Has my wife's cancer returned?

sjpatacb

My wife was diagnosed and successfully treated for stage 1 breast cancer in 2007. She is 55 with large boobs.

12 months ago she noticed a change in the shape of the breast that had cancer. Referred to consultant, had mammogram and was told it was scar tissue and everything was ok. Breast continued to change shape and around the nipple area become extremely sore also large sore lump. Nipple also now becoming inverted.

Back to same consultant. He said he was concerned, as the lump was not near the 2007 tumor. Had mammogram and then ultrasound scan. Radiographer said she could see white on mammograms but could not pick it up on scan. Said she would arrange MRI scan. Consultant intervened, saying he did not want to wait 2 weeks for MRI and did biopsy. We have to go back on 4 May for results. He also said that when we go back she might have to take another biopsy, might be all clear, might have to go for MRI.

We are confused and very worried. My question is this. If my wife was all clear in April 2015, could things have got so bad in 12 months, that she now has an incurable stage of breast cancer?

It worried us that consultant did not won't to wait 2 weeks for MRI, but if something smallish showed up on mammograme that could not be seen on ultrasound scan, even if she has cancer again, surely it cannot be some huge untreatable tumor.

Many thanks.

dtad

Sorry you are concerned...I would suggest getting the MRI no matter what the results are. Its really the best tool to rule out anything serious. Just remember it can show false positives so don't get concerned if she needs another biopsy. Just think it really important to get it, especially before any surgery or treatments. That being said try to remember most breast lumps are benign. Good luck and please keep us posted....

sjpatacb

Thank you for your response. I guess I am looking for reassurance. God knows what I would do without her!! Selfish, I know.

I am sure the consultant will insist on MRI, when we go back. I am just hoping for at worst stage 1, based on she was all clear 12 months ago and a tumor cannot grow to stage 4 in less than 12 months. I am not basing that on any knowledge, just hope!

We are in the UK

sjpatacb

Many thanks for your reply. It is so kind of people to respond.

JoniB

I had an ultrasound and mammo in July and was told I was fine and then an MRI (which I get yearly) found an area of concern (ended ip being stage 1 idc). So things can change in 5 months .... or 12. But don't jump the gun. If it is a recurrence it can be a very early stage. And it may end up being nothing. I recommend the MRI.

Kicks

Who told your wife she has 'incurable' BC? What is that being based on IF it was stated? Stage IV is when a cancer has metastised away from the original site to other organs/areas. That takes more than a breast mammo and biopsy to establish if there are mets - full body MRI/CT with contrast, PET, bone scans are needed. BC is not 'cureable' - NED (No Evidence of Disease) is the best we can get/hope for.

Stage IV means that whatever type the BC is, it has spread to other areas/organs/etc. -metastise/'mets'. Why is that being considered? Other issues in other areas? Even in the unlikely probability,, there are many here who are Stage IV and have been for years.

It is quite possible to go from a 'clear' mammo to Stage IV in 12 months. With one type (a rare one) in particular, it is possible to go from a 'clear'/usual/normal to very advanced within weeks - this is very rare but possible.

You did not say what her DX was (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC), Stage then, her ER/PR and HER2 status or what TX was done. All of this makes a difference in prognosis then.

Kicks

Bumping this up as the OP thinks it has been removed.