anyone out there with lobular breast cancer...cancerous calcifications...no lump?

SweetSue · March 2003

I just need to find out how you are doing? Where you got information to help u make treatment decisions? I know 80% of breast cancer is ductal , and I keep reading about women feeling lumps. I don't fall into those categories.

vwathome · March 2003

Hi. I had lobular (stage II). Went with bi-lateral mastectomy since doctor said it could spread to other breast, and was too advanced for lumpectomy without worry. Followed by six months chemo and four weeks radiation. I recommend Web MD as great web site for treatment options, but the best idea is go to at least two different doctors -- I went to three, even tho insurance would only cover the second. All three agreed on the same treatment, so that's what I did. Just had my one-year-out-of-radiation check-up and all is well. Also, I went to every "link" on every website I checked to see alternate treatements, including whether or not to go with reconstruction. Then again, my thoughts were to be as aggressive as possible, so I wpuild never have to go through this again. And I don't plan on it! :-) By the way, no one felt a lump for me, either. That's part of what makes it so invasive. But goood luck, and stay talking to people who've been there.

sandytrif525 · March 2003

Hello. I had invasive lobular stage 3. I had 6 mos of chemo before(4 of AC, 4 of taxotere)surgery, mastectomy with tramflap, 6 months of chemo again (5FU) then 6 weeks of radiation. My treatment originally was to last only 9 mos, but ended up being longer. One year of chemo and then the radiation. I really just did what my oncologist said. I did not go for a second opinion. I felt, this is what I have to do and did it. I did not feel a lump. It was more of a mass that went from 3 o'clock to 5 o'clock, if you look at the breast like a circle. I was never given the option of a lumpectomy. Mine was too invasive, covering 3 out of 4 quadrines. I was 41 at the time of dx. Went to the gyno every year and did sporatic self exams. I was not ill or in any pain. Hope this is helpful to you. May the Lord Jesus bless you. He has been there for me. Sandy

inthewind · April 2003

Hello, I am knew to this so bare with me. I have infiltrating lobular carcinoma with assc. minor lobular carcinoma in-situ componet. This is my second recurrence from 13 years ago when I had ductal carcinoma. Its been very hard for me to go through this again. I was almost sudicidal. Because this cancer can travel I went with the bi-lateral mascectomy with reconstruction. First I was told I wouldnt need chemo but after surgery my tumors were large so chemo was decided. Had my firt treatment of 8 just this past Friday and I still feeling blaugh. My reconstruction is on hold until I am done. It is uncomfortable but I have some sense of wholeness about me. I was only 30 years old my first time around. I sure you can guess my age this time around. I am long winded hear - sorry but I need to talk. If I can help you with any thing let me know.

SweetSue · April 2003

inthewind said:
Hello, I am knew to this so bare with me. I have infiltrating lobular carcinoma with assc. minor lobular carcinoma in-situ componet. This is my second recurrence from 13 years ago when I had ductal carcinoma. Its been very hard for me to go through this again. I was almost sudicidal. Because this cancer can travel I went with the bi-lateral mascectomy with reconstruction. First I was told I wouldnt need chemo but after surgery my tumors were large so chemo was decided. Had my firt treatment of 8 just this past Friday and I still feeling blaugh. My reconstruction is on hold until I am done. It is uncomfortable but I have some sense of wholeness about me. I was only 30 years old my first time around. I sure you can guess my age this time around. I am long winded hear - sorry but I need to talk. If I can help you with any thing let me know.

In the Wind, so sorry that you have to go through the trauma of breast cancer again. I hope you have support. I will pray for you.

SweetSue · April 2003

sandytrif525 said:
Hello. I had invasive lobular stage 3. I had 6 mos of chemo before(4 of AC, 4 of taxotere)surgery, mastectomy with tramflap, 6 months of chemo again (5FU) then 6 weeks of radiation. My treatment originally was to last only 9 mos, but ended up being longer. One year of chemo and then the radiation. I really just did what my oncologist said. I did not go for a second opinion. I felt, this is what I have to do and did it. I did not feel a lump. It was more of a mass that went from 3 o'clock to 5 o'clock, if you look at the breast like a circle. I was never given the option of a lumpectomy. Mine was too invasive, covering 3 out of 4 quadrines. I was 41 at the time of dx. Went to the gyno every year and did sporatic self exams. I was not ill or in any pain. Hope this is helpful to you. May the Lord Jesus bless you. He has been there for me. Sandy

Sandy, thanks so much for responding. Prayer has given me courage.

SweetSue · April 2003

vwathome said:
Hi. I had lobular (stage II). Went with bi-lateral mastectomy since doctor said it could spread to other breast, and was too advanced for lumpectomy without worry. Followed by six months chemo and four weeks radiation. I recommend Web MD as great web site for treatment options, but the best idea is go to at least two different doctors -- I went to three, even tho insurance would only cover the second. All three agreed on the same treatment, so that's what I did. Just had my one-year-out-of-radiation check-up and all is well. Also, I went to every "link" on every website I checked to see alternate treatements, including whether or not to go with reconstruction. Then again, my thoughts were to be as aggressive as possible, so I wpuild never have to go through this again. And I don't plan on it! :-) By the way, no one felt a lump for me, either. That's part of what makes it so invasive. But goood luck, and stay talking to people who've been there.

vwathome, thanks for responding. I made an appointment today for a second opinion concerning chemo.

cbailey · May 2003

inthewind said:
Hello, I am knew to this so bare with me. I have infiltrating lobular carcinoma with assc. minor lobular carcinoma in-situ componet. This is my second recurrence from 13 years ago when I had ductal carcinoma. Its been very hard for me to go through this again. I was almost sudicidal. Because this cancer can travel I went with the bi-lateral mascectomy with reconstruction. First I was told I wouldnt need chemo but after surgery my tumors were large so chemo was decided. Had my firt treatment of 8 just this past Friday and I still feeling blaugh. My reconstruction is on hold until I am done. It is uncomfortable but I have some sense of wholeness about me. I was only 30 years old my first time around. I sure you can guess my age this time around. I am long winded hear - sorry but I need to talk. If I can help you with any thing let me know.

Aug '2000 diagnosed with invasive lobular Stage IIIa, 5 x 7 cm, e/r negative, HER 2 positive...This type of cancer presents itself as a thickening instead of a definitive lump, doesn't readily show up on mamograms....Had to have chemo 1st because it was so large (Adriamycin/Cytoxin) 4 rounds, 21 days apart...Then mastecomy & lymph node dissection ( negative lymph nodes) Then 4 rounds of Taxol 21 days apart...then 6 1/2 weeks radiation...Then removed my other breast because of lump (thickening) It was benign...Am doing well now...although have been through a scare with possible mets to bones, but repeat test showed negative. I need to let you know how well the chemo (Adriamycin/Cytoxin) worked...It started as 5. x 7. cm, and when I had my 1st mastectomy, my surgeon at Mayo Clinic said that he could not find my tumor....It had disappeared from the chemo! Do it! Treat it! You are a survivor! Carol

anyone out there with lobular breast cancer...cancerous calcifications...no lump?

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