Breast Lumps

Crossing fingers . . .

Thank you, Grim.  I always try to look for the positive side of everything.  This cancer thing is going to be a set back for my RNY weight loss, which I will just have to deal with.  I think there are at least 3 positives to my story.

1. Losing 70 lbs helped my doctor to detect the masses in my breast, which otherwise may have been masked by fat.
2. Maybe by reading my story the other men and women OHers will closely pay attention to their own bodies for any changes (ie skin, breasts, etc).  
3. Never take anything for granted as we never know what tomorrow will bring.

I had a needle biopsy a few years ago, it was benign thankfully.  I hope it goes the same way for you! 

I read your update and I am also sending you positive thoughts (for negative results!!!)  

Thank you greatly.

Update 3/1/16

The report is in.  Both masses are cancer.  That's all I know right now, other than it's invasive ductal.  The pathologist is still running more tests.  I see the surgeon tomorrow morning at 10:30.

I'm sorry. Hopefully, they caught it early and you'll have a good outcome. Let us know how it's going.

I'm sorry I haven't posted before now, I was exhausted as this was just a very emotionally draining day.  After 2.5 hours at the surgeon's office I had to deal with breaking my news and planned treatment to my girls, my brothers, and my husband's sister.  Everything went fairly well except with younger mydaughter (probably so difficult for her because of pregnancy hormones) and one of my brothers (a cancer survivor).

Ok, so how did things go with the doc?  To begin with, I absolutely love him, and so does my DH.  He did another ultrasound of both breasts and the lymph nodes.  He then did a core biopsy of one of the 3 suspect nodes, focusing on the one he said is ugliest.  I will have that report on Friday.

What I have is Stage 2, Estrogen receptor negative, Progestron receptor negative, HER2 positive; A. #1 tumor with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, nuclear grade 2 with rare associated microcalcifications; and B. #2 tumor with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, nuclear grade 2.  Lymphovascular invasion is identified.  

He said this is (obviously) a fast growing aggressive cancer so he's not wasting any time getting started.  Because I'm HER2 positive he's starting me on IV infused Chemo right away.  I meet with the oncologist next Wednesday.  I will have 4-6 chemo treatments every 3 weeks (4 hours each), then a total mastectomy of the right breast and extraction of some armpit lymph nodes (number to be determined during surgery), followed by 33 radiation treatments (5 days/week), followed by 1 full year of Herceptin infusions (1 day/every 3 weeks).

Basically, my life is going to be crap for the next 1.5 year.  I will lose my hair about 2 weeks after the 1st chemo treatment.  I have the option of having both breasts removed, I'm strongly considering this.  The decision is mine.  One good thing I learned, he said I can have breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomies.  Also, because my aunt (my dad's sis) died of breast cancer at the age of 35, and my maternal grandfather died of prostrate cancer at the age of 70, the doctor wants me to have genetic counciling.  They will be looking for the BRAC1 and/or BRAC2 gene to see if this is where my cancer developed, and to see if my girls will need to pursue medical options of their own.

So that's going to be my life in a nutshell.  He said he ond the oncologist will work closely with my bariatric surgeon and dietitian.  He also said he's had other bariatric patients, just not one so soon after surgery.  There are things they will have to be wary of and consider because of my inability to eat much, the possible contadictions of the chemo meds, etc. with my necessary bariatric vitamins and supplements, and my ease of getting dehydrated.

It sounds like you have a great oncologist with a great plan.

You are strong and will get through this. One day or even one minute at a time....

I'm so sorry to hear this is the result- but so encouraged they found it and your team is acting aggressively. Please reach out to us for support!!! You are surrounded by what sounds like a wonderful and loving family and that will only make things easier! I will be thinking of you. Keep us posted!