Not normally a worrier, but...

Jenm23

I have just joined this group and hoping someone can help ease my fears.  I was diagnosed Stage II triple-neg IDC in July 08 at the age of 38.  Had lumpectomy ("iffy" clear margins... less than 1mm), chemo and rads ending in April 09.  Had a couple of minor scares after that, but pretty much tried to move on with life and put cancer behind me.

My cancer breast has always been discolored since the rads and that hasn't changed.  The skin was tough after rads but seemed to soften up a little over the past year.  However, recently I've noticed it becoming tough again and it sat in the back of my mind.  But I didn't say anything to anyone.  I was scheduled for my annual follow-up mammo last night.  I went to the appointment and wanted to see what they found on their own, so I didn't mention my concerns. 

Well as it turns out the radiologist told me that there was "significant increase in skin thickening" since the last mammo and is recommending follow-up MRI and possible biopsy.  She said that it could be as simple as radiation effects, but the concern was that it was not visible on the last mammo.

Like my subject says, I don't usually get overly worked up until something is proven bad, but honestly, this latest issue is stuck in the pit of my stomach.  Has anyone heard of the possibility of a radiated area clearing up and then getting bad again?  Or do I need to be more realistic?

I really appreciate any opinions or information any of you would be willing to give.  Thanks!

TriciaK

Hi Jenn,

 This sounds like scar tissue to me which takes time to build up after surgery/rads.  I only noticed mine thickening about two years later, thankfully thats all it was and I've since heard of this happening to many others post treatment.

Its good your Dr's are watching you closely but try not panic as I feel sure this is what it is:)

Tricia x

nancyh

Hi Jenn,

I don't know whether skin thickening is worrisome or not, but I'm glad they are recommending a follow up MRI to be sure. Others will likely chime in, but I don't remember anyone having skin thickening as the start of a recurrence, so hopefully that is something to help alleviate your fears until you get the MRI results.

I know what you mean about putting cancer behind you then having something come up where you have to worry...it sucks.  Hopefully the MRI will show nothing sinister going on. Best wishes.