My breast has tripled in size since treatments.

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Myosteo
Myosteo Member Posts: 7
edited February 2016 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed with my second Breast Cancer in April 2015. This time it is TNBC. I had a Lumpectomy, 8 rounds of AC + T every 14 days and Radiation Therapy. My surgery was almost 10 months ago, the Chemotherapy was completed 5 months ago and the Radiation 3 months ago. All three doctors tell me the increase in size of the breast is because of the treatments. To me this doesn't make sense. Shouldn't the breast be getting smaller like it did the first time I had Breast Cancer? Is the size increase an indication the TNBC has come back? My Chemotherapy Oncologist told me 4 weeks ago we would just wait and see. Well, I've seen a further increase in size over the last 4 weeks. I'll see him again next week. What should I do if he tells me again to and see? What would you do? My Mammogram and Ultrasound aren't scheduled until this coming May. I really don't want to wait that long. Scared in East Haven, CT. Z

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited February 2016

    My two cents.... if you are scared, and the doctor is not willing to follow up now, find a doctor who will. Perhaps you can go back to your primary to get a referral to a new oncologist. Or consider making an appointment with your breast surgeon [less useful.] If you otherwise feel comfortable with this oncologist, stamp your feet and insist.

    If a mammogram is enough for you comfort, you might consider getting in touch with Planned Parenthood. They have funds for standard mammograms. I don't know if they can help with diagnostic which is what you would need.

    All the best,

    *susan*

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  • maryna8
    maryna8 Member Posts: 1,810
    edited February 2016

    I also think I would search out another oncology doctor's opinion. Just to have a look. I had a single mastectomy, and now have a seroma. The surgery site gets fluid inside, and I am just getting to the point again where I am thinking of getting it drained. It does not get large, but it gets uncomfortable.

    I don't think a lumpectomy would result in a seroma however, but I am not a doctor.

    Best wishes!

    Mary

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  • Meggy
    Meggy Member Posts: 530
    edited February 2016

    OMG...get an ultrasound and MRI ASAP.  Find someone who will order it as a rush.  Don't wait and see.  Go to another clinic...do whatever it takes to get it ordered as a rush.  It might be nothing but if it is something you want to jump all over it right away.

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  • Cubbie2015
    Cubbie2015 Member Posts: 875
    edited February 2016

    Am I understanding correctly that you have breast cancer twice now? I would push to move up your mammogram and ultrasound. They need to explain why you are seeing this change, even if it is harmless. I believe one of our BCO sisters here does have a seroma following a lumpectomy, but they have actually confirmed that that is the source of her swelling. They should do the same for you.

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  • Praline
    Praline Member Posts: 115
    edited February 2016

    I had a lumpectomy January 11 and I now have a seroma, confirmed with a ultra sound. It just started last weekend. It is not painful, not hot to the touch,.. My BS said to wear a bra with good support and that it should resolve by itself. At first I wore a bra all the time but when I got a really bad rash between and under my breast I started wearing just a cotton tank top to sleep.

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  • Myosteo
    Myosteo Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2016

    I can't have an MRI because I have a Cochlear Implant. I'm hoping my Oncologist will agree to order the Mammogram and Ultrasound next week when I see him. I know something isn't right. Cubbie2015 asked if she had it right that this is my second BC. Let me explain... In 2009 I had an Estrogen positive cancer in my right Breast. In 2015 I got TNBC in the left. The enlarging is in the left. They say the cancer in the right is gone. I appreciate the suggestions and concerns.

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited February 2016

    Mine wasn’t triple-negative. BUT my breast didn’t get smaller after lumpectomy, because a seroma (not visible externally) filled the tumor cavity. Then, because I had higher-intensity rads, after only one treatment the seroma began expanding. 2 months later the seroma is as big as some breasts--I’ve had to go up to a 40H or I cup. Because of fibrosis encapsulating it, It may be permanently large. So don't assume that radiation & lumpectomy always results in a shrunken breast. (Wasn’t it radiation that turned four little terrapins into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)?

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