Large lobular tumour - I don’t do things by halves!

Hello,

I’m a newbie and have been reading but decided to stop lurking and start posting!

I was diagnosed a month back with Er+, PR+, HER2- lobular cancer stage 3 mostly based on tumour size being a whopper at c 10cm (yes that I centimetres not millimetres!). 

Bit perplexed and more than a little surprised to learn of the size of the tumour given I have been to the breast clinic regularly over the last 5 years ( and presumably a 10cm takes some time to grow...?).

Anyway, had a mastectomy last week.  I had a sentinel node biopsy during the surgery. The results came back positive for cancer so they did a node clearance. A week into recovery and am ok but still pretty stiff in shoulders - no doubt to be expected.

Have been told will defo be having rads but chemo position isn’t clear as yet until path report is back. Am hopeful that the nodes weren’t all positive so chemo isn’t such a forgone conclusion. But being a bit contrary about it all and as such equally kind of hope that maybe the chemo would be an effective treatment (given I’ve read lobular doesn’t always respond particularly well to chemo). 

Anyway completely agree with lots of other posts I’ve read that that all the waiting is a worry and energy drain. (I love the expression scanxiety!) Am trying to distract myself by working from home and online shopping for various supplements.

I think the plan post rads (and poss chemo) is to put me in tamoxifen. I’m 41 and pre- menopausal. I’ve read mixed things about the side effects, so am a bit apprehensive about being bounced into menopause a decade early (according to my Mum!). 

Is having overies removed a good alternative or do you still have to take meds?

Really helps to read about other people’s experiences. It defo helps my brain to normalise what’s going on! 

Kx

 

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  • Hi

    im sorry to hear your diagnosis.  
    I was 48 when receiving my diagnosis and have gone through the same with 10cm lobular breast cancer, ER+ tumour.  Wasnt at the age to get regularmamograms and with no stmptoms or lump, it just seemed to have crept up on me.  Due to the size, I had a mastectomy, lymph node clearance (as 24 out of 32 nodes positive). Im a bit unusual (according to surgeon), as im high risk as have large lymph node involvement but my Oncotype (recurrence score on your tumour) is very low at 11 out of 100 which makes me low risk - confusing!  Anyway, I went through 6 cycles of chemo (3xFEC, 3xDoxetavil) which wasnt too bad and followed by 15 rounds of radiotherapy.   As far as Oncology feel, Im cancer free.  Now on daily Anastrazole tablets and have prostat injections and recently had my first Zoladronic injection (which is absolutely fine).  Im struggling with knee joint pain which is a side affect and other than hot flushes Ive been fine.

    As horrendous a position were in, its good to hear from others who have had similar diagnosis. 

    just want to reach outand send positivity to both of you on this link.  Love to hear how your journey goes giving any support or advice to one another.

    We have this xx

  • Hello , I was daignosed with lobular breast cancer last year. It was about 10 cms. When bone scan was done it showed in 2 places in bones. So it was decided to give chemo. And I responded well to chemo.iam er+ pr+ and her2 negative  My cancer on right breast disappeared and left one responded well . So now on tamoxifen not much trouble with it, then zomata every month. I feel fine . I feel positive to read all posts and it gives me hope that I can live with advanced medicine . 

  •  

    Hi Soreal,

    I am glad to hear th your cancers have responded so well to treatment and that you are coping with Tamoxifen. Advances in medicine are taking place all of the time and there is every reason to be hopeful. 

    My mum had breast cancer and died from it 24 years ago. I have had 2 bouts of this myself since then, but I am still going strong 12 years later. There is just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare that we have both had.

    I wish you well with your cancer journey and hope that you continue to make good progress. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you my beautiful kind hearted Nola mine. Lots of love to you and all the members here 

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