lump found on mastectomy side

daenerys30

I had a right side mastectomy in April 2020 with a reconstruction. At my check up with my surgeon they noticed a small lump on the right side near the armpit. I though it was a bug bite. She did an ultrasound and ordered an MRI and a biopsy. I'm trying not to jump to conclusions. My cancer was a G-1 hormone receptive cancer and very slow growing. This lump shows up out of nowhere. Could it be cancer from a tiny bit of residual tissue? Could it be another type of cancer? Or is it a lipoma, scar tissue or calcification? I though that with the mastectomy I would have nothing to worry about but I'm at square one again. Any advice would be great right now.

LW422

Sorry to hear this; I know you must be anxious. I hope that it's a false alarm and you can relax a little. Sometimes I wonder whether any of us will ever truly relax again, though. It's such a drag living under the sword. My very best to you; let us know when you hear from the tests. Hugs.

exbrnxgrl

daenerys30,

I know this is a stressful time for you but it could be any number of things. Yes, a mastectomy does remove breast tissue but it is possible for a few stray cells to remain behind. While not common, it is possible. For now try not to go to the worst case scenario (not easy, I know!) . BTW, if you make your signature line public it will appear at the bottom of your posts and you won’t have to type it into each post you make. Take care.

Trishyla

I've had three lumps found since my bilateral mastectomy. Every time my oncologist sent me for an ultrasound. Fortunately, it's turned out to be fat necrosis all three times. From what I understand, it's pretty common, especially in those of us who have had fat grafting of any kind.

Good luck. I hope it turns out to be benign.

Trish

serendipity09

danerys30

I am sorry you are going through this!! But please have it checked out.

I had a DMX September of 2020 with TE's placed. In Feb 2021 I noticed a small blemish, looked like an ingrown hair. I reported it and showed it to my MO, BS and PS, they all thought it was just a blemish. My PS told me to keep an eye on it as the risk of infection was higher due to having TE's. A few weeks went by and I thought that the bump had raised a bit and felt harder. PS scheduled me for an appointment to see her for possible biopsy. A few days before my appointment, I must've scrubbed it off in the shower (no feeling in the breast area so I didn't notice). It was flat and a scabbed formed. I notified the PS the day before my appointment as it looked like it was healing. I cancelled seeing her, that was May 4th. Towards the end of May I noticed it growing again. Was scheduled for pre-op appointment surgery for exchange was scheduled for 7/9, she decided she would excise it during surgery. 7/9 had my implants put in. Went for my post-op visit with PS 2 days ago (7/14) to find out it was cancer. I was floored.

I'm scheduled for CT and Bone Density on Monday to determine the plan of action. We can't do a PET Scan as I just had surgery a week ago and the scan will "light up" so I have to wait a bit. I cannot believe this happening to me again. I'm devastated to say the least.If only I would've kept the appointment in May.

Everyone is different and I hope and pray that it is nothing. Please keep us posted.

Trishyla

Oh, Ivy. I'm so sorry you're going another diagnosis. It has to be devastating.

You're right, anything abnormal should always get checked out, even if it's just for peace of mind.

Best wishes for the most favorable outcome for you and for daenerys30.

Trish

LivinLife

Soooo stressful daenerys, and Ivy too! There several things it might be besides cancer daenerys.... cysts as well? Yes, we really do have to be vigilant - I've seen these things go both ways on this site.... My GYN told me last appointment breast tissue is not blue where they can just remove all the blue tissue. Some breast tissue will be left behind.... Wishing the best for both of you!!!

serendipity09

Trish and LivinLife - thanks for the well wishes!

I will report back after scans and meeting with BS and MO.

serendipity09

CT and bone scans show no spread, lymph nodes look good. YAY! Plan of treatment: BS and PS going back in next week to ensure clear margins; rads and then Xeloda, which I did not tolerate the first time around and could only do three cycles.