Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

SusieMTN

I would like to hear from those with locally advanced breast cancer, I have ILC.  I am 2 weeks post op, modified radical mastectomy, 2 of 3 nodes positive for cancer.  I am ER, PR, and HER2 positive. Pre-Chemo size was 10 cm, chemo did its job only scattered cells left but no solid mass found durning surgery (a good thing).  My cancer came on frightfully fast, (one minute not there and next my breast flew up like a ballon) two solid masses, each about 2 cm in size. Once my breast deflated there was peu d orange, retracted nipple and dent in my areola.  Between the time I had my core needle biopsy and saw the oncologist two weeks later it went from the 2 cm to my entire breast.  Surgeons said nodes under my arm were full of scar tissue from chemo (sign the chemo was doing its job) so the 3 they took out -  2 were positive.  I had 6 months of chemo, 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin and 12 weeks of Cytoxon, Epirubicin, 5 FU, and more Herceptin.  Obviously I am concerned about the 2 that were positive but very thankful that there were not more.  Concerned about recurrance as this puts me in the moderatly low category for recurrance.  Wondering what others expeience has been?  Those with recurrance, how quickly did that happen?  

marshakb

Susie,

I was dx'd in Dec 06 with ILC. ER/PR Pos97%, HER 2 neg, 1 of 13 nodes was "micro" pos (a few cancer cells found under the microscope).  I had a mastectomy, 4 AC, 4 Taxol, 33 rads, Tamoxifen,  then had the other breast removed just to be sure (it and the nodes were clear).   Fast forward to Dec 08, dx'd with mets to bone and liver. 

wayover20

I was dx'd like Marsha (shout out to MARSHA!!) in Dec 06, Had right mast, all nodes clear and mass was 4 x 3cm ILC trip neg. Underwent x4 AC, 4 Taxol. No rads.  Did well until March 08 started having pain to mid chest when I laughed or coughed. Pain got worse till I saw doc in april 08 who felt sure it was "scar tissue".  I kept treating myself with motrin and tylenol and pain never went away until Aug 08 I was short of breath, went to ER where chest scan found 7x5cm mediastinal mass (local recurrence my onc says) that surgery not possible. 

I have completed 35 rads and now on abraxane and avastin.  Oh and add a good dose of radiation pneumonitis to the mix and it's been one fun filled 6 months! 

It's all doable one day at a time and with a good sense of humor.

Pat

SusieMTN

Thanks ladies for your replies.  After I saw the oncologist I was just concerned about the chance of recurrance, but know you do take it one day at a time.  I do keep my sense of humor as I decided early on that that was the only way for me to do this whole cancer thing.  Will keep myself positive and continue to find the positive in things.  Thanks again and I will go to the stage III postings!