Asymmetry

seq24

I have not been on this site for quite some time and I am terrified that I have to be here again. I was diagnosed with stage 2A ER/PR+, HER2- breast cancer in 2016. I went through lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and am on my 4th year out of 10 on a hormone blocker. I have been cancer free since finishing treatment. 2 years ago, after my mom died of pancreatic cancer, and her sister was diagnosed (and has since passed) with stomach cancer, my oncologist decided to do genetic testing. It came back that I have a the PALB2 mutation. My oncologist told me then that as long as I'm on the hormone blocker I'd be protected. I have a yearly breast MRI, followed by, 6 months later a mammogram. I have been all clear this whole time. I had a mammogram this week. The report came back that I had asymmetry in one breast, (the one where the cancer was), and they are wanting me to go back for further imaging and ultrasound. I talked to a supervisor of the imaging center and she told me that she is relatively certain that this asymmetry is cancer. She was looking at the pictures and there is definitely something there in two different spots. I asked if it could have been an error on the technicians part, maybe being positioned wrong, or the compression was incorrect. She said it is not possible for that to happen. I also had my bi annual blood work this week that my oncologist ordered. This included two tumor marker tests. Everything was completely normal. As you can imagine, I am terriried of another cancer diagnosis. It was a horrific experience physically and emotionally 5 years ago. It is no easier hearing this news now. Has anyone been told you had asymmetry and how did it come out? Benign, or did you have a cancer diagnosis? I am literally sick with worry.

Messenger77

Cancer is quite unpredictable my friend. I can completely relate to your predicament.

I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS all through left breast plus a HER2+ tumor, after a double mastectomy (2018). I went through chemo, Herceptin treatment, the works. I even had clear lymph nodes out of the 6 that they took. This year it’s back as a chest wall recurrence, same side. Same kind of symptoms even tho I have no breasts: hard tumor/lump, dimpling,pain, changing/growing fast. It’s been 80 days since I found it, over a month since they said it was for sure a recurrence and I had to postpone surgery due to covid.

The first thing the oncologist said was “it’s just swollen rib cartilage” 🤔 what a moron. I got everything done without that doctor and found a new oncologist to see after surgery. Like the first time I found lumps in my breast, I had to advocate for myself because I knew, they, the doctors, moved far too slow for aggressive cancer.

Even tho Its considered very rare for people like me to have a recurrence, cancer doesn’t care about statistics. Breast cancer is in my family but we have ZERO genetic disposition for it. None.

Keep your head up! We’re technically veterans who at least know how to fight. I’m here with you

LivinLife

Just want to send support seq! I certainly have seen folks on this site, many, who had asymmetry come back as benign. You did a good line of questioning with radiology though so I'd be more likely to trust what they tell you even if there's a chance they could be wrong.... I think they are correct more times than not in their impressions and you also have a history which adds to concerns. I'm with Messenger on staying on top of things moving and advocating if providers seem to move too slow. Please keep us posted..... Wishing you the best!