? Reoccurring breast cancer

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helen58
helen58 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct 2004. It was only 1.7 cm, a "good cancer" if you have to have cancer. I had a lumpectomy (stage two) radiation and 5 years on tomixifen with a good recovery. I was told by two surgeons that I wojuld be offered chemo, but the oncologist said no, I didnt need it. Half way through my radiation treatment I discovered that they had my tumour down as .7cm instead of 1.7, but was told that it was too late for chemo. I had 19 nods removed and all clear.

My problem now is I have discovered a large mass in my other breast. Felt it a few weeks ago and thought it was just breast tissue, but it niggled me as I couldnt feel it anywhere ese in my breasts, so went to the Dr yesterday and they agreed that it is definately a large mass.

Last time I felt confident that everything was going to be fine. This time I am not so confident. The size of it scares me. No, I havent been diagnosed yet, but it has a really gritty feel and I was told last time that, that is a sign that it is cancer. Hopefully will have my mammogram an ultrsound this week.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited February 2011

    Hang in there and take a deep breath. We get lumpier as we get older, hey, I'm just sayin' Wink

    I had a lump so big in my early 20's (affected me lifting my arm!) that the doctor said if it was cancer and that big, I'd be dead already. Pretty blunt, but I knew what he meant.

    You may have a recurrence of a milder, non-invasive form that lurks in the ducts so it spreads out more. It really could be anything. Please let us know and know that we are here for you!

    {{{{{{{{{{{ Hugs }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited February 2011

    helen, 

    Breast cancer very rarely recurs in the other breast.  Our breasts are not connected to each other and it would be unusual for cancer cells to travel from one breast through the lymph nodes or the bloodstream and then land in the other breast.  When there is a recurrence outside of the breast where the cancer was originally found, usually the recurrence is in another part of the body, such as the bones.  So if you have BC again (and it's a big "IF" - hopefully you don't), what's much more likely is that this is a new primary breast cancer, completely separate from your previous diagnosis. And that's good news. A recurrence would mean that the cancer has been in your body all this time and that would not be a good thing. A new primary breast cancer on the other hand might be early stage and very treatable.     

    The simple fact is that once any of us have been diagnosed one time we are higher risk to be diagnosed a 2nd time. That doesn't mean that you do have breast cancer again, but it means that it would not be that unusual or strange.  How old are you and what is your menopausal status? There are some types of harmless lumps - cysts and fibroadenomas - that react to hormone changes and as a result are not uncommon in women who are peri-menopausal or going through menopause.

    Good luck to you.  Please let us know what happens.  

       

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  • helen58
    helen58 Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2011

    Thank you for your advice and support. I have my mammogram and ultra sound (and biopsy if needed) next Monday 28th Feb. Have to admit my life is revolving around my boob, although I am very calm. I can deal with the cancer. Its the not knowing that is hard. Will let you know the results as soon as I have them

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  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Member Posts: 1,946
    edited February 2011

    Helen, you will know soon...until then, stay calm as you are but busy..go to the gym, plan meals that are healthy and enjoyable...do things that are positive for your health..might help you feel that you have a modicum of control....read read read.....that will also help. There is lots of excellent material ou there that was not around in 2004 so it might help until you get your results.

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  • helen58
    helen58 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011

    I went for my tests yesterday. Even the Doctor viewing the ultra sound was a little perplexed.  There was more than one lump. They said it was quite unusual looking.  Had core biopsies done and get the results tomorrow. Im believing for fiberous tissue. Will update tomorrow. Thanks for your support.......

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  • helen58
    helen58 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011

    Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. Got my results. The mass is benign. Laughing

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2011

    That's GREAT news Helen, thanks for letting us know!!!

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2011

    Yay for benign!!!!!! b9 is what everyone hopes to hear and you just hit the jackpot.

     Congratulations. :)

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