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jasmel05's avatar
jasmel05
Member
11 years ago

start of my journey

I was diagnosed with grade 1 tubular carcinoma on 19 August 2014 and after a hectic few weeks of testing had my lumpectomy and Sentinel node removal last Thursday. I still need to go back to the surgeon on Wednesday for my path results and to discuss the next stage of treatment but am feeling pretty good physically since the surgery. My biggest hurdle is that my mum died of breast cancer 25 years ago at age 41 and I am looking to get genetic testing for the gene and am very confused about what I should do next. On one hand I've been told radiotherapy is the best option pending the path results but given my family history (there are other family members with cancer as well) I don't know if I should go straight to bilateral mastectomy to avoid the risk of further cancers in either breast. I'm scared at the thought of such drastic measures but more scared of dying young like my mother. (I'm currently 41,) The only reason this lump was found was because I had asked for a referral to see about genetics and consider monitoring given I'm the age my mum was when she died. I got the worst shock of my life when after some discussion the surgeon did a physical exam and found the lump and immediately did a biopsy and then further testing resulting in the diagnoses. He couldn't believe the chances of me coming in like that just at the right point to have it discovered. I have to add that I have lost 22kg over the last 6 months so my breasts feel alot different than they did before that. I guess I want some guidance on what my best options might be as I've read so much about radiotherapy affecting chances of good reconstruction. I am hoping for some support as I'm extremely scared and confused right now.
mastectomy

2 Replies

  • jasmel05's avatar
    jasmel05
    Member
    11 years ago
    Well its been over a week since I had my surgery and things are going ok. I have received my pathology results and am happy to say that there was no involvement in my nodes and no more bad surprises. I don't need to go onto chemo but am down to have radiotherapy. I'm still going through the genetic testing as I have now found out my auntie just received news from her testing that she has the BRCA 1 gene. I am still very much confused even after talking to a friend who had been through the process of a preventative bi lateral mastectomy and reconstruction a year ago after being diagnosed and has only had minimal problems. She is now only 32. I have so many emotions running thorough my mind at the moment as I'm now on a time frame to make a decision whether to have radio or the recon. On one hand I'm prepared for the idea but am scared of making a decision I will later regret. Either I keep my breasts push on with radio and hope that I never have a reoccurrence or have the breasts off and be done with it. My genetics are being pushed through as a priority to help me make the decision but the vain part of me can't stand the thought of parting with my breasts and the sensible part of me says they're just breasts life is more important. Looking for any opinions on people who have gone either way. I hate making decisions in the best of situations and this is life changing.
  • Susan1967's avatar
    Susan1967
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi, wow 3 weeks tomorrow since I visited the doctor with an indentation in left breast - just for a check up. I had surgery last Friday and whilst the lymph nodes all good, the cancer removed was larger than expected, but on the positive margins all okay too. Am 47 and no experience at all to date with breast cancer, so really up and down at present. Just taken the wound dressings off and big tear fest. Scar is very large on the breast and it appears that the top stitch may have burst ages ago....so I have a raised red area that doesnt look like it will heal flat. I dont suppose I should worry about that, given likely to need chemo and hormone theraphy....finding that out Monday. Also having pain in my back shoulder blade area and the breast area, more than after surgery.

    Great to read everyones story and I suppose my main query is about the extra dull aches and the bursting of stitches - is this all normal and I should just let it go??

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts, Susan