Lois
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Hi, I'm Lois and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcenoma in May. I've had neoaduvant chemothearapy this summer successfully shrinking my 3+cm tumor to .9cm making my lumpectomey 3 weeks ago a seemingly easy surgery: after remembering all I had to do was show up and let Dr. Cullinane do what she's great at -- it was over before I knew it, relatively little pain, no cancer in my lymph nodes, and cosmetically I believe my breast has a better looking shape (unbelievable - since I was expecting a decidedly flat side to it.)
After the review of the pathology of my tissue and margins I unfortunately still have cancer cells present.
I have just started 4 more treatments of different chemo combination and herceptin. I look forward to finishing by Thanksgiving. At which time I get to make wonderful new choices, I am thankful to have choices. I will be going back with a biopsy of the tissue hoping for no cancer cells found and then it has been recommended I have radiation.
Well, being the worry wart I am -- not knowing what radiation is like I of course am questioning and reviewing the next new treatment. See, I was at first scared of chemo, then totally scared of surgery and now of course the thing I don't know and haven't had - radiation - is the big unknown to me.
I found the following paragraph on this breastlink site and will consult further with Dr. Link and Dr. Cullinane. I would like to ask anyone out there who would like to - to share their experience of radiation. I would appreciate any and all comments. Thank you. "There are numerous clinical, pathological, and laboratory factors that might aid clinicians and patients wrestling with the difficult treatment decision-making process. Our research has shown that nuclear grade, the presence of comedo-type necrosis (coagulative necrosis), tumor size, and margin width are all key factors in predicting local recurrence in patients with DCIS. By using a combination of these factors, it is possible to select subgroups of patients who do not require irradiation, if breast conservation is elected, or to select patients whose recurrence rate is potentially so high, even with breast irradiation, that mastectomy is preferable.
Pamela H. Craig, MD, PhD, FACS "
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Annmarie
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Hi, I'm just writing an update to my last post. I now have 7 radiation therapy treatments remaing. I started the "boost" treatments yesterday. My skin is very red, itchy and sensitive. I cannot wear a bra. I am very tired but continuing to work full time. I believe that continuing to work has helped by not sitting at home feeling sorry for myself. Everyone in my office (162 employees) knows of my situation and have been very supportive. I also feel that working has given me the opportunity to educate others about cancer and the treatment process. It also gives me an opportunity to rib the employees in my office who smoke. I like giving them a hard time.....;-)
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