Another Newbie with some questions
Hi there, I was diagnosed a month ago with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my right breast following my first Breast Screen appointment. My lump is Grade 2, 19mm and positioned at 10 o'clock and 5cm fro...
Forum Discussion
Welcome @arnlybub. Sorry that you're here but I hope you'll find it as helpful as I have.
As I understand it, a tumour up to 2cm is considered 'small' (mine was 16mm) and this can dictate your possible courses of treatment. A lumpectomy/wide local incision is considered more appropriate in this case. My understanding is that surgeons will only perfom surgeries they deem suitable. First do no harm! A good surgeon is mindful that early in diagnosis their patients are often in shock and very, very scared.
I don't know what the IN acronym is; perhaps ask your GP or surgeon? Is it hand written? If so it might be a poorly written L and be referring to lymph nodes.
Diagnoses and then courses of treatment often change once the tumour is removed and the pathology is done. Mine was bigger and less aggressive than was shown in the mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsy. Ask your surgeon why they think you should have chemo? Do you know what your ki67 number is? If it's over 20 that might be why chemo has been mentioned.
Breastcare nurses, access and frequency of contact, seem to be pot luck. Keep persisting with trying to make contact. You might like to call the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. The ladies there are very experienced and helpful. I believe some of them are nurses.
Try not to cross the bridges until you come to them... easy to say but harder to do I know! Hang in there. K xox
As I understand it, a tumour up to 2cm is considered 'small' (mine was 16mm) and this can dictate your possible courses of treatment. A lumpectomy/wide local incision is considered more appropriate in this case. My understanding is that surgeons will only perfom surgeries they deem suitable. First do no harm! A good surgeon is mindful that early in diagnosis their patients are often in shock and very, very scared.
I don't know what the IN acronym is; perhaps ask your GP or surgeon? Is it hand written? If so it might be a poorly written L and be referring to lymph nodes.
Diagnoses and then courses of treatment often change once the tumour is removed and the pathology is done. Mine was bigger and less aggressive than was shown in the mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsy. Ask your surgeon why they think you should have chemo? Do you know what your ki67 number is? If it's over 20 that might be why chemo has been mentioned.
Breastcare nurses, access and frequency of contact, seem to be pot luck. Keep persisting with trying to make contact. You might like to call the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. The ladies there are very experienced and helpful. I believe some of them are nurses.
Try not to cross the bridges until you come to them... easy to say but harder to do I know! Hang in there. K xox