Local recurrence in Ribs and Sternum

batsas

Hi All,

I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and lumpectomy was done followed by 6 doses of chemotheraphy,Biopsy results showed its invasive ductal carcinoma grade II(DCIS). Now we had a check up on January which showed recurrence in same breast so my doc insisted to remove the remaining breast, so we had remove the same through surgery, at that time chest x ray was normal.after surgery we took PET CT scan which showed FDG uptake in Ribs (1st and 4th rib, with 4th rib had a maximum SUV of 5.3) and left sterni(SUV =3.8).Now my oncologist had suggested to undergo concurrent chemotherapy(3drt+CMF) .I am very much worried. Will it spread further, is is really stage IV

ChiSandy

Hugs, batsas.

DCIS is ductal carcinoma in situ, by definition not invasive—did you mean to write “IDC” instead? Was it Grade 2 (a measure of the degree of differentiation and likelihood of aggressiveness) or Stage II (size of tumor and/or lymph node involvement)? Two entirely different things, apples & oranges. There might be another reason for your PET scan results. But if it really is Stage IV, with effective treatment it might not spread beyond those bones for a long, long time.

Please post your profile (diagnosis/es, surgeries, treatments) so those who are more familiar with your situation can give you a more accurate and better-informed answer than can I. And hang in there.

batsas

Hi Sandy, Thanks for the response. Mentioned below is clear history of my BC Diagnosis

Intial surgery done in 2011

Biopsy report :

Left breast mass, lumpectomy with axillary dissection; Invasive Lobular carcinoma Grade II

Measures 20 mm in dimension; Focal High grade comedotype DCIS

Nipple ; Pagets disease Axillary tissue : Metastatic disease in one lymph node

ER/PR Status Not available

Chemotherapy undergone 6 doses.

Recurrence in jan2017 ;

X-ray for chest showed normal chest ray,,

A small lesion measuring 2x1.2 cm was found in 6 degree clock posttion of left breast

Mastectomy done

Biopsy report :

Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, Grade II

Tumor involves Skeletal muscle and margin of excision

Micro-metastatic deposit present in 1 lymph node

Vascular and peri neural invasion is present

ER + /PR + /HER2 -

After surgery PET SCAN showed results :

Lytic lesions in 1st and 4th ribs(max SUV uptake in 4th rib - 5.8)

Focal lesion in left sterni(Max SUV : 3.8)

Now undergoing Conurrent chemoradation(3DRT + CMF)

Can anyone tell me how can we control the tumor cells not spreading to other organs?Please help

Wildplaces

Go to your oncologist with a support person and ask lots of questions.

Consider strongly getting a second opinion.

Find out whether it's a local recurrence that involves entire chest wall or bone metastasis that you dealing with.

Read as much as possible about the worst case scenario - having a Stage 4 diagnosis made - if you have that information you will be better prepared to work with your oncologist towards a best plan for you.

Read a copy (free) of Bestbird guide to metastatic cancer.

Read the bone mets thread on Stage 4 - very good, full of wise and incredible ladies - lots of treatment options.

Read about oligometastasis - if the Pet Scan lesion you are describing are the only ones that have shown up.

Take care of your general health throughout this treatment.

All this to say the best way to treat BC independent of stage or grade is

- communicate with your oncologist/MO/ radiation oncologist

- learn as much as possible about different treatment options at different stages

- take as much good care of yourself as you can - aim for optimal health/exercise/nutrition ( hard to do on chemo - some mornings I did not think I could make it up a flight of stairs - but after acute treatment)

- consider getting an integrative oncology opinion - or two

- stay as close to family, friends, usual routine as possible

Wishing you well!!

KBeee

I am sorry you are dealing with this recurrence. (((Hugs))). There is a bone mets thread on the stage IV forum and you'll get a lot of answers there if you don't get specific ones here

cive

Normally speaking, if it is verified that PET/CT is not false positive, this is metastatic BC, although  It is not technically stage IV (although means the same thing). Likely your MO will put you on one of the hormone blockers, Tamoxifen if you are still menstruating, or an AI(aromatase inhibitor) if you are post menopausal.