Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Seeking Advice and Support

Tamica,I have never heard that because breasts are small they need to be removed. Maybe get a second opinion 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Thank you Marilyn I plan on getting a second opinion next week.

I’m happy you are.

Yes I did a second opinion, was best decision I made

Melani, I am so happy to hear this

Had my surgery on Monday, it was so easy, I was home by 2:00 in the afternoon. My surgeon put an anesthetic near the tumor and I don’t have any pain three days later.

So good to hear from you Marilyn! I was wondering how you were doing I kept you in my prayers. Thank you for letting us know how are doing 🥰 I go in for follow up tests this Friday at the hospital. Go in for another mammogram and MRI(?) or ultrasound. This is to check for the radiation treatment went that I had neck in November. So ...🙏 that all is good

I will be saying extra prayers for you. Please let me know how you did after your appointment. I meet with my surgeon on Monday, a week after my surgery and then on April 9th I finally get to meet the oncologist.

Seems like such a long wait in between appointments. Does it for you?

It is long for me. I can't say that doesn't bother me:some. I'm in a study from a local teaching hospital (UTSW in Dallas) though so I'm guessing the follow ups are a little different. I had one high powered and focused radiation treatment (equivalent to 4 weeks worth). Targeted only the tumor and the surrounding margins. They do blood work and biopsying one month after and then these tests this Friday to monitor. The one radiation treatment killed the tumor (it was DCIS stage one, very slow griwing, oncotype was extremely low) Also no lymph node involvement (although from what I read the only sure way to know there is no lymph node involvement is when you have surgery and they check that way, so🤷). I'm on letrozole. Then my surgery (lumpectomy) will be this fall. That is to allow the radiation around the tumor to work. I am in the 3rd phase and they have had excellent results. Goal of study is to eventually for women not having to do lumpectomy or mastectomy ( your have to be in early stages of course)

I'm trying not to second guess my decision to be in this study. I think I'm in good hands. The doctors are excellent that's for sure. And I need to remind myself that God is the one in control.

Melani- what is the study called if you can recall? Is it Gamma something?

Yes, I think so. I'll have to look it up. I'm not home at the moment so will let you know later

Thanks!

Tamika, one determining factor in breast conservation surgery is the size of the tumor in relation to the size of your breast. My surgeon told me that if they don’t think they can get good esthetics or safely remove just the tumor she would not do a lumpectomy and would recommend a mastectomy.

I do not have substantial advice as I too have been recently diagnosed. However, when I met with the surgeon she mentioned that depending on the size of the tumor in relation to the size of my breast that a mastectomy may be recommended because of the healthy margins that they need to leave intact. This will be determined using the MRI, which I have later this morning. The surgeon also mentioned that in that case she would try to save the skin that currently houses my breast, insert space savers that would then removed and be replaced with breast fillers by the reconstructive surgeon.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings many emotions, and waiting for test results can feel overwhelming. Many others in this community have walked through similar experiences with diagnosis and treatment planning, and connecting with them can provide valuable perspectives during this challenging time. Consider reaching out to share your concerns or ask questions - the community here understands the journey ahead and can offer both practical insights and emotional support as you navigate these next steps.