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positive3negati's avatar
positive3negati
Member
12 years ago

Unhappy News

Unhappy news: The pathology shows active cancer.

DCIS but it had started to become invasive.

This is not an option we were expecting.

I've asked my surgeon to find out the mitotic rate. I want to know if this is the same cancer or if I'm one of those rare, unlucky people for whom radiation and/or chemotherapy have caused a more aggressive mutation.

My doctor is recommending a mastectomy. If it's survived chemo and radiation it's too aggressive to risk it. Sad.

I'm still happy with all of the choices I've made because there was a chance I might have saved the breast.

I'm definitely having the mastectomy.

My only decisions now are one breast or two and reconstruction or not. I'm going to take a bit of time and do a bit of research. 

The worst part about this news is that it does not bode well for my long term survival chances.

Of course I'll keep fighting.

Of course I'll keep enjoying life and all the wonderful people in it.

I might beat the odds and I might not. 

When you ask your surgeon for a prognosis and she tells you that one of her patients with cancer like yours is still with us after four years (wow...four whole years) it starts to sink in.

Triple negative, basal, high mitotic rate, grade 3, aggressive, invasive and with a high chance of metastasising.

It is what it is.

chemotherapy
radiotherapy

17 Replies

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  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    Sorry to hear you received bad news. I wish you well in considering your options and whatever you decide. Take care and keep fighting. Sending big hugs to you, 

    Hazel xx

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    I am sorry for the news you got, I know its not what anyone hopes for. Take all the time you need to research and decide what is right for you.

    Sending you hugs

    Donna

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Bugger, Bugger, Bugger. My sister had bowel cancer and I got the breast cancer, my surgeon said to me, you need your bowels, but you don't need your breasts. 

    Wish I could give you a big hug to get you through this.

    Viv

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Bugger, Bugger, Bugger. My sister had bowel cancer and I got the breast cancer, my surgeon said to me, you need your bowels, but you don't need your breasts. 

    Wish I could give you a big hug to get you through this.

    Viv

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Really sorry that the news was not better for you. I have had a single mastectomy and can reassure you that it is surprisingly pain free. I only spent 1 night in hospital and a week later could resume most activities (also had 8 nodes removed in the same op). I am a C cup and manage very well with an external prosthesis. I even have a second one for swimming. There are lots of options to consider and time to research which is the right one for you. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • flower's avatar
    flower
    Member
    12 years ago

    I can only imagine how you are feeling. But I believe the mind is stronger than the body. So think positive and fight it! Its just a curveball on the road but it straightens up at the end. You will get through it. As for the mastectomy you have to make the decision that you feel you want to make for yourself (if that makes sense). I was diagnosed with TNBC last year at 39 went through chemo and radiation and have now just had my yearly check up and I have made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy because thats what I want to do and am ok with it and my husband supports me and even if he didnt I would still do it . I havent told the family yet but I am comfortable with the decision and thats what you have to be also.  I wish you all the best of luck - remember we all have a guardian angel on our shoulders- you might ask yourself why me? - I asked that to- but I didnt feel sorry for it - the journey made me a stronger person - a bit tad moody and snappy - but overall I have had mental growth . So stay positive and wake up each morning with a smile and say "I will beat this it won't beat me!!""

  • flower's avatar
    flower
    Member
    12 years ago

    I can only imagine how you are feeling. But I believe the mind is stronger than the body. So think positive and fight it! Its just a curveball on the road but it straightens up at the end. You will get through it. As for the mastectomy you have to make the decision that you feel you want to make for yourself (if that makes sense). I was diagnosed with TNBC last year at 39 went through chemo and radiation and have now just had my yearly check up and I have made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy because thats what I want to do and am ok with it and my husband supports me and even if he didnt I would still do it . I havent told the family yet but I am comfortable with the decision and thats what you have to be also.  I wish you all the best of luck - remember we all have a guardian angel on our shoulders- you might ask yourself why me? - I asked that to- but I didnt feel sorry for it - the journey made me a stronger person - a bit tad moody and snappy - but overall I have had mental growth . So stay positive and wake up each morning with a smile and say "I will beat this it won't beat me!!""