Just diagnosed with recurring breast cancer after 19 years

Hi. My tumor markers for my Ca 15.3 lab tests were elevated so my new oncologist (who is supposed to be great - not warm fuzzy but he is supposed to be genius level smart...) ordered a ton of tests: PET, MRI Lab tests then a second MRI which was a MRI guided biopsy. I went in today for my results and he told me it is cancer. I asked if it was new cancer or a recurrence from 1997 and my first breast cancer but he said it is too early to tell. I had a lumpectomy with node removal then chemo and radiation all in 1997. Having already had radiation to my surgical breast in most cases that means I cannot have more radiation but there is a doctor in our area who does radiation right in the surgical suite when they are set to remove the lump. This is apparently very new. I came home and made an appointment with Dr Uhl the radiologist the moment I got home. I see her next Monday. I spent the last few weeks knowing it was more cancer (though the test results just came back...). I had been trying to decide if I was going to have one or two mastectomies and if I would have reconstruction at the time of the surgery. It looks like I may not have to have a mastectomy at all. I want to err on the side of caution so I will need the radiologist to convince me that she can take care of the cancer completely with her new procedure. Otherwise, they are just breasts. I have lived with a full breast and a half size breast for 19 years with not too much stress so I am prepared to have the mastectomies if needed. Breasts are important to most women, I think - but I have had really large breasts for almost my entire adult life. A big part of my "schtick" revolves around my big breasts... So a double mastectomy would be hard to deal with.

One thing I must keep in mind is that as a diabetic, I am a very slow healer and extremely prone to infections. I had two years of infection after my lumpectomy years ago. If I don't HAVE to have a lot of surgery, I would definitely prefer to have the smaller procedure. So much to think about... Anyone else out there with recurring cancer after such a long time?

HI Brenda, so very sorry. Where is Dr. Uhl? I am always trying to keep track of rad oncs who are doing this procedure.

Sounds like you are in good hands, but SO SORRY!