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Sister just diagnosed in England

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 4/13/2007 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, everyone: I used to post regularly on the Crohn's Disease forum, but am happily in remission now after surgery 6 years ago.  I really appreciated the help I got over the years at HealingWell, and now I need your help for my sister. 

I live in Massachusetts and am English; all my family is still over there.  My sister is 44 and just had a lumpectomy last night after a positive biopsy last week.  She has been told that she has Grade 2 infiltrated lobular carcinoma.  It was .8cm and her lymph nodes are clear.  They have done more tests, not sure what except for blood work and an MRI, and she will go back to the specialist next Thursday to get the final results.  They have told her to expect 6 weeks of radiation starting in a month, but no chemo, and that it's highly curable.  Is there anything else we need to know?  Have any of you been through something similar?

Any and all input is very welcome, and thank you.

Concerned in Massachusetts

 

Posted 4/13/2007 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
It is so difficult to hear such news about your sister or anyone you are close to. My daughters are not real close, they are so different, but it really upset one when the other was recently told she has a recurrence. My daughter and I had mastectomies but an aunt of mine was treated as your sister is going to be treated and it has been over 15 years. She has had no recurrence and just turned 80, happy and healthy and strong! Just keep in touch with one another, so she can lean on you when she needs to, but don't fuss or push for details. Let her tell you what she wants but if you feel you need more info gently lead her into the conversation. Does that make sense? My daughter with the recurrence does not like anyone fussing over her and says very little, but bit by bit we get details and share. Take care, be strong and tell her we are here for her if she has a computer and wants to post. Over the years we have had friends from across the pond. Hugs to you both, MK
Posted 4/14/2007 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your sister. She has almost the same as I did, although I also had invasive ductal with the invasive lobular. I was told I could go either way, lumpectomy with rads or mast. My surgeon, radiologist and my doctor all agreed I would be better off going with mast and tamoxifen (I was highly er+++++ and high S phase and they doubted they could get enough clear margins. So I went with mast. I also did ask for a phophylactic mast on the other breasts. NOW this was just my choice, I am not saying your sister should do this, it is a very personal decision. I am just saying what I chose. =) I will mention that she should pay close attention to her other breast too, as lobular has a tendancy to "mirror" itself in the other breast. That is what chinched my decision. Doesn't mean it will, just maybe, so she should be aware of this.
I am sending my best wishes to you and your sister, and she is lucky to have you!!
HUGS, Gail
Posted 4/14/2007 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
Whoops! I missed the lobular until I read Gail's post. Lobular does tend to mirror in the other breast. My aunt did not have it. Nor did my daughter or I. Gail's post really is good thinking points. Of course medicine in UK is different than here, so she may not have much choice. Keep us posted. Hugs MK
Posted 4/14/2007 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you needed to come visit us here at the BRCA board. I think it's probably as upsetting for you as it is for your sister!

I had two tumors, one lobular, and I didn't have the double. I would have preferred that at the time, but back then, they wouldn't remove a "healthy" breast. While lobular is more likely to "mirror" in the other breast, the risk is relatively small. I've been around for 12 years now, with no recurrence.

With no positive nodes, chemo is debateable. Some oncs would give it, regardless, based on the size and the infiltrating factors, as well as your sister's age. Others would leave it up to the individual. And some would recommend radiation followed by possible use of something like Femara or Tamoxifen. Because I had two tumors and lymph node involvement, as well as being very young, I went through chemo.

We have another lady on the board, Anthi, who is in Great Britain. I know it's a big place, but who knows...maybe your sister lives close to her! Anthi is currently going through chemo.

Take care, and feel free to throw us all the questions you need to have answered! We're not doctors, but we can share our experiences.

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 4/19/2007 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hello again, everyone, and thanks SO much for your answers.  I just talked to my sister.  She is so funny; she knew I would want every detail, so she is going to fax me the copy of her doctor's report!  But the brief outcome is this: lymph nodes clear, lump was Grade 1, all removed; she will have 5 weeks of radiation followed by tamoxifen for 5 years, as it's hormone receptive.  She will have to come off the pill (her boyfriend is "ready to cut his willy off" in disappointment) and will have annual mammograms.

She has three friends arguing over who gets to drive her to treatment, so altogether the news is as good as it can be. 

Thanks again, everyone!

Much more relieved in Massachusetts

Posted 4/19/2007 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
SOOOOO happy to hear this!!! Thank you for letting us know!! yeah

L&H, Gail

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