Recurrence 1 week ago, just had lumpectomy

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Hi everyone,  I was just diagnosed with a recurrence 7 months after my mastectomy.  I had felt a small lump a couple of months ago and had a normal MRI but showed up as cancerous after I had a biopsy.

I had a lumpectomy two days ago and am waiting for the pathology results.   My surgeon and oncologist mentioned having radiation, has anyone on the board had radiation twice?  I had rads in 2011.   They mentioned there is a way to give it to you a second time (skin only?).    

I am also wondering if I should have my ovaries out since my cancer is very estrogen positive and I am wary of trying lupron. 

I am still in a bit of shock over this.  Any comments are really appreciated, thanks.

Comments

  • sophie456
    sophie456 Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2014

    Thanks for the information Jenn.  Did you have a local recurrence after Mastectomy or Lumpectomy?

  • kelly279
    kelly279 Member Posts: 55
    edited February 2014

    Hi Sophie, sorry you have to go through this. I am kind of in a similar situation. I had my BMX one year ago and just found cancer in my lymph nodes. I am also in NJ and was told radiation again is a no-go. Now I am praying I don't have to do chemo. Also, I am meeting with a doc this week about getting my overies out since clearly the tamoxifen didn't work. I asked my MO about the Lupron shots and he said the ooph would be better, but I know tons of women get the shot and are fine. Where in Jersey are you?

  • BabyRuth
    BabyRuth Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2014

    Sophie456 -  I have now had 2 recurrences within a five year time frame.  The first one was after a lumpectomy and was located near my scar.  I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy that time around and then recurred in the lymph nodes the next year.   I did chemo again and I am finishing my yearly herceptin.  I also did radiation the first go around and did cyber knife radiation after the last recurrence. You might want to check into that.

    kelly279- our scenerios for the recurrence after the BMX sound similar.  I was on the same chemo(TCH) as you were.  I know that everyone hates doing chemo but I wish I had done it again after the first recurrence.  If I had I do not think I would have been in this boat for the third go around.  Talk to your MO about doing perjeta, herceptin, and taxol.  Perjeta is supposed to be the latest , greatest thing out there. 

  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 221
    edited February 2014

    for you that had recurrence after mast. How do the approach that? Do they go a lumpectomy? I have implants I am wondering if they will take the implant out? It is right on top of the implant. Thanks!

    Hope all is well with you ladies!! Would love to hear all you all are doing!!

  • BabyRuth
    BabyRuth Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2014

    mom2B-My recurrence was only in my lymph nodes so because I was already scheduled to have my nipple reconstruction, my BS just paired up with my PS and they did an axillary lymph node dissection at the same time.  With yours being so near your implant I am  not sure how they will handle that.  I am doing good but a little nervous because my 6 month scans are due at the end of March.  The month of April for the last 2 years is when my recurrence were found. So sorry you are having to go through this again.  Do you know what your game plan is yet?

  • sophie456
    sophie456 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Thanks everyone for your replies! 

    I got two opinions about radiation and both doctors agreed that additional radiation will prevent a recurrence.  Right now I am having TC chemo (4 rounds) and will begin radiation after that.

    BabyRuth- I forgot to ask about cyberknife, I will ask about it, thanks.  

    Mom2Bnegativex3 - I had diep flap reconstruction in June 2013 in NOLA so luckily having a lumpectomy after diep (using your own tissue) is not a big deal and I healed quickly.  I am sorry, I don't know how it is with implants, hopefully your doctors can help you out with that.

  • mom2Bnegativex3
    mom2Bnegativex3 Member Posts: 221
    edited March 2014

    Thank you for responding ladies! Had the lumpectomy and they left the implant in. just hoping that was the right thing to do! I will start chemo soon. I am 23 weeks pregnant now! Sophie, I wish you good luck and well wishes:)

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