Recurrence after bilat mastectomy?

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  • mommy2sweethearts
    mommy2sweethearts Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2011

    Hi again!

    I had my appointment this morning and the doctor thought that it is probably scar tissue, but did a biopsy to be sure. I will find out the results on Monday. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks so much for praying!!

    Ellen

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  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,640
    edited June 2011

    Here are some more prayers being sent to you Ellen....can never have too many as I see it:)

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited June 2011

    Ellen - We are all there for you with our thoughts and prayers. Scar tissue is GREAT! Let us know how it goes. Hugs. - Jean

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  • mommy2sweethearts
    mommy2sweethearts Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2011

    Hi all,

    It is scar tissue!!!! Thank you so much for praying! Hugs to you all.

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  • DMD
    DMD Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2011

    Yay....thank goodness....I am so happy for you!!!!  Take a deep breath now and relax!  Happy hugs going out to you!  Thanks for the update.

    Dawn

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

    Thank God!!!

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited June 2011

    It's always good to hear this kind of news!  Congrats!

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited June 2011

    Good news! NJ

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited June 2011

    I have an appointment with my BS today at 3:15 pm.  Last Friday, at my 6 month check-up post chemo (TCH), my ONC asked about a small lump, like a mosquito bite, and it's red, just below  my BMX scar, on the same breast where the tumors were originally (right).  I'm so glad to hear good news from some of you that it isn't BC, but then I'm off the walls worried that it's back, and I'm not even done with Herceptin yet, and been on Tamox for 3 months, and if it is, it must be the really mean and aggressive kind.  I need to focus on work today, so I'm just sending this out there.  I know I need to take just one step at a time, and I was able to forget about it most of the weekend, but I was on the phone right away this morning looking for answers.  Some liver test from my blood work is elevated, and my ONC asked if was getting enough protein.  I didn't get a copy of the lab work, so now I'm doubly worried.  I'll get a copy of it today with the BS.

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  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited June 2011

    Just want to say HEY to all of you.... I had a BMX last june.  Waiting on a excisonal bx myself.  I feel as if I have traded in my breasts just for a whole other world of worry..... chest wall nodules/ lymph node watching/ and lumps that just pop out of no where. I never even made it to my 1st 6 month check up w/o an issue....

     Now its been every 3 month rechecks with Surg Onc/ sometimes a 6 week........

     I have had 5 procedures in 13 months and not even thought about recon. I just want to get away with my life.

    Thoughts and Good Vibes greatly appreciated!

    Love and Light to All of you!

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  • taranebraska
    taranebraska Member Posts: 129
    edited June 2011

    Thanks, brazos, you offer me good perspective.  I'm back from the BS and he says it's probably a suture, but come back in one month.  I have fallen into denial that anything happened to me and wanted to just run forward with my life.  My BMX in Aug. 2010 and 6 doses of chemo later, I guess I can't put it all behind me.  I'm doing tamoxifen and herceptin... and will try to find patience every new bump ... 

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  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited June 2011

    Tara, sending you sanity...

     it is so hard to roll with this, as everything seems like its cancer sometimes. I have a 1-2 % recur rate but this seems worse than having your breasts watched. I have moments of freaking, try to walk thru them... get it over with. And go forward. I am feeling the punch of what has happened to me harder now than at dx and sx......

    Nite all

    xoxoxo

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  • tobyj
    tobyj Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2011

    ladies,

    any advice:  I have a cyst on my lower back that concerns me.  Left side.  It actually hurts right now and often.  I can move it with my fingers.  What type of doctor do I see who will take it seriously and biopsy? 

    God bless 

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited August 2011

    Dear tobj,

    I suggest that you see a dermatologist.  I hope that the cyst is benign, which it probably will be.  Dermatologist take cysts like yours seriously.  Best,

    Lee

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited August 2011

    Hello again,

    My oncologist told me when I was diagnosed in June 2011 that he was "shocked" - that he has never had a recurrence in the same breast after a mastectomy in all his entire years of practice (about 35).   My first cancer (June 2000) was a large triple negative tumer that I found myself 10 months after a mammo and ultrasound. I had four rounds of A/C and went into remission for nearly 11 years..From reading this forum, I see that others of us have had this occur, but my doctor and I were both shocked. It must be pretty rare.  I had surgery July 22 and will learn about chemo/radiation when I see him  8/11.  I am triple negative again with a smaller tumer and no apparent mets.  I will have more advanced BRAC! and BRAC2 testing this time (I was negative before)  I will learn about chemo and/or radiation at my appointment August 10.  Keep me in your prayers.  I hope not to have taxol because I am a musician and taxol has neuropathic side effects.

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

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{ Lee }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} make sure you tell them you don't want Taxol and for what reason. They should be able to work with you! Hugs, sweetie!

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  • concernedhusband
    concernedhusband Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2011

    Hello,

    I posted a similar question in another post and then started reading this thread, which is more appropriate. My wife, diagnosed and treated in 2008 with stage III BC, had a DMX and 30+ rounds of radiation. She's had 3 recon surgeries, of which the last was in November 2010. We are slowly coming back together as a functioning family after a scare this spring when she developed severe back pain. Now, after having seen the surgeon and oncologist last month, who said all is looking good, she shows me that she has a lump under the skin over the implant on the side where the cancer was. 

    The lump is about the size of a grain of rice, circular, and it has created a rash on the surface. I asked her if it were a bug bite of some kind, but she says it is not. My mind wanders to sinister places when left on its own, and I keep thinking about a recurrence.

    Could it be that it has returned and so quickly, especially considering the recent visits and tests (for the back pain, she had an MRI, bone scan, and x-ray done, as well as a few blood tests - all were thankfully negative)? I have read that a chest wall recurrence is uncommon, but any advice from you wonderful folks out there would be welcome.

    Thank you and take care. 

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  • DMD
    DMD Member Posts: 61
    edited August 2011

    concernedhusband: Sounds like your family has had a difficult road to follow since your wife's 2008 BC diagnosis. So glad to hear the recent scare with the back pain had a good outcome. Although I do not have personal experience yet with recurrence I am always on the look out and talk with my doctors about it often. My surgeon and oncologist said that although it is not common, a local recurrence in the breast (just under the skin...usually near the scar line) from a stray cancer cell left behind in the skin or the incision, is possible but is easily detectable because of the lack of tissue there and is just as easily removed. My understanding is recurrence on the chest wall is also very uncommon but would probably have to be detected with MRI since the implant would impair the abilty to feel it. I would have it looked at right away though and kudos to your wife for checking herself regularly....kudos also to you for being a supportive husband.  Let us know how things turn out, none of us are experts but it helps us all when we share.   All my best to you and your family!

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited August 2011

    barbe1958-

    Thanks for your support.  My oncologist did listen to my concerns at my appointment on Aug 11.  I asked him if he could research regimens that do not include Taxol, Taxotere, etc.   I respect him and if he says I must have a "taxane," I will go along with his decision.  After all, I was in remission for almost 11 years from what he prescribed in 2000.  My doc sent me on a field trip to the hospital where I had my surgery to obtain the slides from my recent surgery so that his pathologists can compare the new tumor's  cells with those from June 2000.  He also asked me to obtain my 2011 Breast MRI and Diagnostic Ultrasound discs to use in making a recommendation for my treaatment.  I actually felt good driving all around to get these things--I was in control in a small way.  I may have radiation then chemo or vice versa. 

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2011

    Hello again - My onc says that the tumor that was removed on 7/22/2011 was actually a new primary - that it was a different type of Triple Neg than the tumor in 2000. I regrew some new breast tissue and inside of it a new tumor started to grow. So...I just began on 8/26 the first of 4 - 6 cycles of Taxotere/Cytoxan. Then lots of radiation to my breast, axillary lymphatics (under my arm) and up my neck. I read on a Taxol topic that Taxotere is supposed to have less neuropathy SE's. I am glad that I had a prophylactic mastectomy on my other breast in 2001. The surgeon I had then was against my doing so, but I had my oncologist's support. Best to all of you.

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

    Lee, I don't know why this thread didn't pop up in my Favorites until today! I'm sorry I didn't respond to your earlier post. I would have said that must have made you feel VERY much in control!!! I do see now that the plan is in place with Taxotere, but now you know the WHY of it so it's easier to swallow. And you got the last laugh on the surgeon that poohpoohed your double mast!

    I take it you're a flautist...I guess you're worried about neuropathy for that reason especially?

    Thanks for the update! Keep us posted.

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2011

    Concerned husband - How are you and your wife doing? I hope you and she are fine. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Best.

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  • hallsnj5
    hallsnj5 Member Posts: 258
    edited September 2011

    Hello Ladies!

    First of all I have to say that I have read this entire thread and my heart goes out to anybody who has found themselves here. As stated earlier, there is not other way to say it than cancer s@#ks!

    I'm not sure I should be here or not. My diagnosis 2 years ago was very similar to most of you on here. DCIS with small amount of IDC grade 3, lumpectomy margins not clear, BMX on Set. 11, 2009. Lat flap reconstruction with implants put in Jan. 6, 2010. On Tamoxifen. My latest- I ended up in the er and had emergency surgery last Monday to have my implants removed. I presented with all signs of an infection- fever, redness that spread across both breasts, hot and painful to touch. After surgery all Dr.s were shaking their heads because no infection was identified. The internist hinted to a possible leak but my plastic surgeon swears the implants were in tack. Now my problem: I have a need for details. If it wasn't an infection or a leaky implant, could it be breast cancer? It seemed to match the symptoms of IBC. I called my breast surgeon and she said no way not a chance. You women here are living proof that there IS a chance. She is the same Dr. that didn't feel I needed a bi-mx for my diagnosis only to get pathology back to show some DCIS in nipple and LCIS on "good" side. Should I be persuing this and get a second opinion?

    Thanks!

    Lisa 

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

    Oh Lisa!!!! What a trial!! To have the surgery to remove the implants and there was nothing wrong!! You must be really bummed out to say the least! Are you going to get new ones put in?

    Surely they tested any tissue and fluids they too out of you. Did it all test okay? What is your next step?

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2011

    Lisa - that is a bummer about losing your implants. Why didn't they just leave them in after they saw there was no infection?  I have some redness on my right breast after having some recon work done with Alloderm last week.  I won't let them remove anything unless they determine it HAS to be done.  Luckily, the redness is subsiding. 

    So what's the next step with you?  Did they see anything odd when going into your breasts?  Are your breasts still red?

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2011

    Barb1958 - Thank you so much for "finding me" me again on this thread . Yes, I am a flautist/flutist and it was the finger neuropathy that had me so concerned about taking Taxol. If I couldn't play and teach flute I would be devestated. It took me a while to find my path although looking back it seems so clear - but I guess that's why they say "Hindsight is 20-20." So far....no neuropathy problems except for awful constipation day 5 - 6. Today is day 12 of round #1 of T/C and I understand that I will be losing my hair any day - I already have my wig - need to by a swim cap and night cap.



    Let me share something happy: Sunday and Monday I ordered 7 small Edible Arrangements with reusable mugs for my 5 nieces and nephews and my DD and DS. I wasn't sure whether we could afford it but DH said yes to do it because he thought it would make me happy! And he was right! In Williamsburg, VA the owner offered to deliver during a 2 hour window if I could pin the 2 young people there to a single place each for 2 hours. So the happiness of the gifts actually started yesterday for them! So today I hope that 7 young people I love will be made a little happier from Williamsburg VA to Rochester NY and I am feeling happy about being a part of their lives. Best.



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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2011

    Dear Hallsnj5 - Of course you are welcome here to this thread. I am very sorry that they took out your implants with no infection - but i hope that they took a small biopsy of your skin to see if maybe you have BC in your skin. If so, they can start treating you right away with chemo. Let us know how you are because we are all helping each other through this phase of our lives. Best.

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  • Flautalee
    Flautalee Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2011

    Hello again - I just thought you ladies (and concerned husband) might find this funny - and we do need to laugh as much as we can to get through this - I found a 2011 calendar and I'm keep track of my SE's on it. How many BM's, Pericolaces, bran cereal, etc. LOL!!! Someone looking at it would think me rather anal (I just had to put that in)!!!! Best!

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  • hallsnj5
    hallsnj5 Member Posts: 258
    edited September 2011

    Thank you all for your responses. I questioned my Plastic surgeon again about the possibility of a leak and he says no. No infection grew on culture, but it may be because I had IV antibiotics in er before surgery. I believe they have to send them back to the company and may persue that. I asked him about IBC which presents with the same rash. He said no, but I still have some redness and itchyness. I think before I think about replacing them I need to get in to see my breast surgeon. Actually, taking 5 lbs off my chest doesn't feel so bad. Barb- if it wasn't for the lat flaps sagging I would go au natural  like you:)

    Lee- Love the calendar! That's not one we will be seeing in a store any time soon!

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  • sfokld
    sfokld Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2011

    HI, I had a left breast cancer in 2010 that was IDC and I they also found many areas of ILC and LCIS  in the L. breast.  I had chosen to have a skin sparing (with nipple removed) mastectomy on the left,  a tissue expander placed in April 2010. They found 2 of the 3 sentinel nodes had cancer, so I had the rest of my lymph nodes on the left under the arm removed in June 2010, then I had 4 rounds of taxotere chemo.  No radiation.  I chose to have my R. breast removed in Jan 2011 when my left side got the silicone implant.  The right breast had no signs of cancer (thank goodness!) in Jan 2011. I have been on tamoxifen for 11 months, and my tumors were only slightly senstive for ER and PR, and negative for HER2.

    Recently I have had more pain on my left breast scar area, and tenderness.  I saw my surgeon today, and they found a lump in the same area of my left breast cancer, about a cm. from the scar edge in the middle of my breast area. I am terrified it is a recurrence!  I had not noticed this, nor did my plastic surgeon notice it in early August, so this is something new.  It is right under the skin, and the size of a peanut m & m candy from what I can feel, and it is tender.  

     I am going to have an ultrasound next week, and likely a biopsy.  I am 41 now, and I was diagnosed at 40 with my first mammogram.  There was no lump, only calcifications on the mammo that tipped them off.  I am fearful that I am going to be back to square 1 again with cancer battles, or worse now.  

    The doctor said not to worry, it is likely a fatty blob, or something related to the surgical scar becoming irritated. Considering my track record, I am not going to be surprised if this is cancer, but I am going to be an emotional wreck.  My oldest son is 14, and a freshman in high school, my middle son just turned 12 tonight and my youngest son will be 4 next month.  I am dreading telling them anything. If this is a recurrence, they are going to fear the worst for me. My youngest was very worried for me over the past year, and still keeps praying that I won't die, which now is really freaking me out!   I am hoping and praying for a break from this breast cancer roller coaster. 

    I have been dealing with some minor lymphedema on the left and some other issues with the L. arm, plus some ovarian cysts and a recent need to check for problems in my uterus from tamoxifen which came up ok, but it feels like all my girl parts are conspiring against me! 

    I thought I had taken the aggressive route to beat this once and for all.  I am negative for BRCA 1 or 2, but my maternal grandmother had breast cancer starting with a lump at 42 (which no one told me about until after I got diagnosed! My mom did not even know of that cancer.)  She had a recurrence in her 50's and then many awful horrible months of battling widespread cancer throughout her abdomen in her 60's which was possibly ovarian to start with, so I am scared.   

    Sorry for the long post.  I had to get this out, since I am going crazy in my head right now over this, and don't want to tell anyone in my family until I know more.  I am holding out a glimmer of hope that maybe this is going to be negative (for once) and I would be worrying them needlessly. I was feeling really healthy before anyone told me I had breast cancer! Now I wonder when I will ever feel normal again.

    Thanks for listening,

    Karen 

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