Recurrence?

taraleec

I had a bi-lateral mastectomy January 2010.  None of my doctors have done regular follow-ups.  Oncologist said I don't need follow ups that all breast tissue was removed - it's not necessary.  General Surgeon said to follow up with my Ob-Gyn.  I lost insurance last June.  For a few months I've felt something in my left breast at the original scar area.  I saw a Nurse at the cancer center where I was treated, she also feels it & says it feels like a thickening near the chest wall.  I've also been having pain in my arms and numbness in my hands, & back pain.  I had an appointment with Ob-Gyn & she feels something there too.  She ordered an ultrasound.  Would an ultrasound show it, if something were near the chest wall?? Or would I need a PET Scan or CAT Scan or MRI? 

bdavis

Hmmm.. Do you have insurance now??

And for the record, I doubt all those aches and pains are related... some of that may be caused by stress, as you are clearly stressed... 

I agree an MRI is probably the best tool, but it may come down to insurance unless you are paying out of pocket.

grneyd5600

Tara - first hang on girl!  Take a deep breath and try to relax a little.  I know it is scary as heck but the anxiety isn't helping you any.  Second, an Ultra sound isn't a bad start especially if it is something you can feel.  An MRI would be next step if they can't tell on the ultrasound.

I found my orig lump via self exam.  I could feel it.  Diagnostic mammo couldn't see it.  Ultra sound did.  Then after the 1st biopsy came back positive for IDC they did a MRI.  MRI was how we saw all the tumors I couldn't feel. 

I would be prepared to go into the ultra sound with a demand for next steps - MRI, biopsy, etc.

I hope this all turns out to be nothing.  Please keep us posted.

Hugs!

taraleec

Thanks all.  I had TRAM reconstruction.  I don't have insurance now, so I'm paying for the appointments etc. myself.