Not Again

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Gaylene5
Gaylene5 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

4 years 6 months past and here we go again. Even though we always know there is a possibility it will come back, the closer I got to that magic number "5 years" the more relaxed I became. I did all the right things, had all my tests and check ups but it seems that once again I am being differant and unusual and this terrible disease has been doing an amazing job of hiding from everyone. Thankfully my surgeon was on the ball and decided to have a lymph node in my left breast biopsied, mainly because it hadn't showed up in previous mammo's and ultrasounds, and contrary to reports that it just looked like normal lymph node

Result, here we go again.

Further tests now show several cancers in my right chest cavity, as I had mastectomy before so no breast there to grow in, some under the arm, no lymph nodes left there either, looks like it might also have started to get in my bones. Still waiting on more information on if these cells are the same as my first cancer or the same as the one just found on the left side.

The one found in left breast is hormone receptive so I have been started on Femera tablets, havent had AI's before as my first cancer was different. It is also in the lymph nodes on this side.

I always thought that if I had to go through this again it would be easier as had been there before, now I am finding it more difficult. Harder to be as positive as I was last time, weary about the whole long treatment and uncertain because it seems to have been hanging around for a while but hadn't been found. I know I will do what I have to to beat or keep on top of this aweful disease, but wow it is really hard the 2nd time around.

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited July 2011

    I'm really sorry.  Just know that there are a lot of us here who will help you through it.  And, there are lots of good treatments out there for Stage IV disease too.  It's always hardest before you get a treatment plan.  

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited July 2011

    So sorry to hear this Gaylene -- just want to send you lots of hugs, and agree that the limbo before learning the treatment plan is the hardest -- hope you don't have to wait too long for that.

    (((((((((hugs)))))))))

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

       Gayleen, I don't think the fact you have dealt with it before makes it any easier, but let me tell you that magic five year mark is a fallacy. Cancer is cancer and it is never easy to find out you have it. The good news is that it is in the other breast and some nodes....they have at least not told you it has gone to any organs. (and if it has you can deal with it....it's been in my liver for 13 yrs)  And also the fact it is hormone + in my opinion is a good thing.....I know a lot of women have SEs with AIs and some even refuse to take them, but if they can treat  you with them, it is much easier than chemo (mho again).  It sounds as if your surgeon is on top of things. I am so sorry you have to deal with this again. 

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  • Gaylene5
    Gaylene5 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2011

    Thanks everyone,

    We now have a plan in place, which makes me feel much better. Just waiting to
    have an infuser port installed and then start on chemo again. Had a lot of
    questions answered by the Oncologist this week, has only attacked one bone in my
    chest are, the manubriuma, but doesn't look like it has infiltrated into my
    bones. it seems to be localised in the one area though in some muscle and nodes
    and under the arm, but  doesnt look like in any organs  yaa.  They reckon the
    one found in my left breats is a new Primary, grade3, but has also got into the Lymph
    nodes. Looks all might be Hormanal Receptive but not HER2 receptive so when
    finish chemo will continue with Femera, to keep it at bay.

    Thanks for all your support and kind words, it really does help.

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  • rabbit
    rabbit Member Posts: 613
    edited July 2011

    hi Gaylene5, just browsing the forums and reading your posts..I am thinking of you. Best of luck with the new chemo treatments, when do you start? The port is great for me, was scared to get it at first but am glad now that I have it, it's not that bad at all. Please keep us updated. xoxo

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  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 180
    edited July 2011

    Gaylene5,

    So sorry it came back again. But you can beat it again..do whatever it takes. I have been fighting it on and off for the last 9 1/2 years and I am stage IV.. STILL HERE!.. You can do it too..Keep us posted on your treatment plans.. We are all here for you. Hang in there.

    Donna

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