Stage 3 Invasive Lobular Cancer diagnosis
Hi everyone, this is my first time on here and I've been reading everyone's stories and comments. What an amazing bunch of people that are here. Having read so many stories has encouraged me to post...
Forum Discussion
Hi @KezzaG - so sorry to see you here - but you are in the right spot for support from those who've gone before you. WOW! Your tumour was MASSIVE!!
I was diagnosed with ILC in January this year and had my lumpectomy 2 weeks later - my GP found my lumps totally by accident the previous November (even my surgeon said she must have wonderful fingers - as it is one of the more difficult ones to detect by touch!) My Mammogram just 6 months earlier had not picked it up & the MG and U/S shortly after detection also did not show it, even tho the GP indicated the precise location! I had a biopsy 3 weeks later & ILC diagnosis was confirmed on Jan 5th.
I was lucky to have clear margins & no node involvement - so no chemo was required. I had 4 weeks of radiation & now on Exemestane/AIs for 5 years.
Having 'dense breast tissue' makes MGs almost 'non effective' in identifying ILC - as it is tucked in the lobules (I call them cabbages.) They are 'already the lumpy bits' in the breast, hence manually detecting the lumps can be tricky. Often, those with ILC are not detected until it is already Stage 3 or beyond :(
At this point in time, Breast Screen Australia in most states does not inform women if they have dense breast tissue - and it is currently being hotly debated that we SHOULD be advised, as early detection with ILC is vital for a better long term outcome. It might be worth mentioning to family members & friends to ask the BreastScreen people if they have Dense Breast Tissue at their next MG - as other screening methods may be more reliable - Ultrasounds and/or MRI.
All the best with your ongoing treatment - the girls will be able to give you heaps of tips on chemo - I'd just recommend making sure you drink HEAPS OF WATER after every treatment to help flush it out (my husband had chemo after having most of his stomach removed some years back.) Try to be as active as you can when you feel up to it - accept any help that is offered. Do you have access to a good Breast Care Nurse? Or a BC group within your area?
Throw up any questions that you may have re your treatment or any side effects you may have - the good thing is that not everyone gets extreme side effects. :)
Big hugs coming your way xxx
I was diagnosed with ILC in January this year and had my lumpectomy 2 weeks later - my GP found my lumps totally by accident the previous November (even my surgeon said she must have wonderful fingers - as it is one of the more difficult ones to detect by touch!) My Mammogram just 6 months earlier had not picked it up & the MG and U/S shortly after detection also did not show it, even tho the GP indicated the precise location! I had a biopsy 3 weeks later & ILC diagnosis was confirmed on Jan 5th.
I was lucky to have clear margins & no node involvement - so no chemo was required. I had 4 weeks of radiation & now on Exemestane/AIs for 5 years.
Having 'dense breast tissue' makes MGs almost 'non effective' in identifying ILC - as it is tucked in the lobules (I call them cabbages.) They are 'already the lumpy bits' in the breast, hence manually detecting the lumps can be tricky. Often, those with ILC are not detected until it is already Stage 3 or beyond :(
At this point in time, Breast Screen Australia in most states does not inform women if they have dense breast tissue - and it is currently being hotly debated that we SHOULD be advised, as early detection with ILC is vital for a better long term outcome. It might be worth mentioning to family members & friends to ask the BreastScreen people if they have Dense Breast Tissue at their next MG - as other screening methods may be more reliable - Ultrasounds and/or MRI.
All the best with your ongoing treatment - the girls will be able to give you heaps of tips on chemo - I'd just recommend making sure you drink HEAPS OF WATER after every treatment to help flush it out (my husband had chemo after having most of his stomach removed some years back.) Try to be as active as you can when you feel up to it - accept any help that is offered. Do you have access to a good Breast Care Nurse? Or a BC group within your area?
Throw up any questions that you may have re your treatment or any side effects you may have - the good thing is that not everyone gets extreme side effects. :)
Big hugs coming your way xxx