Anyone had / having a sternectomy? anyone?

Options
Angelfalls
Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

Hello, I hope you don't mind me bursting in like this. It's been a long time since I visited this site, but I know that I'll find the support and info I'm in need of again... I was first diagnosed in April 2003 and had a mast, ANC, lat dorsi recon, chemo, rads and Tamoxifen. Then, in Sept. 2006, I had a recurrence in my internal mammary nodes which was treated with rads, followed by an ooph in Jan 2007 and a switch to Arimidex. My annual CT scan has now picked up a further recurrence in my sternum. Bone scan and another CT scan show no further spread, so my onc is supporting me in pushing for a sternectomy to remove the diseased section of breast bone (the body of the sternum).



The problem is that here in the UK, there are very few cases of this having been done, so my team is having trouble finding someone who has the necessary experience to perform the op. So, I was wondering if any of you might have any experience of this or any info on sternectomy operations or surgeons. If so, I'd be really interested to hear from you. Take care and stay strong, Angelfalls xx

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • catbill
    catbill Member Posts: 326
    edited November 2011

    I have not experienced your situation, but want to wish you the best.  Hang in there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Naniam
    Naniam Member Posts: 1,766
    edited November 2011

    Angelfalls,

    I recently was found to have extensive bone mets - one area was the sternum.  No surgery for me. 

    I know that one lady that I talked to early on before I knew the mets was extensive was "sueper13".  I know she had surgery on her sternum.  Send a Private Message to her and she will answer.  With this being a holiday weekend give her a bit.  I'm thinking there are discussions here on Sternum mets. Look for that - it may give you some info also.

    Best of luck,  Brenda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited November 2011

    Thank you both for your replies. The support and info are invaluable. Best wishes to you, Angelfalls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited November 2011

    I can't recall ever hearing of someone having sugery to remove affected bone mets, usually I think of systemic treatment with chemo and bisphosphonates plus occasional radiation if pain relief is needed.  Best of luck to you,

    NancyH 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited November 2011

    Thanks, Nancy. It's not that common, but as there's only this one area showing up, my team are trying to get an op sorted for me. I had rads to the area at first diagnosis, then again when I had my first recurrence, so can't have any more there. And I think they're keeping the chemo options up their sleeve in case it shows up somewhere else further down the line... Take care, Angelfalls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sternum
    sternum Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2012

    Hello Angelfalls:

    I was looking through google to see if there was any new info on sternectomies when I found your post.  I signed up in case I may be of some help to you.  

    A bit of my background:

    I am now 67 and live in Canada.  I had a quadruple by pass in April of 2008.  I developed Ostiomylitis and plurasy.  The resulting cough pulled the wires out and shattered my weakend  sternum to a point it could not be repaired but had to be removed.  After the infection was treated and cured, a plastic surgeon did a muscle flap to cover the exposed heart and organs no longer protected by a sternum.  I know sternectomies are not common and this is the first time I have heard of the possible need for one due to a metastisised cancer.  

    If there are any questions you may have about the procedure and the healing time etc., please do not hesitate to ask.  I am now a 4 year survivor of this procedure and have been able to adapt my life style (within reason) to accomadate my "New Normal" 

    I hope to hear from you soon.  Take care and be blest   ---   Sternum   --- 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited February 2012

    Thanks so much for your post, Sternum. I'm really grateful that you took the trouble to sign up and post. Unfortunately, a PET scan picked up further spread, so the sternectomy is no longer an option for me. But there may well be other people looking for help with this further down the line who will find your post to be helpful to them.



    I'm glad that you're doing well four years on from what must have been a really tough time. Look after yourself and stay strong. Best wishes to you, Angelfalls

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sternum
    sternum Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2012

    Thank you for responding so quickly.  I am sorry to hear about the further spread of your Cancer.  Keep your faith in whom it belongs and never surrender.  My older sister is a Breast Cancer survivor and a strong advocate in getting the word out and a wonderful support to others.  She lives in the U.S. and we talk frequently.  My brother and I are the ones in our family battleing heart disease but so many of my aunts and uncles had their battles with cancer, even my late husband.  

    If ever needed, I am available.  Be strong, be faithful and above all, be blest.    ---   Sternum   ---

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories