Internal mammary recurrence?

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wzimmer
wzimmer Member Posts: 3
edited February 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

2012 Dx with DCIS with microinvasion 4.2 cm. Grade 3. I had a mx on my left breast. This dx was just 5 months after a stem cell transplant for leukemia. Fast forward to last week. Breast MRI shows 3 internal mammary nodes that are "suspicious for metastasis One node is 15 mm and in the first intercostal space, other two are in the second intercoastal space measuring only 4 mm. BS seemed concerned so she called my oncologist who ordered a PET scan

PET scan lit up the larger node and states on report the same " can not rule out metastasis". When my oncologist gave me the results, he said, well it only lit up one node and when my DH asked what he thought, he stated he thought it was nothing. He did try to get someone to biopsy the nodes but my BS wouldn't take the risk nor would another experienced radiologist as this is a very tricky area. My onc is recommending a CT scan in THREE months. I vasilate between that being ok and not being ok. What if it spreads during that time if this is indeed a recurrence


Any advice besides breath

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  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited February 2017

    Assuming that you are er/pr+ I don't think that waiting 3 months will substantially affect your outcome even if the node is positive and will not change the treatment for it.  I know it's easy for me to say to wait three months, less easy for you to do.  An ALND, a normal way to check this, is not an easy/peasy procedure so I'd agree with your MO.  I am not a doctor of course but I hope that will ease your mind a little.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited February 2017

    wzimmer, the intercostal nodes are so much trickier to biopsy than the axillary. I can only speak for myself, but even with a team that I know and trust, 3 months of waiting would seem an eternity (but I do better with knowledge than unanswered questions). Your decision must be based on what feels like the right thing for you. Will you be okay waiting? Do you need another opinion to weigh? So sorry you are having to deal with this! sending you light and hugs

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  • wzimmer
    wzimmer Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2017

    Thank you for the posts. I sent my reports to another BS, who said this warrants another look and wants to see me in her office. As I'm on vacation the soonest I could get them in March 9, but at least I'll have a second opinion and if she concurs with waiting three months, I just have to let go of the control and know that's what's best.


    Myconcern is with my low immune system due to the transplant. If indeed it is a recurrence, I don't want it to get too out of control. I spoke with my transplant Dr who seems to agree with that. Those of us with a low immune system are much more likely to have a rapid course if a recurrence is confirmed.

    I can do 3 months. I've done it before but it's definitely no fun. I'll keep you up to date on the verdict😆

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2017

    I would get a second opinion at a large medical center where the surgeons and radiologists might have more experience. Anything out of the ordinary and suspicious warrants another set of eyes. I understand those nodes may be hard to biopsy because they are near important structures, but logic tells me that I'd be more worried about them because of those important structures! Keep us posted. Please try to get another opinion.

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  • wzimmer
    wzimmer Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2017

    well I went in for a second opinion at one of the best breast oncologist in my area. I couldn't get into see him years ago as he wasn't taking new patients but one of my girlfriends pulled some strings and got me in.


    In for a second opinion at one of the best breast oncologist in my area. I couldn't get into see him years ago as he wasn't taking new patients but one of my girlfriend pulled some strings and got me in.


    He feels very strongly that this is a recurrence and metastasis. Stage IV It will be confirmed by pathology hopefully next week. Depending on what the pathology report states, he will then plan a treatment for me. I leave on a cruise next Friday but he said he will call me on my cruise to set things up. He wants to get on top of it since it is only showing up in the internal mammary node in three places. He said if I waited three months it could've shown up in other areas which I was assuming. So glad I did get the second opinion

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