Diagnosed with large 4cm grade 3 breast cancer

[hbunny]

Hi sodastream.  You've obviously given your decision a lot of thought, i have to say a double for me would have been an easier decision than one because of the cosmetics. Fingers crossed your surgeon will do both at the same time.

Hope the chemo is'nt taking too much of a toll so far. I've got my oncology appt next thursday to find out the regeime, but i know it will be aggressive due to a grade 3 tripple neg.  I had a lumpectomy in the end as the tumour was only 12mm, however 1 lymph and vascular involvement, so spread is a high risk.  In the meantime in limbo again and tourchuring myself on google, trying to find answers to questions as i'm not getting any response to phone messages to bc nurse - dont think i sound desperate enough!

Good luck with the ongoing treatment, i will probably be joining the july thread!

Sending love.  Hbunny xx

[Sodastream]

Hi hbunny
Like you I lost touch with this thread as I've now had 2 chemo sessions and tend to be on that thread.
I've got my appointment with my surgeon on 1/7/14 and still going to ask for a double mastectomy and really hoping he'll agree. I'm taking my husband with me so the surgeon can hear that I've thought this through carefully and discussed it with my family and friends. For me the horror would be being left with 1 drooping boob as I'd rather be flat chested and be able to wear all those strappy tops that I've never been able to. Also I won't know until surgery and until I get the pathology report if I have Metaplastic BC which has been suggested from the biopsie. If I do have this type then it has an increased percentage of returning so I want to do everything I can to prevent this.
What were your results and how are you getting on?

[hbunny]

Hi sodastream. Just wondering how you are doing, hope you are ok. What decision did you make re your surgery. Sorry its been a long time since i caught up with this thread and lost touch a little.

I have appt for results of wle and lymph biopsy tomorrow, so should have more info and hopefully a plan. Keeping everything crossed for clear margins and nodes, but getting anxious after being quite relaxed since the op 2 weeks ago.

Best wishes and take care. Hbunny

[hbunny]

Hi carole

Thanks for your thoughts. Op date is now 23may,  2nd biopsy 13th and results of that on 15th. Comments are right your feet dont touch the ground.  Hopefully that will give a little more info to decide which avenue to go down, leaning towards mastectomy at the mo, but only if that means a simple implant job rather than the full lot.

Hope you are starting to feel better after your op, try and do what we all preach and take good care of yourself.  Good luck with your results. Let me know your news.  X hbunny

Hi carole. .  Well apologies i thought i had sent the above on 8th,  but dont think it went.  Have you had your results yet, just wondering how things are and hoping the results were good for you. Im now looking forward to fri and just getting on with things! Take care hbunny

[hbunny]

Oh heck. Obviously meant calsification, i blame the computer!

[hbunny]

Hi, trying to get my head around the questions too.  Although its difficult when trying to second guess results.  Not sure i could live with the uncertainty of leaving the calculations brewing and maybe facing all this again. So like you will probably go for mx. Any idea if the way a mx is approached will have a factor in your final options, or is an mx an mx?

Just when you think you have it sorted it all changes again because of something you didnt consider or noone thought to tell you.

Hope you get the answers you need to make your decision. Let me know if you get on. Look after you. X hbunny

[Sodastream]

Thank Hbunny that's made me realise I need to speak to my surgeon sooner rather than later before I decide on radical treatment. Hope you're ok today?

[hbunny]

Hi, apparently the surgeon where i live will only do the dorsi flap op rather than implants, which is likely to be a much bigger op and recovery.  Will need to think about private as the end result as you say is the important thing and is what would make my mind up.  Also told he wont do a double just deal with the cancer side first, which dont make much sence to me, as i was pulled in that direction, i think totally flat would be easier to cope with than one sided.

Also only have small breasts, its not like im wanting an angelina jolee, and a double mx would at least even things up.

Chin up. Hbunny

[Sodastream]

Hbunny. Haven't had meeting with surgeon yet but I'm happy to have implants if he'll agree. They can do marvellous reconstructions these days using muscles and fat from your own body and reconstruct to make them look totally natural and the same as before your cancer. Speaking as a 43 year old mum of 2 with 2 droopy spaniel ears as breasts I haven't got anything to lose. 😄

[hbunny]

Just back from a walk with hubbie to clear head which helped. Thanks for your support, it means a lot. Take care too. Xx hbunny

[hbunny]

Very wise words. Thank you.

What type of reconstruction are you facing, although i know its a while away it will be worth it in the end and you will have boobs to be proud of.  Something to look forward to.  Take care. Hbunny

[hbunny]

Hi carole. Thanks for your thoughts. 2nd biopsy 13th may, results 15th, op 23rd. Hopefully should have some more info to help me make my mind up re type of op. Good luck with your results and do as we all preach and look after yourself. Let me know how you get on with your recovery. X hbunny

[gmc]

Hi Ladies

Glad you got out today Sheryl and glad everything seems under control with some positive results and you can look to start the chemo soon.

It's all such an emotional waiting game Hbunny isn't it  and I'm not surprised you feel like losing it. That's where this forum is so useful - you can say how you feel, ask any questions and someone always comes back to you. I've spent many sleepless nights just looking back through various threads and learnt a lot. Most of all that someone, somewhere has been through it before and come out the other end!

Take care, Gill

[Sodastream]

Hi Hbunny
Sorry to hear it's not the news you were hoping for. Try to find the positive in the situation as it will help.
I got my results back today too. Having had a cough for the past few weeks I was paranoid it had spread so was relieved when bone scan was clear as was CT scan although it showed a few enlarged lymph nodes. I start chemo in the next couple of weeks as they're going to try to shrink it and then do operation. They keep asking if I want a lumpectomy as they need to put a coil marker in. However I'm insisting on a double mastectomy. They won't be able to reconstruct straight away as I need radiation. I'm not thinking of that period and just looking forward to finally ending up with new boobs (hopefully pertier than the pair I've got now).
It's a very personal decision and it's awful when some of the control gets taken away from you as in the case of you diabeties. I think the best thing is to take one day at a time and when it's all over I hope you have the result you want.

[Kalo]

Hi Hbunny,
Sorry to hear your news, 😞 It does come as a shock to be told.
Just try to take one step and day at a time. Like you I am a bit addicted to this site!
My WLE and SB was last Tuesday and now waiting for results, my mind going into overdrive thinking all sorts.
Have you got a date yet for your op?
Take care Carole x

[hbunny]

Hi donner and everyone else addicted to this site.  Finally got my results this am.  As suspected bc grade 3. That would be ok, but still needing biopsy for calcification, if that comes back with cancer cells, then have no option but a mastectomy, if negative then can do lumpectomy, both with lymph tests. Looks like lm in for the long haul.  Just been looking at prosectics (sorry re spelling) sites and got really upset.

Im not a candidate however for reconstruction at same time as im also diabetic which will create problems for anasetic and healing not to mention chemo or rad therapy. Just seems all a bit too much right now, trying to take one problem at a time but starting to loose it.

Thanks to all for never ending support.

Hbunny

[Donnaandfamily]

Hi hbunny

sorry to hear you too may have breast cancer

I too had calcifications....... they are are mostly benign (not cancer). However, sometimes calcifications can be an early sign of breast cancer and can accompany a tumour adding to the overall size of tissue removed

if you want to learn more look at http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/breast-awareness/benign-breast-conditio...

I hope yur results come back with good news.........my friend was like yours and came back clear 2 weeks ago xxx Donna

[June_BCC]

Hello hbunny

Welcome to the forums.

As well as the support you will receive on the forums we also have our helpline where the staff are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

best wishes

June, moderator

[gmc]

Hi Sodastream

You sound like you've got a lovely family.It's such a help isn't it and wonderful when the kids step up to the mark . I think, unlike the majority of ladies, men find it very hard to discuss their feelings. I know my husband finds it hard to talk to his family and friends and in fact still hasn't told his closest friend about all this. At least he's got the patience of a saint listening to all my moans and groans.

All the best, Gill

[Sodastream]

Hi Ladies
Thank you so much for your positive comments, the support received from you all is invaluable. I feel in such a good place at the moment and am mentally so strong and put it down to the support I'm receiving from family, friends but most of all this group. In fact my husband broke down crying the other day and it made me realise he hasn't received the same support but luckily now we've had a few more answers he's accepting the news slightly better.
Hazel I'll relay your message to him and tell him that he'd better make the most of my Katie Price breast as hopefully once chemo starts it will shrink as quickly as yours. For me that will be such a relief as the discomfort of carrying around this large breast is awful (although ultrasound measure tumour at 4cm the surgeon measured tumour plus swelling at 8.9 cm).
Keep strong those of you that have started your chemo. X

[fowey]

Hi Everyone,

I completely empathise with how you are feeling.I had a WLE and SNB, with 10 of 11 lymph nodes affected,at the end of March. I had a ct scan and a bone scan which were both clear and HER2 was negative, but until I got those results I was so scared, but at the same time kept so busy, allowing myself no time to brood.

I have just begun chemo fec x 4, follwed by another drug that escapes my mind x 12 then the tablet, So although the treatment seems endless, hopefully it will be worth it all in the end ladies xx Ruth xx Good Luck to you all xx

[applestreet]

Hi...I,'ve been reading these posts and want to reassure you ladies that there is life after a cancer dx. I am 2 and a half yrs post right Mx grade 3, 3cm tumour 2 nodes from 11 positive. I found my gremliin less than 12 months after a clear mammo, I had fecT x 6 and am now on tamoxifen.  It is scary at first but once the treatment plan is in place you,ll soon be out and NED...no evidence of disease... keep your chin up ladies...chemo is no picnic but it,s doable...take one day at a time and you,ll get there...virtual hugs to you all ....apple

[gmc]

That's reassuring Hazel. As you say it's proof that the chemo does the trick.

Had my 1st chemo of FEC-T this afternoon and am feeling very "spaced out" . I'm trying to think of it as flooding through my system killing off all those ******* cancer cells that have slipped through my lymph nodes !

Sleep well everyone,

Gill

[Hazelb27]

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed on 20th January and at my first meeting with the oncologist, my tumour was measured at 7cm by 7cm. I've had 4 chemos so far, 3FEC and 1 docetaxol. My tumour has shrunk massively and is kind of collapsing because of the chemo to the point where the oncologist can no longer properly measure because its so ill defined. It gives me a massive boost to know that although tumours can grow fast, they can also shrink fast with the chemo. I hope this gives you a boost too. It's not been a pleasant journey so far, but it's not been unbearable either.

Hazel x

[hbunny]

Just found your site and wanted to add my support. I too am waiting results of a core biopsy done yesterday, although cytology results were suspicious along with mamo and ultrasound all done at the same time. Dr saying very worrying so expecting the worst, just not sure what.
Already booked in for lumpectomy 16May so at least i feel something is happening nd will have results by then.
Also need 2nd biopsy to check out calsification but unsure what that means.
Fingers crossed its localised xx love to all trying to cope

[Sodastream]

Hi Springsteen. Hope you're feeling more positive today. I know exactly how you are feeling. Like you my daughter turned 18 at the beginning of April and I have a son aged 16. When I am at the depth of my despair it is always when I'm thinking of what if and how would they cope without me. I then give myself a pep talk and remind myself I've everything to live for and am going to get through this one day at a time. I also look for all the positives that have come out of this like my husband telling me how much he loves me even though he feels he's not shown it as much as he should have. My daughter has asked to be treated like an adult and all if a sudden our relationship has changed so much for the better. As for my son he's channelled all his worries into studying for his gcse's next month and is getting A* in his mocks.
I saw the oncologist and surgeon today and despite still awaiting results for some tests and still needing the ct scan and bone scan they are going to start me on 6 rounds of FEC-T starting as soon as they can get my infection from the biopsy under control (I'm stuck in hospital on IV antibiotics).
Please please try not to worry (I know it's difficult) and talk to us as we all understand what you're going through. Look for the positives no matter how significant they are and hold on to them. Sending you a big hug and message me if you want to chat (although can't get messages at moment on iPhone but will once I'm out of hospital). X

[gmc]

Hi Springstream,

I know how you feel about all the add ons after being diagnosed. As I have had BC previously -11 years ago- I automatically had to have a CT  & Bone scan after my new BC diagnosis in Feb.Like you, too, I had a grade 3, 4cm tumour which when removed the surgeon likened to 2 golf balls side by side (and even then he didn't get clear margins so will need further surgery) The CT scan was fine but the bone scan showed up a "tiny"spot on my ribs. I was panicked about that and like you I was petrified that it had got into my bones but have been too scared to look it up further!. When they had a second look and discussion about my results they decided it was not enough to worry about and my treatment was to go ahead as planned. I'm to have another bone scan in 6 months.  With my first chemo tomorrow to be followed by a further op and radiotherapy it has now gone to the back of my mind. In my imagination I am hoping if there is anything there the chemo will blast it away !

This forum is such a good source of mutual exchange of information, tips and encouragement that I am getting seriously addicted.

Take care and all the best, Gill X

[Horizon]

Hi

I too was diagnosed last week with Grade 3, 4cm breast cancer and am seeing the oncologist on Wednesday so was amazed your incredibly similar experience was the first post I've read, Sodastream, on any cancer site.  I've been avoiding reading up as I'm a wimp and don't want to read about possible downsides - most unlike me not to run straight to the internet - but thought I should get a bit more genned up before my oncology appointment. 

I've had a chest x-ray, microbubble to look at the lymph nodes, ultrasound of my organs and am waiting for an appointment for a bone scan.  I saw the consultant surgeon when I received my diagnosis and he said I would probably be having chemo to shrink the lump before surgery, possibly a lumpectomy but probably a mastectomy.  Your post, RevCat, has made me realise there are advantages to going this route, such as seeing if a particular chemo is working - thank you for that.  Otherwise, I've been thinking thinking that provided the tumour is not attached to my chest wall I'd much rather they just took the bally lot off.

So sorry you have had such a worrying scan result, Springsteen1.  I do hope you get good news from the bone scan.  Deep breath for all of us waiting for results.   Sue xx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Springsteen

Please do give our helpline team a ring and talk over with them your worries and concerns, they're here to support you through this.  Lines open again tomorrow morning at 9am, calls are free 0808 800 6000

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[CelticK]

Sorry to hear you're going through so much, and feeling so isolated in it. Really hope that you get some good news soon. I'm still waiting for results, so don't have first hand experience of what you're going through, but my foster mum is a breast cancer survivor. At one point, a scan showed a shadow on her spine, and she was terrified that it had spread....it turned out to be something completely innocent, and she has now been in remission for 13 years. Sending love and thoughts xx

[Springsteen1]

Thanks, I just feel so depressed now, can't bear the thought of getting more positive only to be slashed down again if the bone scan comes back with bad news.Think maybe ,if can pluck up courage will look up bone cancer and try and get used to idea I might have it and try   to accept it before bone scan. Just can't bear any more bad news out of the blue .

I was so looking forward to this week too, daughters birthday , going to a gig, and a friends birthday party and mothers birthday and campfire night in garden. Now its just chemo with the prospect of  feeling awful and even more bad news. It just feels like a nightmare which I cant wake up from. The more my family tell me I'll be fine the more I feel like screaming. Cancer is so alienating, I feel so cut off from normal life.

[Kess]

I had to have ct and bone scan when diagnosed and both were clear in the end. You will worry its natural, just try not to go beyond worry to panic. Once you know what is what you can start to feel a bit more in control.

[fowey]

Hi Sodastream,

Donnas advice I would seconf completely. When I was initially diagnosed, I was looking at endless sites on the web, scaring myself witless and stopped researching in the end.

I had my first chemo today and the nurses were great and in a very calm environment. They answered my endless questions which they have probably heard a hundred times before 🙂 I opted for the cold cap, so I was there for 4 hours, but time passed by quickly.Good Luck with everything xx Ruth xx

[fowey]

Hi Springsteen,

Try not to worry about the scans , I know it is difficult. I had to have a ct and bone scan,following a lumpectomy and lymph node removal...10 of which were affected. Whilst awiaitng results, I kept myself so busy , I zonked out at night, giving myself no time to brood at all. Sure, I was scared,but both my results were clear thankfully.Heres hoping you get great results. xx Ruth xx

[Springsteen1]

I dont know what grade I am ,feel so scared I did not ask. I was diagnosed on 15 April 2014(out of the blue) with a large tumour (left breast) and affected nodes, and have found it really hard since to stay calm.I have 2 or 3 calm days doing lots of positive affirmations and visualisations and positive pep talk then find myself in the depths of despair.

Yesterday I had a CT scan (spiralled into panic attack rest of day ...awful ,couldnt get out of it) and saw the onc today.He said my vital organs are clear but there is a speck on my pelvis so now I have to have a bone scan.

I am starting FEC-T chemotherapy on friday .I feel in a daze, how can this be happening, I was a normal person 3 weeks ago ,My daughter is 18 tomorrow and I feel my life is effectively over.

I have read lots of the posts and hope I can drag myself out of this pit of horror but all I can think about is I could have bone cancer and that means no cure. My youngest is 12 yrs ,I need to stick around but will I? The chemo side effects sound horrendous but I can cope with that I hope but it is the scan result  that has completely knocked me for six.

[Cherryred]

Hi Sodastream

I too was diagnosed with a fast growing grade 3 tumour. It started out as 2.2cm,grade 2 but by the time I got to surgery 2 weeks later, it was 3cm,grade 3, node postitive.Surgeon said if they had known it had grown so quickly I would have had chemo first. At the time I was relieved as I thought I wouldn't have been able to bear not having the lump removed from my body. However, given the choice today, I would opt for chemo first as you do get the reassurance of whether the chem is having any affect and change treatment if necessary. The chemo I had was FEC. Tax. was not on offer for me 11 years ago.

[Donnaandfamily]

Hi Sodastream

the one piece of advice I would give is stop researching. We all do it and it makes it worse....this is your journey and you just want to stay positive and focused on you..........no one responds the same with side effects etc.....your oncology team will get you through this........just keep thinking ....once the chemo begins you are on your journey to a cure xxx It feels better once you start on the journey.....as though something s now being done

Don't be afraid of the chemo.......... it does not hurt..its in a calm ebvironment......and lasts about 1.5 hours to administer......they have lots of meds to deal with any side efects..........make sure you contact the team about anything...for example ....like heart burn...(common) ..dont suffer ...get tablets and its gone by the following day.......

I wish you well........ x

[Sodastream]

Thanks Rev cat that has reassured me.

[RevCat]

Hi Sodastream, I very rarely pass this way nowadays but I happened to spot your post and it chimed with my own experience back in 2010.

I had a huge tumour that seemed to appear from nowhere and was very agrressive.  It transpired it was bog-standard invasice ductal carcinoma (IDC) but at 8cm at the time of diagnosis was pretty huge.  My surgeon advised chemo first, and for me it was the right choice. It meant that they could be sure the chemo was working for me (I also knew on day 1 I had affected nodes) - and in fact they changed me from FEC to Taxotere (also called Docetaxol) after three cycles*** as a result of monitoring shrinkage, and said even then they still had another option if need be.  It also gave me time to get my head around the mastectomy (my tumour was bang in the middle so no other option) and resontructive options... had I gone straight to surgery i'd have had about 2 weeks to work that out, as it was I had a good four months.

You will make the best call for you - and that's what matters.  I am now heading towards four years since diagnosis (Aug 2010) and am fit and well... the treatment is not fun but it is doable, and although it sounds crazy now, it will fly by and you'll be the other side of it.

Take care and my very best wishes for your treatment.

*** One of the regimes is called FEC-T or FEC-D which is effectiviely what I had, it was not quite so commonlu used in my hospital at that time.  Both FEC and FEC-T are really good regimes.

[Sodastream]

Hi
I was diagnosed last week with grade 3 breast cancer after I had a lump the size of a golf ball appear out of nowhere. I had a biopsy which unfortunately got infected so required a hospital stay and I am awaiting further results from these biopsies and blood tests which I get on Wednesday.
The doctor I have seen so far has set up a meeting with the oncologist and surgeon but has indicated they will start chemo within a couple of weeks as it is such an aggressive tumour they want to hit it hard to shrink it before operating, I'm trying to do as much research as possible before Wednesday so I am prepared when I see the oncologist. Part of me wants to have the tumour removed first to get it out (especially as it is uncomfortable as I've gone from 34dd to 34g bra) and then start chemo especially as there is suspicion that I have the rare Metaplastic BC which can be chemo resistant. However if I have chemo first I can tell if it is working as the tumour will shrink.
Has anyone else had a fast growing large tumour and if so what treatment did you have?
Thanks