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New to forum- invasive ductal breast cancer

Jubblyboo
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Hi Im 51 I’ve just been diagnosed with invasive Ductal breast cancer provisionally stage 1 grade 2. 20mm right breast. ER+ PR+ HER2- . This was found on routine screening of mammogram. I had been having a sharp stabbing pain now and again. This couldn’t be felt by myself or consultant. I had the Mirena coil fitted and told to have it removed urgently.(luckily for me the sexual health clinic at the hospital were so accommodating they took it out the same day). I do not know what my levels where will ask these on my next appointment. I have opted for lumpectomy as I’m diabetic but well controlled but feel i was pushed towards this simple operation due to being diabetic and asthmatic, i now wish i had a little more time to think this over and sink in the pros and cons rather than feel rushed.

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    Hi jubblyboo

    Welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years ago and remember being shocked that I had to make a decision about surgery within days of my diagnosis. I kept postponing my decision until I had time to weigh up the options. I opted for lumpectomies as I could not justify a double mastectomy (there is no mortality difference between the two). I did not want a stay in hospital for any length of time so declined reconstruction.

    However, the initial diagnosis was wrong and I had different breast cancers and the area was much bigger than originally thought; it went from 11mm to 7.6cm in right and 6.9 cm in left. Thankfully I gave the surgeon my permission to reconstruct if it was necessary. As a 'C-cup' lumpectomy would have left me with no breast tissue but reconstruction gave me a  'D-cup'. I was delighted with my breasts but years later they are misshapen due to the effects of radiotherapy. 

    My advice is to weigh all of this up and talk to your surgeon about it. Don't let anyone pressure you, as it's you who has to live with the results.

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    Hi Jubblyboo,

    I am five weeks post therapeutic mammoplasty. My tumour was 45mm with dcis too. Luckily for me the excellent surgeon I had was able to do the above mentioned op. It was quite close margins apparently at the bottom (this was never a lump I would have found on my own) the surgeon was great - breast doesn’t look quite the same but hey hi, it’s a battle scar. I’m waiting my appt for radiotherapy (which again will make it a bit smaller) if your consultant is anything like mine I would trust them.

    Luckily for all of us we will receive ongoing care for the next five years.Hope that helps? 

  • Offline in reply to Magpiemaggie

    thank you Magpiemaggie,  at first I was not offered anything other than the lumpectomy as my cancer is small and treatable that's what was said on first consultation. then surgery plan they offer me everything. I am a F cup.  they first said I would just have a slight dimple in my skin as my boobs are quite symmetrical I wouldn't really notice but then they said radiation may cause a cup size difference. so i'm  really confused. I've seen 3 different consultants and neither have been consistent so I'm a little head fuzzed at the moment. when is asked if i'm not happy with my body image say after all treatment then would I be offered some kind reconstruction to make them equal again in the future. and she looked at me like I was mad. so I just went for the simple as I want to get rid of this cancer sooner than and not mess around with recovery time delays. I have named my cancer REDA because I want to get rid of it .

  • Offline in reply to Karlywarlyspider

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with the therapeutic mammoplasty and the close margins, but it’s great to hear that your surgeon was skilled and supportive throughout the process. It’s true, these "battle scars" represent the strength and resilience it takes to face such a challenge. Waiting for radiotherapy can feel like another hurdle, but it’s good that you have faith in your care team. It’s reassuring to know that ongoing care is part of the plan, providing some peace of mind over the next few years. 

  • Offline in reply to Jubblyboo

    Jubblyjoo -it all happens so quickly! But luckily for us we have a great system here in uk.

    mine was literally eight weeks from mammogram to surgery- it’s a lot to take in! 
    I guess it hit harder after I was given the all clear last week…. Time to think etc, but I’m ready for the next stage, one foot in front of the other is my mantra

    wishing you all the best and keep in touch for you want x

  • Offline in reply to Karlywarlyspider

    It’s incredible how quickly things can move, and it sounds like you’ve handled it all with remarkable resilience. I can understand how the reality of it all might sink in more deeply after getting the all-clear—it's a moment to reflect after such an intense journey. But your mantra is perfect, taking it step by step. Wishing you strength as you move forward with this next chapter! yes if you don't mind that would be lovely to stay in touch thank you x

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