Local recurrence in mastectomy - TNBC

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minxie
minxie Member Posts: 484
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

I am going for an MRI tomorrow, then surgery ASAP to remove this new tumor. It is right on top of my implant.

My onc wants to to a PET/CAT ASAP to see if this has spread. I know why, but don't really see the point in doing more chemo if my TNBC has metasticized. AC/Taxol made me want to die. I can't see living the remainder of my days like that.

Has anyone decided not to do chemo after a metastatic recurrence?

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  • Paula1231
    Paula1231 Member Posts: 456
    edited May 2012

    Hi Minxie,

    I found another tumor too nearmy implant and it is highly suspicious.  Have biopsy next Friday.  Scans soon after.  I am with you on the fence.  I don't know what to do if it has spread.  I read one of the studies on this site that said women don't live any longer with chemo in stage IV but I don't know for sure.  Can anyone chime in??

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited May 2012

    Paula - I'm not sure which study you're referring to, but lots of people live longer at Stage IV thanks to chemo, which in the best cases can even get people back to NED for years. Just take a look at the Stage IV boards. Of course, there is a lot of luck involved, too - you have to find a chemo which will work for you, but there are lots of options to try.



    I suppose you'll both have to cross that bridge IF you come to it. I'm crossing everything for you that no mets will be found and this won't even be an issue.



    Good luck with your results, Angelfalls xx

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  • minxie
    minxie Member Posts: 484
    edited June 2012

    just wanted to update, if it helps anyone - PET/CT scans all were good. Had surgery last week, no positive nodes, margins clear, tumor 1 cm. Big chunk of my breast missing. The good news is it's looking truly local. The bad news, well, it's obviously a persistent bugger to be able to hang out all this time and beat AC/Taxol and two surgeries. Looks like rads next but I am consulting with a TNBC specialist next week. My advice to anyone in this situation - just because you've had a mast, don't assume it's scar tissue, which is what I did for too long.

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  • BikerLee
    BikerLee Member Posts: 355
    edited June 2012

    Please keep us updated!  I am glad you got clear margins and negative node(s)...  And a good PET/CT.  What a relief! 

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  • Karen3
    Karen3 Member Posts: 307
    edited June 2012

    Hi Minxie

    Thanks so much for sharing your story and what a relief that there is no spread. As a TN myslef I know what a sneeky BC it is. I have just had a BMX (without reconstruction) after my second BC in other breast and I will be vigilant. I think you are right - just because we have had a MX or BMX does not mean we are immune from another BC. We all need to remain vigilant at all times.

    Good luck to you Minxie!

    Karen X 

    Paula1231 I hope the biopsy went well and the result is B9. Let us know as soon as you hear anything! X

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  • bgraham2ny
    bgraham2ny Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2012

    Just found a pea sized lump by my mastectomy scar - appears to be on top of the implant as well.  My oncologist said my markers are ok, but I'm a little spooked about this.  She said we'll keep an eye on it.  I'm like you....not sure how I want to handle this.  I also had bi-lateral mastectomy, AC/T chemo and radiation.  My body is shot...just not so sure I want to got thru any of that again.  Has anyone else had a lump like this?

    I hate to be a buzz kill, but the really sucky part of this is that my 40 year old daughter is on the waiting list for a kidney....and guess who can't donate???  THIS is the part that I really hate.

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  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 221
    edited February 2014

    hi all! I find myself in the beginning of this journey again. if any if you could up date that would be great!!

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