Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. What's next and when?

UPDATE:  Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy carried out a week ago. Recovery unremarkable apart from a rash and feeling of irritation in arm pit, which I assume is nerves?  Wondered how long after healing the radiotherapy and tamoxifen begins? 

 

 

Hi, I wondered if I can opt for mastectomy and reconstruction if option not initially given, also can I ask for ' healthy breast to be removed and reconstructed?? 

Initial option is lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.  I await MRI then I'm guessing this will be finalised?  It is early stage which is positive.  I think I just would like to irradicate any further problems.

I'm thinking ahead I know, that's why I'd appreciate any advice. 

UPDATE* 

Ive been told I need my other Brest investigated as a lump showed on MRI. This may be from old cyst excision but will see after further ultrasound and possible biopsies. 

The consultant flatly talked me down from total removal and reconstruction and this of course was not what I'd hoped to hear. With a date for lumpectomy of original cancer and possiblity of another, I'm at a loss? There's not much time for getting this right. Do I need to engage with Breast nurses on my thoughts or just be told what I can I can't 

  • Brave lady. I hope you have beaten your cancer for good now.

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    Hi T,

    Many thanks - I hope that I have beaten it for good too. Are you afflicted by this awful disease too?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Yes, found my lump at the end of August. Am now 3 weeks post surgery and have had an all clear for the margins and nodes  :D 

    Still tired and sore, but work, friends and family are very supportive. Just radiotherapy and hormone tablets to go and then pray that I stay clear.

    Best wishes.

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    Hi T,

    I'm gad to hear that you have your surgery behind you now and that your post-surgery pathology results were clear. Do you know what grade and type of breast cancer you have?

    What hormone tablets are you taking? These can cause tiredness on their own. Having support from family, friends and work is all very helpful.

    I sincerely hope and pray that the rest of your treatment helps you to stay clear.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    I had a 1.5cm invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2, which contained in situ high and intermediate grade cells.

    I was lucky to find it, it was in a good place : top center.

    My last mamogram, 18 months before, found nothing. Although my sugeon said it was not particularly fast growing. I think that was because I am perimenopausal and the tumour is (luckily) hormone sensitive.

    As to tablets, I won't know until I see the Oncologist on the 26th.

    Thanks for your prayers and good wishes. I will pray for you too.

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    Hi T,

    Routine mammogram didn't pick up my tumour either. I later discovered that my type of cancer (Mucinous) doesn't always show up on mammogram or ultrasound. I discovered the lump myself when I was having a shower, then found the second one a year later in the same breast.

    I hope that all goes well for you on 26th.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx