ER-/PR-/HER2-

I don't really have any advice for you but just wanted to send you gentle hugs. I would gather as much info as I could and certainly write down any questions as you think of them for your appointments.

Grace,

I'm triple positive, which means lots of targeted therapy (e.g. Herceptin). I understand that triple negative is often addressed through chemo and radiation, but you probably already know that. I guess the "good news" about your cancer switching from your left side to your right side is that you can have the new cancer site radiated. Small blessings! Let us know what your PET scan shows on Monday! Have a peaceful weekend.

Hi Grace and welcome. I'm so sorry at the circumstances in which you find yourself. I had Triple Negative and understand the concern it brings about in those receiving this diagnosis

If I were in your shoes, these are the things I would like to know:

Is there ANY sign of a tumor in the right breast? Even a tiny area. The reason for this is that a new tumor on the right side that has spread to a single axillary lymph node is considered a new primary cancer. If the MO (medical oncologist) can't find one and believes this to be a contralateral (opposite side) metastasis of your cancer from last year, that complicates matters a bit.

Please, please understand that I do not wish to frighten you in any way. When I reply to posters, I try to give the information that I, myself, would like in that same circumstance. I only want you to understand the possible circumstances so that you can better advocate for your own needs. I have read about contralateral metastasis in the research journals. It does seem that most MOs consider this to be metastatic breast cancer; however, there is a school of thought in which it is believed that contralateral mets are the result of altered lymphatic drainage due to prior sentinel or full axillary lymph node removal. Because of this approach, many MOs will treat with curative intent despite the technical categorization of metastatic disease. I must stress that if this is the category in which you ultimately find yourself, please seek an opinion from an MO who has treated other instances of contralateral mets in breast cancer patients. It is extremely rare and most MOs never see a case of it. I realize you feel very comfortable with your current team, and that is so important; however, if no tumor is found in the right breast, I would seek a second opinion from a physician with experience treating this--even if only to get their thoughts and compare/contrast those with your current MO.

Again, I'm very sorry about this new diagnosis. I hope that you find that the info I have posted does not apply to you. I will try to check back later today; my husband and I are visiting Moab in Utah today and I may be without cell service, but will come back on once we get to the hotel.

Best of luck.

I

Hi Grace,

I'm very sorry for such a delay in responding. I've been off the boards since the day before your reply above. I've had some family stuff going on that has kept my focus pulled from most online activity.

I see that you haven't posted much, but have not looked to see if you've signed in lately. I hope you're doing well. I'd be more than happy to clarify my above statements, but I wanted to see first if you're still visiting the BCO boards.

All the best.