New Cancer, 12 Years Later

DZF60

Hello Everyone, Feeling devastated right now. Surgeon confirmed today a new cancer found in left breast after lumpectomy on Thursday. First started with calcifications seen on mammo. "Nothing to worry about, we see these all the time." Then stereotactic biopsy which showed ADH and ALH, also proliferarative fibrocystic changes. Now scheduling MRI's of both breasts and then back into surgery to get more tissue and I guess lymph nodes, as it is invasive. From the lumpectomy of ADH and ALH there is at least a 5mm section of invasive cancer on the "edge" of what he took out. (That's scaring the crap out of me.) Those results he gave me are just preliminary, no path report yet. I'm fearing a lot worse, because there were "surprises" with the first cancer. Diagnosed in 2004, (age 43) - 3 cm, 1 positive lymph node, after having yearly mammograms since the age of 34 years old (mother had cancer in one breast and dcis in other breast). When they finally flagged it on mammogram, it didn't look like much. But it was. I couldn't believe that it was as large as it was - I thought a yearly mammo would have afforded some protection for early diagnosis. Surgery, (lumpectomy), chemo, radiation, 5 years of tamoxifen (strongly ER/PR positive). BRCA negative. And now facing this all again. Had asked repeatedly about getting MRI's as screening tool because I simply had no faith that mammos were ever going to catch something early for me. Was told repeatedly that they are not a good tool for this, too many false positives, etc.

Feeling really distressed now that I didn't push further for yearly MRI (even if I would have had to pay on my own) or bilateral mastectomy (though I know that's not fool proof either.) I suppose I was considered high risk, but not high risk enough ..........

Could use some advice right now. Feeling down, not looking forward to any of it. Also, need some thoughts on good second opinion places in the Phila area. Right now going to local community hospital, Comfortable there, have been well taken care of (with the exception of the MRI as a diagnostic tool argument.) Maybe Fox Chase? Penn would be difficult for me to get to.

Thank you everyone.

Moderators

Hi DZF60-

We're so sorry that you find yourself back here, we know how devastating this all can be, the second time around. We're sure other members will chime in soon with their experiences and advice, but we just wanted to say that we're all here for you!

The Mods

KBeee

DZFCO, I am sorry you're facing this. I have walked in your shoes (and have a mom that's had BC twice). First of all, a second opinion is always a good idea. Do you have pathology back on this cancer yet? Also, I tested negative for BRCA, but found out that both my mom and I have a variant of unknown significance in the CHEK2 gene. Even though it is a VUS, talking with the people at the company, it is leaning to wards being a damaging variant. Ask your MO if you could get the more extensive genetic test, so that if a variant is found, you can use it in your decision making regarding treatment.

PM me anytime. I did chemo twice. The first time was harder physically, but cancer the second time was harder emotionally. (((HUGS))) Keep us posted as you learn more.

wallan

Hi there:

I just read your post as I opened up the forum just the other day after I was informed at a routine mammogram that its likely I have BC again. I am sorry to hear you are going trhough this and I can relate to you.

I go for the biopsy this morning to confirm. It has been 13 years since I went thru this and I must admit I thought it was behind me for good.

How are you doing now? I am so sorry to hear about your dx and I understand the devastation somewhat because as the news sinks in about my own possible dx, I am starting to feel pretty devastated. More than the first time and I thought that was bad.

Hugs

Mollymagic

just had lumpectomy for third diagnosis BC....just joined this forum...will post more later..

KBeee

Mollymagic, so sorry to hear that. When were your other diagnoses