I would get back to the reading etc. At night try something other than lying worrying.
It is great you got checked. Look after yourself and let us know how you are going. Best wishes
My cancer was also lobular and quite big at5.5cm ( not picked up on mammogram , I found a lump).
my Dr said it’s harder to get clear margins on lobular as it is like a spider web rather than a neat lump .
I decided to have a mastectomy straight up and it was the right decision as when he operated it was spread through my breast right up to my top of breast.
Everyone is different so it’s hard to give you the right advice but I agree with what someone said above , because you are in shock following the diagnosis ;( I felt like I was looking down on myself out of body when my GP told me it was cancer ) it is really helpful to have someone with you at those early medicals - my hubby was great.
The other thing is to a certain extent you need to trust what your Drs are telling you - we have a world class medical system in Australia and whether you are in the public or private system, you will get great cate in your breast cancer journey.
All the best.🌺
I think once I have my scans on Thursday I will feel better as then I know more what we are dealing with and hopefully be able to rule out any other issues. I feel like I have worked through the stress for today so thank you everyone for your support. I need to allow the process to happen and release controlling something that is not in my control at all. For now I'm spring cleaning the 🏠. That I can manage
If my margins are clear I will be doing radiation and am estrogens and progesterone receptor positive so will follow with hormonal treatment. I think my brain caught up with the diagnosis last night and went into over drive. Hopefully tonight I will have a better sleep.