Cancer journey summary: Mammogram October 2020 - results clear. Summer 2021 after feeling I had been suffering too many years with peri menopause and erratic periods causing havoc to my plans, I finally decided to go on HRT. Thank heavens I did as I was never one (sorry) for checking my breasts. One morning approx 5-6 weeks later, I just woke up and had the feeling that I needed to check my right breast. What a surprise to feel a lump for the first time. My GP saw me and told me not to be unduly worried but referred me under the 2ww. I was seen in September 2021 at Breast Clinic and had usual exam, ultrasound, biopsy on lump with marker insertion and mammogram before and after marker insertion. I was told that as well as the lump they had found a cluster of micro calcifications and they wanted further biopsies on those. Some delay around the vacuum assist stereotactic biopsy under mammogram. In interim, it was confirmed I had mucinous cancer and DCIS. ER+ (8/8), PR+ (8/8) and HER2-. Two wide areas of DCIS of different grades later confirmed. Low likelihood of lymph node involvement with mucinous cancer.
Decision Surgery followed by ten years hormone treatment: all other surgery options discounted due to amount and locations of tumour and DCIS in my breast and so masectomy. Right Masectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction and sentinel lymph node removal completed 14th December 2021. Positive experience of operation and recovery. Very pleased with reconstruction.
Case was heard at MDT third week of January 2022. 0/3 lymph nodes, further mucinous tumour found and further scattered areas of DCIS throughout breast. Both mucinous tumours were within the largest area of DCIS, a 5cm bed of mixed grade DCIS. Positive masectomy margins confirmed on both tumours and the DCIS. Unanimous MDT recommendation changed to include Post Masectomy Radiotherapy (PMRT) 15 sessions. In addition to the 10 years hormone therapy. Blood test taken at pre-op assessment confirmed post menopausal status, but had to be rechecked at first Oncologist apt 14/02/2022 as Estradiol not tested. Result chased and confirmed post menopausal status and Anastrozole started morning 17/02/2022. Radiotherapy commenced 14/03/2022. I am worried about how radiotherapy will impact my DIEP reconstructed breast.
