don't know if this is considered a recurrence

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tovahsmom
tovahsmom Member Posts: 196
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I had DCIS and had breast conservation surgery in November '09.

I went for my 3 month follow-up and more microcalcifications were found but in 2 different areas than where the first 2 clusters were found last summer.

I am waiting for the biopsy results now but am just curious: if this turns out to be more DCIS, would that be considered a "recurrence"? 

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  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited May 2010

    I'm really not sure as these may just have been overlooked or missed the first time.

    Hope someone else can help and good luck with the results!

    Tricia x

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  • tovahsmom
    tovahsmom Member Posts: 196
    edited May 2010

    Thanks so much Tricia.

    This is what Susan Love says about recurrence:

    "Most local recurrences after breast conservation occur in the area of the original tumor, on average 3-4 years after the initial therapy. If your initial treatment was a lumpectomy followed by radiation, the first sign of local reccurence can be a change in how your breast looks or feels."

    I had lumpectomy and rads and these microcalcs are not near the seroma cavity but in two other areas of my breast. 

    I just don't know if calling this a "recurrence" is appropriate. Of course I will ask my dr. when I see him when he goes over the path report with me. These microcalcs can still be benign. But just curious, do you say, "the cancer came back?" or do you just say you got a new cancer?

    Anyway, really praying its benign. I also read that the standard of care if more DCIS is discovered is a mastectomy and I do not want that. 

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  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited May 2010

    Keeping good thoughts for B9 Patricia!! :)

    If it is cancer I'd be inclined to simply say a recurrance I think!  I also had a lumpectomy/rads and am five years out now and happy with my choice. I think far too many masts are done needlessly.

    Tricia x

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  • gfbaker
    gfbaker Member Posts: 173
    edited May 2010

    I think it does need to be in the same area as the first cancer to be a recurrence. If found in another area, I think that is called a second primary. But I wouldn't care where it is, cancer again is still cancer again. I hope it turns out to be benign.

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