Local Recurance near mastectomy scar after 5 years

CTLMom

I just had my 5 year check up at the end of October. MRI was clean and I just completed 5 years of Tamoxifen at the same time. Three weeks ago I notice a small lump very close to my mastectomy scar near the original site of my tumors. (no nodes involved the first time) Within three days I had an appointment for and ultrasound which 4 different doctors looked at and all felt that the lump did not look threatening. Since it was so close to the implant they were not comfortable doing the biopsy. One week later I was able to see my original surgeon who did a fine needle biopsy and also said that the texture of the lump made her think it was most likely some scar tissue. Last Tuesday she called to tell me that they found cancer cells in the samples!!! I had appointments set up two days later to have a bone scan and CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis, followed by meetings with my treatment team. Fortunately all of the scans were clean!! It appears now that I will have a "lumpectomy" of the chest wall followed by radiation. They also said that depending on the pathology report they may recommend chemo. I can't believe I have to face this DX again. Has anyone else had this type of recurrence? Oddly enough my period stopped after my first round of chemo 5 1/2 years ago. After stopping Tamoxifen it just decided to return this past week. I thought it was done but at 47 it has returned. Sorry to be so long winded but I needed to vent and I'm just plain scared!

fifthyear

CTLMom, very sorry you have to go through this again. It's a roller coaster, this breast cancer thingy. Hang in there, sending you hugs.

PeggySull

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I have read that a fair amount of recurrences are at the edges of the mastectomy site.



I am triple negative and the recurrence rates during the first three years are much higher than for other types of BC. I am in the middle of chemo to be followed by. A bilateral mastectomy. Don't know yet about rads.



There isn't a day that goes by since my diagnosis in October that I don't think about recurrences as a real possibility.



I would/will be devastated at the news as I was at first diagnosis. But, I rallied and would/will rally again if I join you.



I will be keeping you in my thoughts. Trust your intuition about what you want to do with regard to treatment.



Peggy

minxie

Same thing happened to me, only I am triple negative and I was 3 1/2 years out. I simply could not believe it, shocking, horrific, words can't describe . They did a lumpectomy , removed my implant, and I did radiation. Mine recurred in the same spot as the original which was very close to the scar. It was over the implant and under the skin, a 1 cm lump.



They were on the fence about more chemo and left it up to me and I declined.



Best to you - the clear CAT/PET is the great news out of all this!

love123

CTLmom- I also had a recurrence near my lumpectomy site. Original diagnosis was Jan 2004. 3 cm triple negative. Had lumpectomy, AC/taxol and radiation. Now nine years later almost to the day, they found 1.8cm area of calcifications ( no lump) near scar. Again triple neg. No way to tell if its recurrence or new cancer. Just had unilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. Will start chemo in a week. I agree it is VERY shocking. I really thought I was home free since I was triple neg after nine years. I had my day or two of crying but now have my game face on and am ready for battle.

Angela-R

CTLmom. I also had a recurrence exactly where my original tumour was. This was on the 2nd Anniversary of dx. I had already had heavy does chemo, 12 months of Herceptin and 30 rads, including boosts to that exact spot. Not happy!



I had a mastectomy but have not gone for any reconstruction.



Unfortunately the cancer had jumped to all the lymph nodes under the opposite arm so it was off for chemo we went. Oh...and I was no longer her2+ now triple negative so no hormones for me.



I can encourage you that the latest studies have shown a very high long term survival of people with local recurrence who start on chemo straight away.



I wish both of us long happy and healthy lives.



Cheers

Angela

bobogirl

CTL Mom,

Just going in for STAT testing for a lump located near incision site for L partial MX (2008) -- u/s and mammo tomorrow or Friday; MRI to follow.  Biopsy likely.  Trying to be cool.  But my PCP didn't look too cool after palpating.

I'm a little scared and don't want to start the downhill slide to a million biopsies.  Either way I think they'll have it out -- it's doubled in size -- and that will mean a full MX.

Thinking of you and sending hugs {{{{}}}}

Anonymous

Love123:  How did you notice or how did they diagnose the recurrence?  Assume it was near the lumpectomy scar and it was hard - calcification?  I am told I probably have necrosis near the diep scar midline.  Does anyone think I should have any scans or biopsies?  Just wonderning. 

wraithg

I had local recurance near lumpectomu scar on left side . They will not do radiation again so I have opted for bilaterl masectomy as I don't want it to move to other side. Although no guarantees I am going for more symetry and a tummy tuck. Might as while have some positives out this!!! 

netty46

Do chemo. I did. Recurrence after 12 yrs. Same breast where I had diep flap.

Odyssea

Hi CTLMom - I'm going through a similar scenario right now and I feel your pain.  4 1/2 years post dmx my local gyn found a lump which biopsy showed as the same type of cancer I had before (papillary carcinoma - a comparatively unagressive strain that decided in this case that it wanted to be uncharacteristically aggressive!)  Lumpectomy this coming  wednesday and then most probably rads and another go at tamoxifen. There is a new study that supports use of chemo after local recurrence with survival rates of 94% 5 years out. You should ask your onc about it.  The thought of chemo scares me a lot, but I think I won't escape it this time.  

bobogirl

CTLMom, I could have written your exact post regarding DX.  I'm in the middle of being checked right now.  Mammo u/s inconclusive.  MRI/biopsy coming up.  Odyssea, mine's a rare slow-moving kind too.  Doesn't tend to metastasize but does tend to recur.

I'm going to ask something crazy.  I know it's not exactly on topic.  Does anyone know where I can get a really soft blanket?  I'm starting to gather my supplies, if you all know what I mean.  I could really use some comfort.  Checked the surgery threads, but found nothing.  Too embarrassed to start a thread about blankets!  And soft pj's!

Hugs to you all.

sbelizabeth

Bobogirl, I had a N.A.P. blanket from Brookstone that I took with me to every chemo.  I was like a baby with a blankey.  Mine is a throw-type size, but I know they make them in standard bed sizes too.  They're VERY soft.

J9W

bobogirl,  I got some really soft, comfy pj's at Costco. I love them; pants/top combos. 

bobogirl

Thank you sbelizabeth and J9W!  I am on it.

J9W, you are in Tallahassee?  I am in Gainesville.  I went to FSU as an undergraduateQ

bobogirl

Okay!  Brookstone NAP blankets ordered -- they were buy one get one 1/2 off -- plus fuzzy socks.  Thanks you guys!

Rdhnow

Sorry to hear you are going through this. On Monday I found out I have a recurrence. I am 2 1/2 years out from bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 1, multicentric 2 tumors, with lobular carcinoma in situ as well. No lymph node involvement, no chemo or radiation. I've been on tamoxifen, recently changed to Femara. Tomorrow I have ct scan, bone scan and blood work. I too am scared. I am 53 and was told that my cancer rarely comes back this quickly. I have no idea what is in store other than the surgery but I find myself hoping they will be more aggressive this time.

bevin

Hi rdhnow.  I'm sorru that you have had a recurrence.  I hope they can manage it well for you .  Good luck with your CAT scan tomorrow and try to rest and do good things for your self. Saying prayers for strength for you as you go through these next steps.

Bevin

CTLMom

WOW! I'm amazed at how many people have been in the same or similar situation as I am. I had my surgery a week ago and am still waiting for the final pathology. The wait is grueling as you all know! I am trying to expect the worst and that way I'm not shocked (any more than I am already)! I already know I'm having radiation so it is just a matter of what exactly was in the lump and whether or not they want chemo. I did chemo the first time so I'm not feeling very confident about it. It was the radiation that I did not have the first time around so I hope that will finally wipe this thing out!!

On a side note, have any of you gone through fertility treatment prior to your cancer? Several of my doctors tell me there is no proof of it increasing risk but I don't buy it. I was on max dosage of hormones through 3 IUI and 2 IVF cycles. I do have a beautiful son and would not change that, but I just believe in my heart that all of those hormones have caused this. Just looking for anyone elses thoughts on the the matter.

Well wishes to all of you!

edwards750

Dang you guys are scaring me. I guess no matter what stage or grade you are you will always have to look over your shoulder. I am a bit over 2 years out from my dx. I had a lumpectomy followed by 33 rads treatments and on tamoxifen. My bc is stage 2, grade 1. If mine comes back I will have to opt for the mx and probably chemo. I was so thankful I dodged chemo the first time. If it recurs not so lucky. diane

bobogirl

Hey guys:

I'm scared.  MRI on Friday.  I just don't have a good feeling about this lump, which has doubled in size.  I'm scared, ironically, that they'll fight me on doing a biopsy.  None of us loves a biopsy.  But with my first dx it was such a mess -- I was misdiagnosed twice, my tumor was studied at several panels -- that I fear that same sort of thing.

Not sleeping.  Appointment with BS set up already for Wednesday.  

barbe1958

bobogirl, we will be with you in spirit on Friday!! You are NOT alone!!!!! Please let us know how you do and DO push for results. You have a history and they must take you seriously. After a biopsy in a node in my neck, the radiologist said that even if it came back inconclusive, to get it done again as she wasn't sure she had gotten enough to sample. Now THAT'S how much information you need to get!

bobogirl

Good advice Barbe!  And thanks so much for your kind words.

Plimsolls

CTL Mom, I had donor egg IVF in Dec 2009 with all the estrogen tablets - the fertility treatment failed and I was post-IVF depressed when I was diagnosed with IDC grade 3 multi-focal (4 tumours I think), when I questioned my bs he just shrugged and said unfortunately we'll never know, but I am ER+ so can't help wondering.  I am happy that you had a son, makes it worthwhile.

I have been reading recently about recurrence as I am now 2.5 yrs since dx, and have started recon after living with no breast for all this time, the body remembers trauma, and it has been difficult having the site operated on again.  Keep checking my breasts everyday in the shower....  My heart goes out to all shocked with recurrence.

AimeeMac

Bobogirl, 

I have been off these boards for a long time, 27 months past diagnosis of 2.9cm TN BC in left breast. Had lumpectomy followed by chemo and 33rads. Have been focused on getting to 3 years and possibly breathing easier. Not so. A few weeks ago noticed pain from my lumpectomy site, which moved across my shoulder and down left arm. Saw my fam. dr, who sent me for a mammo. They didn't see anything abnormal, but thank goodness my dr also ordered an ultrasound. there is definitely a mass there at the lumpectomy site, but they can't determine if it is scar tissue or a recurrence (there was slight blood flow to the mass, which is worrisome). I have a biopsy scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon, and am hoping for good results by Friday.

bobogirl

Aimee!

Thank you so much for sharing that.  I will be thinking of you at 3:30!  Please keep in touch.

Just posted long version of my story on a new thread...  hoping to hear from you soon with great news. 

Plimsolis, thinking of you too.

XXXXbobogirl

barbe1958

Aimee, any word yet? We're all holding our breaths for you!

minxie

CTLmom, I also had lots of fertility treatments prior to my BC - IUIs, IVFs, the last with an estrogen priming protocol. I know I'm TN, but all signs point to a connection between triple negative and estrogen.

I love my boys and am so happy to have them but I'm pretty sure the treatments gave me the cancer. Either that or the cirth control pills I irononically took for years.

bobogirl

Aimee!

Sending you hugs and kisses

XXXXXX {{{{{{{Aimee}}}}}}}}

bobogirl

Hey Barbe:

MRI finished -- I'm not good at those -- and no results yet.  No call -- and they should have posted it in my electronic chart within 24 hours, and they didn't post it.  Of course, this doesn't sound like a good sign..

Meeting with the BS Wednesday.  Apparently all involved thought it was a good idea to go ahead and set that up.

I am a shaky wreck.  But I also feel like this: Come and get me, recurrent breast lump.  I am ready to rock and roll!!

barbe1958

bobogirl, we'll be with you in spirit on Wednesday! Better to get the info from a doctor so you don't mis-read it. I found out my bone-scan had uptake while I was with the doc. I would have had a heart-attack if I was on my own! My arthritis lit up the scan pretty bad. Of course you're a shaky mess; WE understand that. Your family is probably saying everything will be alright....