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jmar19
jmar19 Member Posts: 55
edited June 2014 in Second or Third Breast Cancer

Hi all,

 I went through breast cancer about 3 years ago at the age of 28.  I had to have a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.  I was doing good and have been on tomoxifen and then had an elective mastectomy and double reconstruction about a year ago.  I was suppose to have the second stage of my reconstruction last Friday, but they had to cancel the surgery.  They did some tests and found that the cancer is back, but this time they found some around my lungs, in my liver, and my bones.  I really don't want to have to go through chemo again.  I'm seeing my oncologist tomorrow to discuss the plan for treatment, but I'm sure that is what he's going to suggest.  I still want to have my surgery and I am currently out of work, but because I didn't actually have my surgery, I don't think my short-term disability will kick in.  I thought I was doing really well and wouldn't have to deal with this again.  My situation is very different this time.  I now work 2 jobs and I went back to college again.  I don't know how I'm going to handle all this and go through treatment.  The downfall is one of my job's is perdium, so if I don't work I don't get paid.  My other job is only 30 hours a week so I need both jobs to survive.  Also, the program I went back to school for is ending so if I don't do it now I will never be able to do it and this is something I have wanted for a long, long time.  I know I can't really make any decisions until I see my doctor tomorrow, but these are all the things that are rushing through my head since Thursday.  I am also really disappointed that I didn't have my surgery.  I have a tissue expander in one side and it's been in there for over a year and it's very annoying.  I am very frustrated and annoyed.  UHG!!!

Jen

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  • ejlj
    ejlj Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2009

    jen,  this really sucks.  I'm so sorry you have to go through this.  It's just not fair.  YOur in my thoughts.  tina

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  • marshakb
    marshakb Member Posts: 1,664
    edited March 2009

    Jen, it is very possible they will try switching you from tamoxifen to an AI.  (and remove your ovaries).  Also Zometa for the bones.  It is not a chemo but a biophosphate that is a 15 minute infusion once a month.  There are women who have their disease stablized with AI/Femara for years!  Then you could go ahead and finish up your school.   This is almost always the first line of treatment. 

    This is the same treatment they put me on in Dec when I was dx'd with mets to bone/liver.  Good luck with your appointment, let us  know how it goes!  Hugs, Marsha

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  • heatherpalmerton
    heatherpalmerton Member Posts: 2,247
    edited April 2009

    Jen I just found this. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this at such a young age. There are many women like Marsha said that continue to do well on a AI's. Keep in touch and let us know how your treatment plan goes. Many gentle hugs to you. Heather

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  • Barbaraws1
    Barbaraws1 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2009

    Jen, I went through bc in 2001, mas. in left breast, could not take tomoxifen..I still to this day get that confused, chemo, had breast reconstruction done at the time of surgery..However, I will pray for you. I went through a divorce during my Chemo..great guy!!,,I need to know what your symptoms were. My left shoulder has been hurting very badly, my left arm goes numb if I put my elbow on the computer desk it feels like millions of nerve endings just going nuts and my fingers on the left hand are going numb many times a day. I cannot sleep since my left hip hurts so badly it wakes me up. Has anyone else been though this after so many years in remission or sooner?  I wish everyone health and laughter. I lost my mom to this dreadful disease, after I had went through my Chemo, she was diagnosed with lung cancer which turned out it was spinal cancer, very rare and in the genes.  Happy Easter Everyone...Got to go get some eats for my daughter.  Health to all...and a whole lot of luck and strength.  Love, Barbara 

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