Scared for my mother...possible recurrence after 10 years

lizandkyleighsmom

My mother was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in March of 2000 at 46 years old.  It was a shocking diagnosis because we walked in thinking it was another benign lump (she'd had 2 in the past).  Her tumor was 1.8 cm and right next to her chest wall.  The surgeon removed a quarter of her breast and lymph nodes (which were clear) from under her arm.  After chemo, tamoxafen (sp?), and radiation, they said she was okay.  She called me today saying she thinks the cancer is back and has made an appointment with her surgeon for tomorrow.   Mom had been having some pain under her arm around where the two incisions intersect but didn't think anything of it because her mammograms have been clear and the pain would come and go.  Last night she was doing a self exam and says there is "definitely thickening" in a large area under her arm leading to her breast and doesn't know how she missed it before.  I tried to tell her that it was probably just scar tissue and asked if she had any tests done to confirm things yet (she likes to keep those things secret) and she said that on her blood work in Feb. her cancer marker had doubled...She has been an RN for 25 years and usually does not jump to conclusions...her "gut feelings" are eerily accurate and I am so scared.  She said she scheduled with the surgeon to save time and because she doesn't have a GYN doctor anymore since she had a hysterectomy at the time of her lumpectomy.  I don't know what to do...I know we don't have a clue what is going on yet but it doesn't sound too good...Not sure what to expect by posting here but guess I just really needed to write about it.  Thank you for listening to a scared daughter...

Estepp

XXXOOO

You love your mamma! Stupid Cancer!

Hang in there...

shadow2356

Good luck. I hope it is nothing but scar tissue.

lizandkyleighsmom

Well, not such a good day...the surgeon (who has been a friend of my mothers since highschool) felt the area and the mass is larger than we thought.  He feels something from the axillary area extending above her breast and down the outside of it as well and didn't leave very much room for optimism...he wanted to do 5 tissue biopsies of 1 x 2cm each...my mother is opting for a double mastecomy instead because she is sure that it's a recurrence and says that even if it is benign, she doesn't want to have to worry for the rest of her life.  Please pray for her...