9-1/2 years out and I have a new lump : scared and sad

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So I had a lumpectomy & radiation in late 2004/early 2005, with tamoxifen and etc.

This spring I have been feeling pretty good about getting close to ten years. HA!

Two weeks ago I found a nice big lump. Same side as my lumpectomy.

Now I wait two weeks for mammo & US. Then off to the breast surgeon again.

I don't want to go thru all this again :(

If its cancer again should I have a dbl mast?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Comments

  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited July 2014

    Jude, I'm so sorry you've found a new lump.  It's possible it's a cyst.  Most breast lumps are cysts and not cancer, but I know you've been here before and how scary it must be.  I don't really have any advice, just wanted to reach out and let you know I've said a prayer for you.  I'm only six months from my diagnosis and surgery, so I don't have much to offer except positive thoughts your way.  Please update when you can.  What stage, grade, Er/pr/her status were you 9 years ago and what treatment did you have?

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2014

    Hi thanks for your response.

    I was DX'd 10/04 Stage 1b IDC. ER+/PR-, HER2-

    Lumpectomy/SNB mid-October '04. Nodes negative!
    Radiation 11/29/04 - 1/14/05
    Hysterectomy & bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 4/06

    I am hoping that this lump is a cyst. It is about the size of a blueberry, roughly oval and very near the site of my lumpectomy. My doc seems concerned. I have an appointment for a mammo & US on the 25th, and then an appointment with the surgeon on the following Monday.

    It's just the waiting that is hard. A lot of women in my family have had breast cancer, and a few have had recurrences and died.

  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited July 2014

    Jude, the waiting definitely sucks.  It's the hardest part, in my opinion.  Try to stay positive, I know it's hard.  If it is cancer, you'll deal with it like you did the last time. 10 years later and you're still here! If it's not, party party!  My way I coped, may seem goofy, but I watched my favorite comedy shows every evening...Seinfeld, The Office, Modern Family. I have them all DVR'd and that's how I got through my waiting. Laughter is the best medicine.  

  • fifthyear
    fifthyear Member Posts: 225
    edited July 2014

    Jude, I don't want to say "think positive" because it's not that simple, but someone on this site once said "don't go there til you get there". If the lump is the size of a blue berry and you just found it, it could very well be a cyst. If it was anything else, you would have felt it ways before it goes to this size. From what I understand, cyst grows very fast. Here's hoping it is in your case. Two weeks is a long time to wait, come back and let us know. Sending you hugs.

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2014

    Thanks to both of you. I'm trying to stay positive :)

  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited July 2014

    I've added this thread to my favorites, so keep us posted, Jude.  I see you're in Chicago, I'm outside St. Louis...going to be a cool week for July!  

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2014

    Had a mammo and US today.

    No news yet til Monday's visit with the surgeon :P

    More waiting ...

  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited July 2014

    fingers crossed!

  • Lindissima
    Lindissima Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2014

    i am so sorry you have to get through this. i just went through the same thing. i am 5 years from my diagnosis. A small lump showed up as a 'change' on a mammogram. immediate ultrasound revealed a small lump right in the site of my lumpectomy.had a core biopsy.  the radiologists seemed concerned but said it could just be fat necrosis.  

    it turned out to be fat necrosis.

    I know the waiting is hard, but  as someone  wisely said above, try not to get there until you get there.  i tried to distract myself as much possible by doing what works for me--spending time with floved ones and friends, hiking, exercising and staying  busy. 

    sending lots of positive thoughts your way.  please let us know your results.

  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited July 2014

    Sending good thoughts.

    I had bmx and in less than a year, a lump was 1/2" from my mastectomy scar.  Had it removed within a week...fat.

    Hoping yours is just an annoying procedure and nothing more.

    Keep us posted; we are here for you.

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2014

    So, big sigh of relief. Doctor says scarring and calcifications due to original lumpectomy surgery.

    Regular mammos and keep an eye on it.

    Whew!

    Thanks everyone for your kind words.

  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited July 2014

    yah hoo for you!  now get out of the house and celebrate!

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2014

    proudtospin: I wish! Thanks, though :)

  • lekker
    lekker Member Posts: 594
    edited July 2014

    So glad to hear it!

  • Lindissima
    Lindissima Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2014

    wonderful news

  • dhustedde
    dhustedde Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2014

    So glad to hear!  I just had my lumpectomy and SNB yesterday. I find out the final pathology on Mon 8/6 when I go for my follow up appt. 

  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited July 2014

    awesome news, Jude!  I'm so happy for you.

    Dhustedde, hang in there, the waiting is the hardest part. I'll be sending prayers and thoughts your way.  Kim

  • JudeMama
    JudeMama Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2014

    Dhustedde : I'll be thinking good thoughts for you on Monday! Thanks for your post :)

    Stenokim : Thanks to you, too! I am very relieved :)

  • chefmom
    chefmom Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2014

    That is such great news!  Happy for you!

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