Need advise about scar tissue

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kal52
kal52 Member Posts: 26
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer
Need advise about scar tissue
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  • kal52
    kal52 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2010

    Hi, I hope there is someone out there who might be able to give me some advice.  I had a lumpectomy for a stage 1 mixed (IDC & ILC) tumour in 2007, followed by rads.  I had no problems post-op or with the radiotherapy.  I have a scar which runs between 10 and 12 o'clock on the right breast.  The scare is soft and you can feel the cavity underneath, no bumps or lumps there. 

    My problem is that a little over a year ago I discovered a lump (about the size of a bottle cap) at the 12 o'clock end of the scar running away towards the 1 o'clock position. It is not under the scar at all.  Since then I have seen the onc in Jan 09, she said it was scar tissue don't worry. In July, annual mammo and US were OK, BS said there is nothing there.  Since just before Christmas, the breast has began to ache. Not all the time but often for long periods, and the scar has started to pucker in.  In Jan saw the onc again, she said it was still scar tissue "complain to the BS.  Unfortunately, he is in Iraq for the next 3 months, so you will have to wait". I felt fobbed off and made to feel I was very superficial.  Feel hesitant about going through that again. The lump is larger now, maybe 3 or 4cms (hard to tell), still running away from the scar.  I feel stage 1er's are, to doctors, people they have to watch to meet treatment criteria but it is a waste of their time.  I know the statistics and that they are probably right BUT....   I have tried massage to break the scaring down but it just makes it ache more.  Any thoughts?

    Thanks

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  • scrappy_survivor
    scrappy_survivor Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2010

    Tell them it is uncomfortable & hurts & request they remove it & just to be safe biopsy it. You don't hhave to trust them & if it were me I would not. Good luck!

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2010

    Cancer is cancer no matter what stage! You have the right to peace of mind to either get it out or checked out at the very least. Get to another surgeon and don't feel like a hypochondriac, your body has produced cancer once...

    Big HUGZ

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  • kal52
    kal52 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2010

    Thank you all for your responses. I know you are right about a biopsy, but I hate feeling like a hypochondriac and my doctors certainly make me feel like one. You know, I am pushy when it comes to my family's health, but when it is me, I am the opposite - craven.

    I try to be reassured that 2 specialists and 2 types of imaging can't be wrong but doubt is always there at the back of my mind.  Especially when it is aching.

    I am going to see my GP (I don't know what you call a personal doctor in the U.S.), he won't order a biopsy but I can ask him if he will order a MRI or CT of the breast.  Ultrasound couldn't find the original mass (1.3cm plus 1.5 DCIS) so I don't want another, and the mammogram only picked up the scarring.  If he won't, I guess its a new surgeon or oncologist, which, after so long, is something I am hesitant to do.

    daisy6, I have tried massage and exercise but it is nearly 3 years since my surgery so if it is scar tissue I guess it is now to late to break it down. Did you have the scar tissue away from the incision scar?  Did it grow over time, is that why you had to have the revision? Did it ache before the recent surgery? I hope you don't mind all the questions, but reassurance that my symptoms are the same would be really helpful.

    Anyway thanks again,

     Kathy

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  • HopeL
    HopeL Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2010

    GET A SECOND OPINION!

    Seriously, if the area of concern is getting larger over time, find another doctor to take a look. Couldn't hurt now, right.

    If your healthcare system in Australia allows for a visit to a plastic surgeon, inquire for information about micro-surgery removal of scar tissue. Sure did help me.

    First post here, and yes, my name is really Hope. Go figure. LOL.

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  • kal52
    kal52 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2010

    Welcome Hope, I joined last year, but as you can see I rarely post.  I do log in and keep up with the posts though. There are a lot of lovely people posting here.

    A plastic surgeon is a good idea.  I don't have to get rid of my current medical team then.   The health system here allows for, and pays 3/4 of the bill, to any specialist as long as our local doctor or another specialist gives a referral.  Thank you for the suggestion, I will ask for a referral next week. 

     Kathy

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