question about possible recurrence

unglaublich

Hello.  I am hoping you can help.  I have a question about my wife.  It is a bit complicated so I think it's best to sum it up with some bullet points:

• diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 yrs old 
• lots of surgeries, could never clear the margins
• eventually told we needed left mastectomy with immediate reconstuction
• we did the operation when she was 30 years old
• gave birth to our healthy son at 32 years old
• last summer, we started planning for nipple reconstruction (after all those surgeries, we decided to leave this part of it until later)
• during pre-op mammogram, they saw "something" in her right breast
• they were about to cancel the surgery on her left breast
• she stopped breast feeding about three months ago
• she's overall really healthy, works out a lot, eats well, etc.

My question is, and I hope this is the right place to ask:

They wouldn't say exactly what they thought they found.  They said that because we so recently stopped breastfeeding, it could be nothing.  So, is it possible that this is just a red herring related to breastfeeding or is there cause to be concerned?

We did the nipple reconstruction last week and she's recovering.  But in the back of both our minds we think there might be something on the right side now.  They said we should just leave it for now because she really wanted to finish the left side.  

Has anyone had any experience like this?  I'm so confused and I can't ask anyone.  My wife is emotional with the baby and the recent surgery and I don't want to frighten or put pressure on her.  But basically, what could it possibly be?  Something related to breastfeeding, like extra milk or something that looks like cancer?  Is that possible?  

Chickadee

I'm so sorry that your wife has this worry on her mind when you both should be enjoying your new family.

Someone with more experience managing BC and breastfeeding may be able to better answer your questions, but the one thing that came to mind for me is that an ultrasound of the area might give a clearer picture if it is something.   Apparently it is unclear enough on the mammo that they don't want to make treatment decisions based on what they saw.   Knowing there is a suspicious area though ensures that the area won't be ignored.  

I hope it turns out in your favor. 

annafrederik

I personally think that if the doctors don't think it's pressing enough to do an ultrasound of what they saw, I would think it's not too much to worry about. I was diagnosed while breastfeeding but I was immediately rushed in for an ultrasound so try not to worry. Doctors for the most part have a good idea of what is possibly cancer and what is not. Being they are willing to wait is a really good sign. Having said that, I would suggest to your wife that she have it checked out when she feels comfortable. I like your screen name by the way, I'm also German!

melissa-5-19

Leave no stone unturned.

nancyh

I think breast feeding can cause things to look abnormal on a mammo, but it is absolutely worth pursuing further to make sure she doesn't have a recurrence.  She is very young and mammograms are a lot harder to interpret (young women have more dense breasts).  You might ask for an MRI, which can give a better idea of what is going on.  

You are a sweet husband for looking out for your wife.  Sending warm wishes your way that everything will be normal.