2nd cancer caused by treatment of 1st cancer

teltech

Has anyone had breast cancer radiation causing a new different cancer? I have been told, my doctors have heard of it but none of my physicians or nurses have seen it before. Seems it is rare. When I met the Radiation Oncologist she said she "had heard" of me. Seems my surgeon presented my case at a conference (?), weekly meeting?

In 1999 I was diagnosed with DCIS. Had a lumpectomy with chemo and radiation. This past October I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma caused by the previous radiation. Verified by analysis of tumor. Am currently recovering from mastectomy with LD flap. Need to see oncologist for further analysis/treatment.

Raysal

hey teltech,

I'm sorry you're going through a second cancer that sucks. Dont know anything about that but it's scary since my MO and rads dr didnt mention anything about that as a potential side effect when we discussed getting rads done.

KBeee

I had rad consults locally and at Mayo before I had rads. The Mayo doc did clearly explain that it was a risk. The local doc never mentioned it. The Mayo doc said it was rare and usually occurs about 20 years out.

WC3

Raysal:

My grandmother developed independant breast cancers, one in each breast, a few years apart, that my uncle originally thought was from x-ray exposure...she got a burn from one of the first x-ray machines after a car accident or something like that. Apparently the breast cancer was likely actually genetic though, as I got it at the same age, but she had radiation both times and then later on developed lymphoma. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the radiation.

Meow13

My SIL got uterine cancer from tamoxifen, it is rare but it happens. Her doctor really dropped the ball, by the time he listened to her and thought to check it out it was too late. She really suffered with the chemo treatment and the end was not good. I am still angry.

teltech

Thank you all for responses. Next up is seeing oncologist to see if chemo is called for.... It's the journey....

TB90

Now thyroid cancer. Definite association between the two. Now fighting to avoid radioactive iodine as then my risk of third primary will be even higher. Or at the very least, will glow in the dark. Ug

teltech

Latest development. The osteosarcoma has metastasized into my lungs. Found 11/2019 after 1 year checkup from mastectomy/chemo treatment of Dec 2018 to Apr 2019. Onc said incurable as it travels in the blood vs. "real breast cancer" which travels via lymph nodes . Onc offered chemo Eribulin or Doxil. Said Eribulin would be more aggressive/impactful with dosing 2 wks on 1 wk off. Doxil less aggressive/impactful and dosing 1x per mnth. I chose Doxil. The 'less' sounded right . I go for new port today and start infusion Thu 1/16. Have been....somewhat anxious about port implantation (last one was pretty painful) and chemo itself, wondering what it will do to my already small scarred veins. Oh well, onward!

WC3

teltech:

I'm so sorry to hear that the osteosarcoma has metastasized. I hope your port placement went well and that the chemotherapy is easy.

KBeee

I am so sorry you are dealing with this; it absolutely sucks. Hoping your body tolerates the chemo well, and that it kicks that cancer back for a long, long time.

teltech

I appreciate the well wishes. Every good thought counts!

teltech

Update: Have had 3 rounds of Doxil, monthly since 01/16/20. Side effects: day 4 usually feeling crappy...some nausea, really tired, general malaise. The tiredness continued yet I have been able to go to work. At approximately 3rd week, hand and foot set in with mostly hands peeling. Also lots of spots. Painful in some areas. It moved from the base of my right had (am right handed) to index finger to pinky finger. Then palms of both hands with left hand wanting in on the fun <g>. Told oncologist and dose was lowered. After 2nd treatment, same SE as first, with hands somewhat worse and adding feet. One day it was so bad -pain, swelling - I had to leave work and stayed off my feet for the weekend. Third treatment 03/12/20 - same as first 2 except now added difficulty swallowing. H&F syndrome flared up as did before. I have asked about the swallowing issue. Seems I must wait and see. No symptoms of current virus out there and I have been isolating past 2 weeks. New info from Onc: my cancer is triple negative and she recommends immunotherapy. She is investigating. Scans will be 04/08 and another chemo on 04/09. Onward! Hope all are well in these trying times.