Recurrence in opposite breast IDC

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Rosanne7
Rosanne7 Member Posts: 48
edited December 2018 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

Hi, I am new to breastcancer.org. Learned today that IDC has recurred in opposite breast. Had unilateral mastectomy (almost) 7 years ago.

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2018

    Hi Rosanne7:

    Hugs to you. Its a kick in the teeth for sure.

    My cancer recurred in opposite breast 13 years later.

    I found it harder emotionally, but much easier in every other way.

    keep coming here. These survivors are awesome!

    wallan

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  • Rosanne7
    Rosanne7 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2019

    Thank you so much wallan !!

    Hugs x2 -- Glad you made it through 2017 & beyond...

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2018

    Welcome, Rosanne7-

    We're so sorry you find yourself going down this road again, but we hope you find this community to be a source of support! We're all here for you!

    The Mods

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2018

    My mom had the same thing 20+ years later. She's doing great now. Hoping you have a treatment plan in place soon. Sorry you are dealing with this again. Do ask about genetic testing as well.

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  • Rosanne7
    Rosanne7 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2019

    New this week:

    Punch biopsy (left breast) shows recurrence @ skin /mastectomy scar (malignant dermal neoplasm). Surgeon tried to call me w/ results-- but his answering service typically blocks non-emergency communication w/ patients.

    Pathology report is confusing. GCDFP positive, Mammoglobin negative. Don't know significance of these markers...

    Report also says: "R/O Recurrence Metastatic Breast Cancer" ??? This is most confusing -- because I've not had mets before (this is my 3rd breast cancer diagnosis) & of course will need to know if there is metastasis this time.


    Breast Cancer History:

    2007 -- DCIS Stage 0 / Lumpectomy + Radiation

    2011 -- IDC Stage 2 / Local recurrence @ lumpectomy scar site w/ new primary IDC 2.2 cm

    2012 -- Mastectomy Unilateral Left + SNL biopsy/negative

    2012 - 2017 Requested tamoxifen; med onc refused due to prior history of Migraines; I sought 2nd opinion; found Med Onc who agreed to prescribed tamoxifen -- but soon afterwards, she moved her practice out of state, so lost continuity of care

    2018 -- IDC /November -- needle core biopsy/ Right breast/ new primary (approx 1.5 cm)

    December / Recurrent breast cancer/ / Punch biopsy @ mastectomy scar site/ Left breast

    (requested by me due to observed redness/skin changes)*

    I'm confused by reading brief pathology report -- can't tell if it means mets to skin -- or just another local recurrence??

    Any insights / advice would be helpful, as I wait for the New Year to begin (and medical office to re-open) !!!

    Thank you,

    Roseanne

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2018

    Metastasis to skin and metastasis to lymph nodes do not automatically mean metastatic breast cancer. They will need to do scans to determine that. Praying there is no spread. Sorry you are dealing with this shain

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  • Rosanne7
    Rosanne7 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2019

    Thank you, KBeee !! That clarification actually relieves a bit of worry for me, while waiting for January 2019 to turn up -- hopefully, doctors will be back in office....

    Btw, I googled "R/O" as a medical term; it simply means "rule out" (as in "R/O Recurrence Metastatic Breast Cancer" stated on pathology report).

    Also, looked at area of redness/scar changes (Left Breast/Recurrence site) around punch biopsy wound, As of today, abnormal area measures about 3 x 3 inches.

    Thanks for responding in the midst of Holiday merry....Cheers & all the Best wishes for you & yours in the New Year !!!

    Roseanne


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