I heard the news today oh boy.....

#1 core biopsy left breast - benign breast tissue with focal mycrocyst formation, fibrosis and a microcalcification.

#2 core biopsy right breast - invasive moderately differentiated ductal carcinoma.

They took a baseline chest x-ray.

They told me I had an option of mastectomy or lumpectomy with raditation. They told me I need axillary node dissection. He did not recommend sentinal because he didn't want to take a chance of missing anything.

I meet with an oncologist tomorrow for a 2nd opinion and to learn more. I am making tentative arrangements for a wire localization and lumpectomy with axillary node disection. Hopefully, after Christmas.

Now.... what makes this tougher is that I am losing my hmo at the end of December. I will have a different insurance but will not be able to see the surgeon or ob/gyn or even my family care physician after the 1st.

I also had a hysterectomy 3 months ago for endometriosis and fibroid tumours.

Now the tears come....

I'm quite sorry to hear of this news.

RE insurance ..... One thing that a nurse told me (she's got a phd too, academic now) when I was initially diagnosed...THIS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY. So you might want to just wait until the new year to do the surgeon selection, etc. I know that is rough. ON the other hand, I guess ... now that I think about it ... that the surgeon charges a flat fee ... and so all followup is already 'taken care of' ... you might inquire about this 'business detail.' Then the new insurance could cover the chemo, radiation. But whatever works out, please don't think you have to do something tomorrow. That cancer has been in there a while. Slowly check into these kinds of details....

Oh! Dear Catherine. Your tears were also mine in my own time. Lisa is right, saying for you to go on and cry. Its just part of it. But you'll get past that. Its hard to believe right now, but we get stronger.

I'd suggest that it couldn't hurt anything if you get at least one more opinion on the axial section versus sentinel nodes, and read, read, read on that subject. Do be sure and read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book on that subject.

I had a lumpectomy for a 2.2cm invasive ductal carcinoma and they wanted to take my entire axial section. I refused. I talked to radiologists in Denver, in Dallas, in New York (all on the phone)....I just called and wailed and asked, and they talked to me!...I got their opinions on the validity of sentinel node biopsy versus axial...and I asked them a zillion details about method, why, how, and I got a mountain of caring, sincere remarks from all of them. I also read volumes on that subject from other sources. You'll have to make up your own mind. But I'd encourage you to do it with knowledge and not feel you are being a bad patient or some such thing by not just doing exactly what your first doctor recommends. It could be that first doctor is telling you exactly what you'll decide you want. But as another answer to your post said, you have time here. You can make your own decision on this from knowledge.

...here is one scenario that my own mind came up with when I was in about the same timeline with my own ordeal as you now are with yours: its this: okay, what IF the cancer HAS metastasized? IF any nodes are found to be positive, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, regardless of tumor size. IF nodes are found to be negative, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, because of tumor size. So why take my axial section? If they WERE positive for cancer, then the chemo can work on them as well as the rest of my body. It just seemed total overkill to me to take my axial section. But that was my own decision. My sentinel node biopsy wound up taking TWO nodes...because...my surgeon said he just couldn't help himself! He was so bound in 'standards' and so fearful for me that he just had to take a second one. I can't repeat here what my husband said I should say to him in reply. But my nodes were negative. and my own tumor came out with clean margins and with no apparent vascular system grown to it. So....I also turned down chemo and radiation. I'm now 3 yrs past surgery. I'm healthy and fine, I THINK. Just finished annual type tests about a month ago, and all checks out just great.

But my story is mine. We each must find our own way. Each of us have different facts about our own cancers. I'm mainly encouraging you to use some time here to become your own expert on all this stuff so you can decide for yourself what you'll have done, and that you'll do it with courage and mindset that what you are doing is what you feel is the most wise thing to do.

I also would NOT let them put the localizing wire INTO my tumor...it was placed just beside it. That's another story you can ask me about if you care to know more. I just developed a real thing about having that tumor bothered while it was yet in me.

Good luck, girl! I pray for all of us Katy ******************************************************* ********************* **

Thank you so much on the nodes discussion. I had asked the dr about that and he said he wanted to take them all. He said what if he missed one? Wouldn't I want to be sure? He never does the sentinal nodes only. I am going to ask the oncologist about it today. My lump is just over 1 cm so it is small. I have not seen the full pathology report though and don't know how aggressive this is. Will find out in a few hours.

I do have Susans book and I read about lymphedemia. I asked the nurse at the surgeons about it and she says nobody has ever had a problem with that there. I thought that was pretty funny since beside the flyer on the wall for beast cancer support, there was one for lymphedemia support also. lol.

Hopefully today, I will know more about what is happening with me, so I can make the best desicion for me.

Thanks for all the information and support.

catherine

Oh! Dear Catherine. Your tears were also mine in my own time. Lisa is right, saying for you to go on and cry. Its just part of it. But you'll get past that. Its hard to believe right now, but we get stronger.

I'd suggest that it couldn't hurt anything if you get at least one more opinion on the axial section versus sentinel nodes, and read, read, read on that subject. Do be sure and read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book on that subject.

I had a lumpectomy for a 2.2cm invasive ductal carcinoma and they wanted to take my entire axial section. I refused. I talked to radiologists in Denver, in Dallas, in New York (all on the phone)....I just called and wailed and asked, and they talked to me!...I got their opinions on the validity of sentinel node biopsy versus axial...and I asked them a zillion details about method, why, how, and I got a mountain of caring, sincere remarks from all of them. I also read volumes on that subject from other sources. You'll have to make up your own mind. But I'd encourage you to do it with knowledge and not feel you are being a bad patient or some such thing by not just doing exactly what your first doctor recommends. It could be that first doctor is telling you exactly what you'll decide you want. But as another answer to your post said, you have time here. You can make your own decision on this from knowledge.

...here is one scenario that my own mind came up with when I was in about the same timeline with my own ordeal as you now are with yours: its this: okay, what IF the cancer HAS metastasized? IF any nodes are found to be positive, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, regardless of tumor size. IF nodes are found to be negative, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, because of tumor size. So why take my axial section? If they WERE positive for cancer, then the chemo can work on them as well as the rest of my body. It just seemed total overkill to me to take my axial section. But that was my own decision. My sentinel node biopsy wound up taking TWO nodes...because...my surgeon said he just couldn't help himself! He was so bound in 'standards' and so fearful for me that he just had to take a second one. I can't repeat here what my husband said I should say to him in reply. But my nodes were negative. and my own tumor came out with clean margins and with no apparent vascular system grown to it. So....I also turned down chemo and radiation. I'm now 3 yrs past surgery. I'm healthy and fine, I THINK. Just finished annual type tests about a month ago, and all checks out just great.

But my story is mine. We each must find our own way. Each of us have different facts about our own cancers. I'm mainly encouraging you to use some time here to become your own expert on all this stuff so you can decide for yourself what you'll have done, and that you'll do it with courage and mindset that what you are doing is what you feel is the most wise thing to do.

I also would NOT let them put the localizing wire INTO my tumor...it was placed just beside it. That's another story you can ask me about if you care to know more. I just developed a real thing about having that tumor bothered while it was yet in me.

Good luck, girl! I pray for all of us Katy ******************************************************* ********************* **

I remember the tears. More tears than I had ever shed. I remember being tired of crying, but needing to cry anyway. So cry all you want. It really helps. And it makes life clearer when you're done. At least until you cry the next time!

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I found a surgeon that is doing a sentinal node study. He still takes out more than just the one, but he does not take them all. I am trying to get into him and he does take my new insurance. It may mean waiting another week or so, but hopefully, if my old insurance gives them an urgent referrel, it might fly before the end of the year.

Thanks for all the info!!!

catherine

Oh! Dear Catherine. Your tears were also mine in my own time. Lisa is right, saying for you to go on and cry. Its just part of it. But you'll get past that. Its hard to believe right now, but we get stronger.

I'd suggest that it couldn't hurt anything if you get at least one more opinion on the axial section versus sentinel nodes, and read, read, read on that subject. Do be sure and read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book on that subject.

I had a lumpectomy for a 2.2cm invasive ductal carcinoma and they wanted to take my entire axial section. I refused. I talked to radiologists in Denver, in Dallas, in New York (all on the phone)....I just called and wailed and asked, and they talked to me!...I got their opinions on the validity of sentinel node biopsy versus axial...and I asked them a zillion details about method, why, how, and I got a mountain of caring, sincere remarks from all of them. I also read volumes on that subject from other sources. You'll have to make up your own mind. But I'd encourage you to do it with knowledge and not feel you are being a bad patient or some such thing by not just doing exactly what your first doctor recommends. It could be that first doctor is telling you exactly what you'll decide you want. But as another answer to your post said, you have time here. You can make your own decision on this from knowledge.

...here is one scenario that my own mind came up with when I was in about the same timeline with my own ordeal as you now are with yours: its this: okay, what IF the cancer HAS metastasized? IF any nodes are found to be positive, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, regardless of tumor size. IF nodes are found to be negative, I KNOW chemo will be recommended, because of tumor size. So why take my axial section? If they WERE positive for cancer, then the chemo can work on them as well as the rest of my body. It just seemed total overkill to me to take my axial section. But that was my own decision. My sentinel node biopsy wound up taking TWO nodes...because...my surgeon said he just couldn't help himself! He was so bound in 'standards' and so fearful for me that he just had to take a second one. I can't repeat here what my husband said I should say to him in reply. But my nodes were negative. and my own tumor came out with clean margins and with no apparent vascular system grown to it. So....I also turned down chemo and radiation. I'm now 3 yrs past surgery. I'm healthy and fine, I THINK. Just finished annual type tests about a month ago, and all checks out just great.

But my story is mine. We each must find our own way. Each of us have different facts about our own cancers. I'm mainly encouraging you to use some time here to become your own expert on all this stuff so you can decide for yourself what you'll have done, and that you'll do it with courage and mindset that what you are doing is what you feel is the most wise thing to do.

I also would NOT let them put the localizing wire INTO my tumor...it was placed just beside it. That's another story you can ask me about if you care to know more. I just developed a real thing about having that tumor bothered while it was yet in me.

Good luck, girl! I pray for all of us Katy ******************************************************* ********************* **

hi catherine,

i am sorry that you are losing your hmo at this time.

when bad things happen, i always try to remember that everything will be surviveable, somehow, ... & that there will be some very good things happening in the future, that i must survive for.

it does require some work to find good doctors, who will be positive & who will help you, ... however it is do-able.

maybe your current doctors can help you, to find the best new doctors?

also, local support groups are good, for finding good doctors, ... but be sure to question the person who is recommending a doctor in detail, & to check out the doctor as good as possible first, before going to see them.

((catherine))

having cancer is tough!

i am so sorry that you are having problems with your insurance at this time.

susan, su_texas my opinions.

this is absolutely wonderful. Even if our lives feel (as yours does at the moment) completely fractured, thank GOD for the Internet!!!

I know about the tears. I have had many.

Just don't let them rush you into anything. I would get a second opinion. Take your time.

I had a lumpectomy and they took all my lymph nodes. You have to be so careful with your hand for the rest of your life. I do have trouble with it because it is my right hand and I am right handed. Just using the mouse on the computer for a few hours when I was working made my hand and arm sore.

When I had a recurrence this time I had three opinions. I just went to the doctor yesterday and I also had tears all day.

I am glad she is doing well. I'm so fair skinned I'm almost translucent. lol. But the oncologist told me that had creams if I get any burns.

It is nice to know that I can go to a surgeon that will do what I want. I had read Susan Love's book which is why I was surprized the surgeon I had told me he took them all. always. no exceptions.

Good luck with the rest of the treatments. It's going to be ok.

catherine

wrote:

Catherine,

It's fairly unusual for there to be only one sentinel node. More commonly, it's two or three, and four is not that uncommon. No matter what figure, lymphedema shouldn't be a problem.

After my wife's lumpectomy/SNB, I asked the surgeon about typical numbers. She surprised me with that 'four' figure. My wife had two, and has had no ill effects.

Today was her eleventh radiation treatment. She's feeling a bit fatigued, but is doing very well. She's fortunate to have olive skin, and has only experienced a slight tan in the focus area. Four weeks to go, and counting.

Damn, I hate this disease.

{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}} I know this is hard. I'm so sorry about your recurrence. Thanks for letting me know your experiance. I am right handed as well. And I type all day for a living.

Take care!

catherine

I know about the tears. I have had many.

Just don't let them rush you into anything. I would get a second opinion. Take your time.

I had a lumpectomy and they took all my lymph nodes. You have to be so careful with your hand for the rest of your life. I do have trouble with it because it is my right hand and I am right handed. Just using the mouse on the computer for a few hours when I was working made my hand and arm sore.

When I had a recurrence this time I had three opinions. I just went to the doctor yesterday and I also had tears all day.