Recurrence 2 months after treatment???

Kcar1616
Kcar1616 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer

Hi,

I need some input! I was dx with IDC in Nov.2011. Stage 2a, 1.5cm tumor (moderate grade) with 1/3 nodes involved. I had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemo and 20 rads which finished end of June. A few days ago I found what I think is a new lump. I'm terrified. It is painful as was my first tumor and sits on the upper edge of my old incision site. The only difference is that I am feeling an aching which extends into my armpit. The area feels tight and so does my shoulder. I know this is long-winded, but I am trying to present the whole picture! I am concerned that I am experiencing the start of lymphedema, but it's the new lump that is terrifying. I see my oncologist in a week and I am expecting the whole repeat mammogram/ultrasound routine. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I don't think I can handle anymore bad news.

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited August 2012

    Hi, Kcar.  My situation is a little different than yours.  I had a lumpectomy with axillary dissection, 6 rounds of TAC, mastectomy and 37 rads.  Whew.  However, after my mx and before my rads, my LE therapist found a firm lump in my chest, sort of where a lymph node might have been.  She and I freaked out and I went straight to my MO, who sent me to my BS.

    My BS rolled her eyes and said, "it's scar tissue."  She did a needle biopsy just in case, but of course it came back negative. 

    Your lump could very well be scar tissue as your lumpectomy site heals, and as for the aching armpit, when they dig around to find the axillary lymph nodes, nerves get scrambled.  My armpit ached and zinged and burned for a few months after my surgery.

    By all means, bring this to your oncologist, but try not to assume the worst and worry yourself crazy.  Blessings and good luck!

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  • Kcar1616
    Kcar1616 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2012

    Thank you sbelizabeth! I am usually not one to jump straight to the most negative outcome, but BC tends to bring out the worst in me! I know you are right about the scar tissue and I have thought about that. It's the pain that is worrying me, but I have to keep reminding myself that I only finished rads 2 months ago and a lot of healing is still happening. I am also trying to remind myself that a recurrence would be very unlikely at this point. Do you find your LE therapist helps you a lot? No one has even brought up the idea of one to me.Thank you for your kind words. They really help!

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited August 2012

    Kcar, I don't have any lymphedema (knock wood), at least not yet, so I've only been to her a few times.  She measured me for a preventive compression sleeve that I wear when I'm biking or flying.  I got a really wild one that look exactly like a sleeve tattoo.  She did some massage in my armpit to work out the cording and showed me how to stretch and lift weights to get my arm and shoulder back in shape, but I wasn't haveing many problems in that area.  It's good information, though, and you should see one at least a couple of times to assess your lymphedema risk.

    You know, when my breast and armpit were burning and aching I had convinced myself that they were filled with cancer, and the chemo was just making the cancer mad.  Snort...  BC brings out the worst in me, too!  What was REALLY going on was that the chemo slowed the healing process and it just hurt longer.  The ache in my armpit really wigged me out because I figured they'd left a lot of cancer behind.  The reality was that it took a long time for the nerves to re-connect.  The burning and aching are gone now. 

    I agree that it seems a little early for a recurrence, and our bodies are still slowly building themselves back up after an enormous trauma.  Keep in touch and let me know what your onc says.  In the meantime, be at peace. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Kcar, an evaluation by a good LE therapist is really helpful. S/he will take baseline arm measurements for future reference, discuss personalized risk reduction strategies, fit you for a sleeve and gauntlet (fingerless glove) to use for travel, exercise or unusual activity--and they can help eliminate scar tissue as well. All good!

    Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Any doctor on your team can write you a referral, so when you check with your onc, ask for one.

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • Kcar1616
    Kcar1616 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2012

    Thank you Binney,

    I am feeling much more positive about the whole thing thanks to the people who have commented. Whatever will be, will be. I was wondering if your lymphedema link is only for Americans, as I am Canadian. I am sure we have good resources where I live, it is a large city and a well known cancer facility. Thank you again for weighing in. I will try to stay calm until I have my meeting with the oncologist next week. K

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Kcar, most of the links on that page include Canadian provinces as well. You can also check out these specifically Canadian sites:

    http://www.lymphovenous-canada.ca/

    http://www.lymphontario.ca/

    There are lots of Canadian women dealing with lymphedema here at BreastCancer.org on the "Lymphedema" discussion board. Please feel welcome to come lurk or post. You don't have to have a lymphedema diagnosis to join us there.Smile

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2012

    Two months after chemo ended I found two lumps along my mastectomy scar.  I was absolutely terrified.  I was going through Rads at the time.  The next time I visited my Oncologist they felt it and said "scar tissue" but we will keep an eye on it.  I also have mild Lymphedema. 

    It is always scarey, isn't it?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2012

    Kcar, fat necrosis is also very common after breast surgery.  I had a lump that turned out to be that, in addition to some sizeable cysts that were clearly visible on an u/s, which are also common after breast surgery.  So in addition to scar tissue, those are 2 more possible reasons for your lump -- fat necrosis or a large cyst.    

    Also, unless you have an extremely aggressive form of bc, it's highly unlikely that you would have a recurrence so soon after your rigorous tx.    Deanna

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