First when my mom told me about the lump, I took her for checkup followed by mammography appointment and FNAC test which created suspicion for cancer. Next was going to a surgeon for removal and during that procedure there was a frozen section report which confirmed cancer (Invasive ductal carcinoma).
Now it's been 12 days of her mastectomy (left breast). Yesterday, we went for dressing , removal of drain pipe and also to consult the same surgeon about further process after analysing the biopsy report (histopathology report).
(Drain pipe will probably go on for five days more)
As per the report: no lymph nodes affected but the surgeon said other reports like ER/PR are pending which will guide further. He also helped us understand that after surgeon , we will have to consult oncologists for chemotherapy (hormone therapy,if needed).
I am planning to consult oncologists nearby with the reports we have got. I don't wish to take my mom everytime for a visit. I hope it's okay to now consult through reports since masectomy is done.
Any guidance from doctors in this forum , survivors and relatives of the ones going through breast cancer will help.
Thanks for all the support.
Please give some links to the posts (if possible) for getting masectomy lingerie and wigs (for giving my mom a choice during chemo)
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Akaya
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Where are you located - no address - just country and area.
You may want to get a second opinion (at an NCI Cancer Center if possible) at every step. In the USA, NCI Cancer Centers Program was created as part of the National Cancer Act of 1971 and is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research effort. Through this program, NCI recognizes centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for transdisciplinary, state-of-the-art research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.
If you are in the United States, there is a list of National Cancer Institute Certified Cancer Centers here: cancer.gov/research/nci-rol...
Make sure to get all copies of tests - original mammogram, pathology from both the FNAC and mastectomy. It is often easier to ask for the copy when you are at the doctor's office. Asking to get it mailed or emails if often a more complicated process.
I too had invasive ductal ca, 3 1/2 years ago. Take your mom to get a wig before they do chemo! And take her to all the appointments with doctors and specialist, she’s more worried than you, she needs to hear the answers from them, not you, ( I know you’re just trying to protect her). She needs to be active in the decision making. I did all my care thru the Cleveland Clinic, but National Cancer Institute is a great option, as well as MD Anderson. Get the real answers, and don’t let any doctor blow you off, it’s been long enough to get the test results, insist on it.
Thank you so much for your guidance.We have got Biopsy report but other two reports relating hormone will be given to us tomorrow. She got her masectomy on 15th June 2019. We have been told that treatment relating chemo will start after one month.
Hi Akaya—I don’t know why they might suggest chemo with clear lymph nodes and margins. From the extensive research I’ve done, chemo should not be necessary. If they say it’s “to make certain all cancer cells are found and killed”, get one or two seperate, independent opinions, and definitely do your own research on the reasons for chemo. Most patients don’t realise there’s a lot more to it than they are being told. Also, don’t rush into any kind of treatment until you have ALL of the facts on it. I know from experience and I wish someone had given me this advice. I wish you and your mother all the best!
Thank you so much for your guidance. I will definitely research more. It would be a relief if she doesn't need to go through Chemo. but if it's required for her cancerfree future then we'll do it.
I'm sorry about your mother, it's extremely difficult to see the strongest women we know become ill. My mom died around my current age (I'll be 50 in August, she was 51), however it was ALS that took her and not cancer. I know how difficult Dr's visits can be when it's for mom, but remember how many she went to with you when you were little, or emergency room trips, took care of all your booboo's (physically and emotionally). Now it's your turn to be strong for her and she needs someone with her to give her strength.
Speak with the oncologist to determine if chemo is needed, before getting a wig. As for post mastectomy bras you can try: anaono.com/collections/mast...
I'm not sure if they ship to India but it's worth a try.
Once you have the full pathology it will be easier to answer your questions.
Okay, but they didn't say what type of chemotherapy? Here in the US we are told the specific type of drugs, it helps to know the possible side effects.
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