Biopsy Results

Pamster · 07-10-2009, 08:23 PM

Hang in there BJ, you can get through this, that it's still confined to the duct sounds like good news. I agree with Mari, seek out some local support groups if you can. I have been keeping you in my prayers and will continue to BJ. BIg hugs to you hun.

DiMarie · 07-10-2009, 08:53 PM

Oh dear, I guess it is better news then what it could be but certainly stressful, Prayers are being sent. I never knew there were concerne with calcifications and the ducts, no one told me when I had the followups for my digital mamagram and ultra sound to be concerned.

I will read up on it now. I have a calcification, but it is only one duct affected and did not change in size in 30 months.

It must be even more worrisome for you after going through so much with your family. Scary stuff for sure, but lots of prayers are on the way.
di

waves · 07-10-2009, 09:21 PM

I'm sorry to hear this news. I know I would be scared.

However the diagnosis you received is one given with very early detection. Things should go well for you. The Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is to check for the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes in the arm pit. There is another procedure also for this purpose, however it is more invasive.

When you meet your doctor/surgeon ask about the cancer grade/level of aggression in your case, and about Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (the more invasive, standard procedure). The fact that they have chosen to do a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy would suggest to me a lower grade (slow-spreading) cancer, but it doesn't hurt to ask what their reason was for the choice.

Now i am going to pause and send you lots of

s in case you decide you would prefer not to read the rest for now.

Below, I am going to paste the links/quotes with fuller descriptions of terms and procedures, and you can choose to read or to skip.

hang in there, BJ. you can beat this!

~ waves ~ sending healing vibes

--------------------------
more information
--------------------------

For everyone, since i had to look it up... DCIS - means Duct Carcinoma In Situ and is generally used to mean the earliest detection of breast cancer. With early detection typically there is a better prognosis. They perform other procedures to ascertain whether there has been any spread.

For more information on all the various aspects of DCIS the full Mayo Clinic article is helpful.

Cited below are full descriptions of the lymph node investigation procedures. The full article has diagrams as well, and is located at:

http://www.cancernews.com/data/Article/202.asp

Quote:

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a new technique. This was developed as a test to determine if breast cancer has spread to the lymph ducts or lymph nodes in the axilla without having to do a traditional axillary lymph node dissection. Experience has shown us that the lymph ducts of the breast usually drain to one lymph node first, before draining through the rest of the lymph nodes underneath the arm. That first lymph node is called the sentinel lymph node. That is the lymph node that helps sound the warning that the cancer has spread. Lymph node mapping helps identify that lymph node, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy removes only that lymph node. The sentinel lymph node is identified in one of two ways, either by a weak radioactive dye (technetium-labeled sulfur colloid) that can be measured by a hand held probe, or by a blue dye (isosulfan blue) that stains the lymph tissue a bright blue so it can be seen. Most breast cancer surgeons use a combination of both dyes. This procedure is new. The “best” way to administer the dye, which dye to use, and the benefits and risks of the procedure in various situations is still being studied. A traditional axillary lymph node dissection is the “tried and true” method, and is still considered the “gold standard”.

Quote:

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection:

Traditionally, if your breast cancer is invasive, an axillary lymph node dissection is recommended by your surgeon in order to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes underneath the arm. During an axillary lymph node dissection, the surgeon makes an incision underneath your arm, and removes the bulk of the lymph node tissue that drains from the breast. The lymph node tissue is then sent to the laboratory, and a pathologist looks at the lymph nodes under a microscope and determines if any of them contain cancer. On average, approximately 10 to 15 lymph nodes are removed with this operation. An axillary lymph node dissection usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Since the remaining tissues underneath the arm tend to “leak” some lymph fluid when the lymph nodes are removed, a drain is left in place for the first 2-3 weeks after the operation until the area heals. The drain is a flexible plastic tube that exits the skin, and is connected to a plastic collection bulb. When the drainage diminishes to a certain amount, the drain is removed in the clinic. After you go home you are given physical therapy exercises to maintain strength and flexibility in your shoulder while this area heals. Approximately 5-10% of the patients who undergo an axillary lymph node dissection experience chronic problems related to the dissection such as arm swelling (lymphedema), or pain or discomfort in the area of the dissection. Almost all women will have some residual numbness under the inside of the arm.

An alternative source (but no pictures here):
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Q & A from the National Cancer Institute.

Brokenfriend · 07-10-2009, 10:21 PM

I'm sending ((((((Hugs)))))) your way. BF

Jomar · 07-11-2009, 01:19 AM

Hang in there, my mom & a SIL both had lumpectomies & radiation in 04 & 05, they are both doing fine.

Kitty · 07-11-2009, 04:22 AM

BJ

Keeping you in my prayers, BJ. I'm so relieved they found this so early. You've got lots of prayers and positive thoughts following you here.

BJ · 07-11-2009, 08:29 AM

She said if you had to choose which breast cancer you had to get....this would be it. So, I guess I shouldn't be scared. But for some reason, I still am. I’m just terrified that I’ll wake up and part or all of my breast will be gone. I don't want to lose ANY of it!! I mean, we've been together a long time.

My mom did have a very aggressive cancer. She had it in one side, had a mastectomy, then she got it in the other breast. She lived through a hell that I would not want anyone to go through. After seeing my mom go through these treatments I thought I would be more prepared for this. I knew in the back of my mind I would eventually get BC but not now, not yet. I’m grateful my PCP is so on the ball and insisted I get a screening mammo done or else I’d never have known.

I’m now waiting to go to the surgeon Tuesday. Seems like an eternity waiting. The waiting is the hard part, thinking an awful thing is in your body and you want it out. When you are going through this thing you imagine the worst scenario and go from there, I think it allows you to prepare mentally for whatever news you get. I'm going down to the NJ shore, Wildwood, first week of August but if she wants to schedule surgery I just won't be able to go.

This afternoon I’m taking the second part of the CPA exam. I have to put this all out of my mind and concentrate on that.

Vowel Lady · 07-15-2009, 08:39 AM

I'm so very sorry. I have a friend going through this at the moment. She is doing very well. She has a good attitude. She posts her progress at a website called Caring Bridge. IMHO, she does this to limit her discussions. I'm sure she talks about it with friends, but she doesn't want to make it a constant thing and I think she tries to keep conversations short and upbeat. Therefore, she posts at the website so that she can blast information out to several people rather than repeating herself a lot. She has continued with her day to day activities with little interruption. I am SO glad you are seeing the T-doc. Some extra appointments here and there might be a good idea at this time.

Prayers and good thoughts from me to you...and of course, a hug as well.

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