Forum Discussion
Pathology Results - Mixed Emotions
Had my post surgery follow up yesterday
The news was mostly positive regarding the pathology of this new primary invasive cancer tumour: low grade, stage 1, clear margins, Hormone +, lymph nodes clear - hooray!!!
The down side was the pathology also showed high grade DCIS throughout the whole specimen - which means more surgery. I'm only small breasted so the prospect of losing more breast tissue from that breast will no doubt mean a change in cup size!
Surgeon said given the extent, chances of clear margins for re-excision of the DCIS is 50%. Must admit this statistic scares me as it means there's only a 50% chance I will be able to keep my breast this time.
Hindsight can be so frustrating sometimes. Had I known this would happen 13mths ago when I was going through breast cancer treatment for Invasive cancer in my other breast (lumpectomy & Radiation) I would have opted for a double mastectomy rather than breast conserving surgery.
The timing also just sucks - we've sold our house & are packing up to move from East Maitland to Port Macquarie in a couple of weeks. So I'm trying to squeeze this latest surgery in just before the move.
The stress of our impending move alone has also already had a big impact on my husband & 2 teens. My husband is displaying symptoms of anxiety & or depression (he lives & works in Port Macquarie during the week & comes home on weekends) & my daughters chronic mental health issues have resurfaced (she self harms - is under the care of child & adolescent mental health service). My son & daughter are also not looking forward to changing schools & making new friends.
Still, I guess all I can do is take one step at a time & just hope this new surgery is successful.
The news was mostly positive regarding the pathology of this new primary invasive cancer tumour: low grade, stage 1, clear margins, Hormone +, lymph nodes clear - hooray!!!
The down side was the pathology also showed high grade DCIS throughout the whole specimen - which means more surgery. I'm only small breasted so the prospect of losing more breast tissue from that breast will no doubt mean a change in cup size!
Surgeon said given the extent, chances of clear margins for re-excision of the DCIS is 50%. Must admit this statistic scares me as it means there's only a 50% chance I will be able to keep my breast this time.
Hindsight can be so frustrating sometimes. Had I known this would happen 13mths ago when I was going through breast cancer treatment for Invasive cancer in my other breast (lumpectomy & Radiation) I would have opted for a double mastectomy rather than breast conserving surgery.
The timing also just sucks - we've sold our house & are packing up to move from East Maitland to Port Macquarie in a couple of weeks. So I'm trying to squeeze this latest surgery in just before the move.
The stress of our impending move alone has also already had a big impact on my husband & 2 teens. My husband is displaying symptoms of anxiety & or depression (he lives & works in Port Macquarie during the week & comes home on weekends) & my daughters chronic mental health issues have resurfaced (she self harms - is under the care of child & adolescent mental health service). My son & daughter are also not looking forward to changing schools & making new friends.
Still, I guess all I can do is take one step at a time & just hope this new surgery is successful.
17 Replies
- hi Melhay, I have used rescue remedy successfully with my daughter to get her thru years 11 & 12, I was Impressed when in January the week before O week for Uni (here in town) she asked did we have any spare as her friend was really anxious about beginning Uni.... I just put it in all our water bottles and whenever daughter got a bottle I knew it was in there. we all benefited from the calming effects. I will be sending you and family energy and peace as you embark on this new move and new schools etc. hugs and energy Alice
- Yes the choice to self harm is her choice... you need to focus on getting you well... have you ever tried rescue remedy with your daughter... it helps my daughter I buy the drops and put in all water bottles in fridge.... we have filtered water... more hugs energy and peace I'm sending by the bucketful xxx
- Thanks for your kind words Alice.
To be honest I'm quite concerned about how my 16yr daughter will cope with trying to fit in at the new school given she is severely scarred from years of chronic cutting (arms, legs, torso). & while she's made a lot of progress over the last 8mths, the reality of the move next week hit a raw nerve during her psychologist appointment today resulting in her raging & smashing a door window at the clinic.
I'm doing all I can to organise ongoing support for her for the move but must admit I've come to point where having tried everything mental health experts have suggested, I've realized at the end of the day, using self harm as a coping mechanism for her Anxiety/ depression is her choice. Also that having been diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the second time in 13mths, I need to start putting my own health & well being 1st.
Really appreciate the hugs & energy xxx - HI Melhay, One day at a time.... I understand the stresses of family life with a self harmer.... I was really worried about my diagnosis being a new trigger for my daughter but I found she has built some resilience that I hadnt seen before. I agree with everyone take the move as a new start with fresh outlooks for the family. Yes it is hard doing the surgery and moving but you will get there. sending you hugs and energy Alice
- Thanks Cath - everyone I've told about the move seems to have very positive things to say about Port Macquarie. I've only been there a few times to look at houses & Schools for my kids but it seems to have a lovely vibe. Must admit the move feels a bit surreal at the moment - along with everything else going on!
- Thanks for your supportive & kind words Bluewren - much appreciated :) xx
- Hi Mel, So sorry to hear that you need to go back for yet more surgery, at least there was some good pathology as well! Sounds like you have a wonderful surgeon who is certainly trying to do his best for you. While it's hard at the moment the change to Port Macquarie and the scenery and life style changes that will be possible maybe the best thing that's ever happened to all of your family!! You could be about to enter the most magnificent time of your life!! All the best, will be thinking of you. Xx Cath
- Hi Mel, sorry you are going through a lot at this stage. Feels better once we know our dates for surgery then we can concentrate on one thing at a time. One step at a time. you have made me feel better lately so I want to return all good vibes. Good luck for your coming surgery and will be thinking of you. Sending hugs.x
- Much appreciated Michelle - will do :) xx
- Thanks for those moving tips & reminders about the positives of our upcoming moving Brenda :) xx
