Second timers...

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nosurrender
nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
edited June 2014 in Second or Third Breast Cancer

Hi,

Three years ago today, I got the call that I had breast cancer, again.

My first cancer was ductal, TNBC and I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and rads. That was in 2001.

The second  one was lobular, ER+ and I had a 2.5 cm tumor, 4 +nodes. I did a bilat with expanders, nine months of chemo: sequential Adriamycin, Abraxane, Xeloda followed by IMRT rads, lupron, femara and Zometa every six months. I have also had implants, followed by a LD flap.

I just wanted to post to let everyone here who has just been re-dx'd that I made it through all they asked of me twice. We are smarter the second (or third!) time, because we know the lingo and what to expect. But it isn't easier emotionally. However, it gets better - I promise! You can get through it again. Even though I think there should be a law that no one should ever have to hear the words "It's Cancer" in the first place, much less a second time around!

((hugs to all))

g

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited February 2010

    Congratulations on beating this twice!  Stories like yours can really inspire a lot of women.  Thanks for posting your experience!

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  • nonijones333
    nonijones333 Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2010

    Hi Gina,

    NoniJones here, you are a big fan of mine. Just reminding everyone life does get better. Now 23 years since my first diagnosis and 6 1/2 years since my second diagnosis in the other breast. Both times, triple negative. Ya, and like your sister I never did chemo, I know.......My daughter diagnosed 6 months after me at 34 had breast cancer in both breasts, triple negative and loburlar in the other breast, just like you. The loburlar was less then 1 mm (microscopic measurement) with focal microinvasion. You bet she had chemo, now almost 6 years out for her. I come to the boards to give girls hope, because I will never forget the ones who gave me hope. Keep up the good work Gina, you have helped so many.

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  • BMW2
    BMW2 Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2010

    Hi:  I was first diagnosed with BC in 2000.  I had the whole 9 yards (neoajduvant chemo, bi-lateral masectomy, more chemo, radiation).  In 2002 had DIEP/Tram flap reconstruction.  I was just starting to feel like my life might get back to normal.  In April 2009 was diagnosed with BC in same area (left reconstructed breast).  Had a masectomy, then 6 cycles of TCH and then a special type of radiation.  I'm now on Herceptin until May 2010.  Don't think I can take it another time.

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  • nancyluvspink
    nancyluvspink Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2010

    Hi Gina - This is Nancy.  I have had breast cancer twice.  Your post was wonderful.  My first bc was in 2000 at age 35; my second bc was 2006 at age 41.  Since then, I found out I had BRCA1.  I then decided to have a total hysterectomy and a double mastectomy with TRAM reconstruction.  I wish I could say that I am doing well, but I am not.  I feel sooo beat up.  Thank you again for your insprirational message.   

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  • lwd
    lwd Member Posts: 1,084
    edited March 2010

    Hi,

    This is my second time, also.  First time 12 years ago, grade 1, 0 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-, lumpectomy+radiation.  Pretty easy to deal with.  Now it's back, Stage IV, having metastasized to the bone and lung pleura.  A long time growing.  Treatment is Femara and monthly Zometa infusion.  Meds are working.  NED after 1 year of treatment.  Doing well and hoping the meds will work for a long time.  Guess it's always a shock when it returns, although you know there's that possibility.  But, amazingly, we learn to adjust and adapt.  Good luck to you all out there! 

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