Confused Brisbane?

Hi AJG

This is Annie from BCNA's Policy Team. To help you understand your pathology report, BCNA has developed a Pathology Fact Sheet, which explains what terms like 'grade 3 tumour' mean. We also have a Glossary of Pathology Terms which you may also find useful. If you would like us to mail you a free copy of these sheets, you can call us on (free call) 1800 500 258.

The SNAC2 trial compares the effectiveness of two different ways to remove lymph nodes under your arm to see if the breast cancer has moved beyond the breast. You can read more about the trial here. We also have a fact sheet on clinical trials here, which may help you to understand why we need clinical trials, who runs them, and how you can get involved. If you want more information about participating in the trial, you may like to speak with your medical oncologist.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Annie

Hi AJG, I understand your anger at finding your breast cancer. Like you, I never missed a scan either, but I had a grade 3, 21mm tumour that was also missed in these scans. I had an old lump rechecked, as I suddenly became alarmed by it, even though it had been checked before and had been there for over 10 years. Three months before this, my scanning mammo showed nothing. My Dr wasn't worried, but sent me for a repeat mammo and an ultrasound. The mammo was still clear, and the ultrasound showed that this lump was only fibrous glandular tissue. However under this there was a 4mm cyst like lesion. We did a fine needle biopsy just incase, and this is how I discovered I had invasive breast
cancer. The lumpectomy and radiotherapy that
was to follow was considered not a big deal by
the medicos. Unfortunately the lumpectomy
showed the tumour to be much larger at 21mm,
and very aggressive. I went back to theatre and
had a mastectomy, and then required chemo. As
a precaution I have since had the other breast off,
as I decided that I wouldn't easily trust a
mammogram again. My reconstrution is now
complete, and my hair has regrown, but is still
curly. I am on femara, for the next 7 to 10 years,
which is an estrogen blocking drug. There are alot
of us, who have been very thorough in checking
for breast cancer, and have still wound up with it.
It is a bugger, but at least you now know, and can begin your treatment. For the record, I was lucky
with my chemo, as it didn't knock me about too
much at all. I wish you all the best. Write down a
list of questions so that you can ask your surgeon
everything that is on your mind. Your surgeon
should talk to you, and if he doesn't, perhaps get
a second opinion. It is also good to take another
person with you, as it is so hard to take
everything in and remember it all. Love Chris xx

I made a couple blog a while ago with ideas on things to pack for the hospital etc and things to help you through your breast cancer journey, you can see them at:-

http://www.bcna.org.au/user/9176/blog/29548 - It is called "Things to pack and do for Hospital Stays,

and another helpful blog I started is at

http://www.bcna.org.au/user/9176/blog/28978 - It is called "What has helped you through your journey"

I hope one or more of the posts in these blogs is helpful for you.

I can also understand you anger...

On 22/12/11 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40. I had had a mammogram and ultrasound in April 11 that was clear, in December the lump was 3cm and grade 2, stage 2. To make it worse, I saw a specialist at the start of November (I found the lump at the end of October) who told me it was nothing but a band of fibrotic tissue and to ignore it, it wasn't anythign and would never become anything (even after I told him my Mum had BC and my Dad's sister and aunt), Thank goodness I didn't listen to him and demanded a new mammoranmg and ultrasound from the GP, since had mastectomy (have preventative on on the other breast at end of year, start of next year) with immediate silicone implant reconstruction, had 2 sentinel nodes out (1 of which had a 5mm deposit of cancer - hence needing chemo of which I have 1 more chemo to go (total of 6 cycles of TCH), have 12 more Herceptin after that, 5 years of tamoxifen or similar,  am having genetic testing on 01/08 etc.

It is NATURAL to feel angry of it being missed (not by yourself - you are not superwoman and some tumours are deep etc and not felt until large), you did the right things, had your scans, did your self examinations, it was picked up that is the main thing and now you can being treatment.

You are not alone, this is a GREAT place to realise that you are not alone and to get support and help.

Don't be so angry with yourself, I would check my boobs almost daily and as an ex- nurse thought I had a handle on it.

Beaten by the mammogram and ultra sound biopsy I guess.

My tumour was 27mm and was also grade 3 which means aggressive/ fast growing which is stage 2b 

Please get your info pack from this site and read thouroughly.

Please do not go to Dr. Google too often as it can distress and confuse if you do not know what to look for.

 So speak openly, honestly and ask your medical team everything and anything.

I wish you all the best and expect to see your writings here many times, hopefully with not too many doubts

Cheryl

I would like to thank everyone who has responded trying to help me through this dark time

Thank you so much AJG

Hi AJG,
Participation in trials is voluntary so if youre not comfortable, make sure you let them know thAt!
The first couple of weeks are the worst scariest time. It does calm down a little bit. If you don't understand anything, ask your doctor to stop and explain it and write down anything you think is important.
Also don't be afraid to ask them to explain your pathology and what it means and if it is good or bad. It's your body and you should be 100% comfortable with what they are doing to it!