I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February- mucinous type. Would anyone know if there is an oncologist with experience/ special interest in this type of cancer in the UK? A huge thank you,
I have had two bouts of Pure Mucinous Breast Cancer. The first was 13 years ago. At that time I had a lumpectomy and then took Tamoxifen for a year. Like yours and Mickey's experience, mine was missed in routine mammograms too. I understand that it can be missed on both mammogram and ultrasound. Twelve years ago, I discovered another bout in the same breast and had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6½ years.
My surgeon's first words to me were "If you have to have cancer, this is one of the best types to get as it tends to be slow growing". I was therefore very surprised wnen I had a second bout. I was advised to have radiotherapy alongside the hormone therapy, but for various reasons, this never came to pass. However, I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.
When did you have your surgery? It is not unusual for people to be recalled when the pathology results come back post-surgery, due to the fact that the surgeon hasn't managed to get a clear margin around the tumour.
As far as I understand, only about 1% of breast cancers are mucinous, although I seem to be hearing a lot more about people who have it than I did 13 years ago.
When are you due to go back for surgery? It is usually fairly straightforward. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
Thank you so much for your reply, Yes this is usually a slow growing tumour however mine is more complex as I am HER2+ which makes it grow more quickly. I dont know if mine is pure or mixed and I have an appointment with oncologist for a longer meeting to discuss all this after my surgery and the next path report has come back.
I am back in surgery next Wednesday afternoon, not the surgery I am bothered about just the soreness again afterwards, at least this time its not underarm as well.
I will keep in touch and let you know. Thank you for your positive message that you are still active after all those years.
Unfortunately, HER2+ will grow more quickly. Don't forget to ask your care team whether yours is pure or mixed mucinous. Do you know what grade your cancer is?
I shall be thinking of you next Wednesday and hope that it all goes well. Going through surgeries and treatment is not a breeze, but you will get through this.
I had lost my mum to breast cancer before I was diagnosed, so wasn't very hopeful of a good outcome when I started on my cancer journey. I feel so blessed to still be here 13 years later and, I sincerely hope that you will have the same experience.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on.
Hi Trish and [@Jolamine], I'm on leave at the moment so will reply properly in a couple of weeks when back, I'm following this thread though and so just saw Trish that you're booked in for Saturday. That's great news to get the shaving done earlier. I assume you had a lumpectomy then? I hope they don't have to shave too much more off. I wonder if this cancer just glues itself to the tissue as we've all had positive margins with it? Anyway, please keep the thread updated, I will read it and check in properly when I'm home. virtual hugs and best wishes -Mickey xx ️
I'm delighted to hear that your surgery date has been brought forward. Every day less to wait is a day less of worry. I'm sure that you'll be glad to get it all done and start to move forward.
I hope that you are enjoying your leave. I go off next week and I am really looking forward to it. I feel like the song "Leaving on a jet plane - my case is packed and I'm ready to go".
