Breast Cancer....My Journey

[paintedpony]

I send jingles, and hugs.

If Alberta is like Ontario (and I suspect it is), your case is very likely to be discussed at a meeting of a “Tumor Board”. This board draws in Radiologist, Pathologist, Oncologist, Surgeons, Nursing, Pharmacy etc. The course of treatment is a consensus of opinion based on the recommendations of multiple professionals. The goal is delivery of the best medical recommendations possible. If I were you, I would ask if my case had been presented. If the response is yes, I would draw great comfort. You will have received not just a second opinion, but multiple opinions from all disciplines.

[Foxtrot_s]

You are a perfect example of the usefulness of mammograms - good for you. You can beat this and Canadian Cancer Soc. is wonderful and you will get the exact same treatment as anybody else, regardless of where you live.

[Zarafa]

I was a patient at the Tom Baker Centre in Calgary last year for an ovarian mass that was thankfully benign. The people who work there are professionals through and through. Every person I encountered was positive, supportive and went out of their way to help. You couldn’t be in better hands. Just be advised that the parkade construction at Foothills is not yet complete so parking is a bit of a gong show. Get a ride for appointments if you can.

Take good care of yourself and let people help you. I wish you all the best for your treatment!

[redsoxluvr]

Best wishes for a favorable outcome.

[Kyrabee]

My sister dealt with BC…Her tumor, like donteko’s was HER 2 positive. Even though it was a very small cancer and the sentinel node was clear, she had a lumpectomy then4 1/2 months of chemo, radiation and a year of Herceptin. It certainly seemed like overkill but HER2 positive tumors are much more aggressive. She thus far is cancer free. I assume they are doing testing to determine the hormone receptor status and HER2 expression. Then you will know the course of treatment.

Many jingles coming your way.

Susan

[eclipse]

Kryabee…I meet with the specialist this Friday to, i assume, discuss course of treatment and further testing. From the information my dr sent me, yes I’ll be tested for hormone status, Her2 expression etc and other bloodwork, and like paintedpony stated, we do in Alberta, also have a"tumor board" where cases are presented and treatment discussed with a full group of practitioners. I’m assuming, depending on the outcome of the testing, surgery could be fast or a couple of months. My moms friend only waited a week and had her lumpectomy last Wednesday but she then didnt require chemo just Tamoxifen …everyone’s different! I just want it out…I’m impatient by nature anyway lol. My mom is an 18 year survivor and she had the exact same type I have although back then, you automatically got chemo and radiation,… I hope, whatever the outcome, I handle it like she did she was and is awesome!

[dotneko]

Sounds like you have a great attitude! That’s important. Give yourself a day to wallow and then get on with whatever course of treatment is recommended. There are so many permutations that its impossible to guess what your treatment plan will be without knowing some of the variables. Good luck!

[AKB]

Think about all of your questions and write them down before your appointment. Make sure you leave the appointment knowing how to contact your MD and/or nurse practitioner when you have further questions. Email is great if they have a system that allows you to send and receive secure emails. You probably want to get a copy of the pathology report, including all of the tumor markers and hormone status.

[eclipse]

Met with the specialist today and loved him immediately, very calm, kind and knowledgeable. Went over the biopsy and ultrasound in detail …short version…2 of the 3 lumps came back positive for cancer (DCIS). 1 indeterminate so in his experience that generally means they’ll find it to be cancerous when they remove and test. Stage 1 for all, the largest being 9mm x 7mm, the other 5 x 3 and the smallest less than 2mm all around. HER2-. BRCA 1 &2 both negative. Then we discussed options, because there’s 3 lumps we have decided a lumpectomy would remove most of the breast tissue and then I’d have to have radiation, and because these have appeared in a year or less, we decided a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. If I decide, after a year of my right side being clear, I can have the other breast lifted or implanted to match…all of this is covered by our Alberta Health Care. I also have a lovely huge folder to read, which is also filled with help, wellness, nutrition groups and counciling if I wish to use them.

He is fairly sure the seninal lymph node biopsy will show clear as it’s early stage so I should be able to avoid radiation after the surgery. Chemo will not be necessary. Lung X-ray and EKG next week and then I just wait for a date. I can wait until after Christmas but I said, just book it and let’s get it out! He also said that this is one of the most favourable caseshes seen in while and that I should be back showing by Spring! Yay …finally a little bit of relief and I’ve aleays been a huge believer in mammograms but now even more so!

[KBC]

Good luck, sounds like a great plan. Keep us updated as you go on this journey.

[jetsmom]

Happy that the news is for a good outcome!

[AKB]

This sounds like a good plan. The next couple of months will be hard as you wait for surgery and wait for recovery. The women I know have all been happy with the reconstructions.

[Bluey]

Great report, sounds like the kind of cancer that they know how to handle now.

Always nice to have a good doctor you like and can trust.

[2DogsFarm]

18yr Survivor (lumpectomy & radiation) before I got 2nd diagnosis.
Mastectomy & lat-flap reconstruction & I opted to have remaining breast “made to match” at the same time.
I had no desire for more surgery.
Unclear margins made that necessary anyhow, but just 2mos after the 1st.

I was riding ( carefully, on the flat) 3mos after 2nd surgery.

Now 2+yrs into HRT (Arimidex) & clear mammograms.
Hating the joint pain from the drug, but otherwise feeling totally fine.

A friend who also had cancer twice told me:
“Cancer is scared of us. It comes back to hide”

Thinking the Good Thoughts for you!

[Where_sMyWhite]

eclipse, very encouraging news!! Also like hearing that you feel very comfortable with your specialist. IMO, that can be huge when working through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

I’m with you… the sooner the better rather than have it hanging over your head.

Keep us posted on your journey! We’re hear to listen and support if you need it

[dotneko]

Eclipse - that sounds like a great plan! Lucky for you no chemo, either, that is the best news!
I had a Diep flap reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy. Bonus in that it gave me a tummy tuck at the same time. Unfortunately, about 3 years later, I was trampled by a horse and had to have emergency abdominal surgery and all that lovely plastic surgery was for naught.
I did have a reduction on the other breast once I was done chemo so they would match. Future mammograms are only half as uncomfortable since they only do one breast - the fake one is fat not breast tissue so you don’t need to do it anymore.

[Equibrit]

I had exactly the same diagnosis as yours in 1998.Never had a mammogram, but did regular self exams in the shower.
Very helpful; https://www.drsusanloveresearch.org/

[CanadianTrotter]

Wonderfull news and excellent prognosis…so pleased for you!

Our health care is a fantastic safety net to fall back on when needed.

[skydy]

Glad to hear the news is not the worst. Hang in there. :yes:

[stressgirl37]

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. My mom at age 80 beat breast cancer. Sounds like your doctor is a good one. Keep us posted, if you don’t mind.