Anyone have local recurrence years after mastectomy?

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bhammer
bhammer Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have a pea sized lump on the inside edge of my TRAM flap breast. Hasn't been biopsied yet - fighting to get in and get it done. Anyone had this and what was your treatment if it is a local recurrence? I am 7 yrs post surgery. Thanks! Donna

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited July 2012

    Hi Donna - I'm four years post-surgery also have a pea-sized lump on my free-tram flap breast, but my breast surgeon has assured me it's just fat necrosis because it hasn't changed size since it appears about 2 years ago. Sometimes I still worry, and start feeling around wondering - but mostly I trust that all's well - between seeing my breast surgeon and oncologist every 4 months I feel in good hands.

    Is your lump deep inside the flap or nearer the surface? Mine is deep inside - not sure if that makes any difference though. Good luck with your biopsy and try not to worry - it truly can be fat necrosis even 7 years out.

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  • bhammer
    bhammer Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2012

    Thank you for responding! God opened the door to get to John Hopkins yesterday. I am so thankful it is an abscess and not a tumor. Mine was raised above the skin as well as had density below the skin. It is attached to the skin and not movable. This concerned me for a local recurrence so I am thankful it isn't. 

    I am glad yours is not as well! It is always a wake-up call to think about bc again even after years of normal results.

    Blessings,

     Donna 

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited July 2012

    That's great news Donna! I'm so glad you have peace-of-mind now! Is the abscess gone now?

    A couple of weeks ago, I had my routine ob/gyn exam and she asked me if I ever had a sonogram or MRI done on the reconstructed breast. When I said "No" - she suggested I mention it to my oncologist. I emailed him and he immediately replied and said he ordered a screening MRI for me (which was done last Friday). Tomorrow I get the results - I'm not really worried, but still am saying a little prayer that the little lump I've been assuming to be fat necrosis really is just that. Thanks for starting this thread Donna - I'll let you know what I find out tomorrow.

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  • bhammer
    bhammer Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2012

    Hi,

    I am so glad you responded. Mine is actually a cyst type thing and I have surgery on September 12. No big deal on the surgery - simple sac removal.

    I will be praying for you that IT IS NOT A RECURRENCE!!!!! I pray it is something easily treatable and for peace that surpasses all understanding for you. Philippians 4:7

    Please keep me updated on what happens and the results. I would think they would have called you if anything was a problem - at least that is my hope for you! I will pray right now and as God lead throughout the night and until I hear.

    Blessings,

    Donna 

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  • bhammer
    bhammer Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2012

    Hi Swimangel72,

    One thing I did learn was that a recurrence would be in the skin or just under because of breast cells left after mastectomy. The other place it shows up is in the scar line as a rash looking recurrence. I hope that helps! 

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited August 2012

    Thanks for your information prayers Donna! I received good news this morning, thank God! The radiologist confirmed that the .9cm lump is just fat necrosis! And all my blood work was excellent, so I breathe yet another sigh of relief - and move forward, trying to lose weight and to keep my joints flexible. 

    I hope your surgery on Sept 12th goes well with no complications - come back here and let me know what happens. 

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  • bhammer
    bhammer Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2012

    Praise God for His many blessings!!!! I am so happy for you. I know how even though we don't think something is a problem, our subconscience still remembers the old journey we have seen and causes deep rooted concern that we don't even realize is going on consciously. It was such a privilege to pray for you. I am with you on the weight thing. When I thought I had a recurrence, I read about contributing factors: weight, alcohol, stress = my life lately! We enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, I am overweight and we have been under a lot of stress with a family member over the last couple of years. Now, I can only be surprised that it wasn't cancer again! My surgeon said it is okay to drink wine and in fact, it is beneficial. One down.... Time to walk! Take care and be healthy!

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