New tumor possible in other breast on chemo?

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Kirbylyn55
Kirbylyn55 Member Posts: 8
edited February 2019 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I was diagnosed with a large triple negative tumor last October and started dose dense AC almost immediately. My tumor shrunk nearly in half after my first round and is now not palpable at all. I started my second phase of chemo, Taxol and Carboplatin 4 weeks ago and everything seemed to be fine until yesterday when I noticed that my right breast (tumor was in left breast) was feeling somewhat tender. I cannot feel a lump but it is definitely more tender in a localized area, which is close to underneath the nipple. It seems odd to me and now I’m very worried that my initial tumor has spread to the other breast (which I heard is uncommon) or that I have a new primary tumor in my other breast. I also find it crazy to think that I could develop a new tumor while on chemo...is this possible? I’ve only had one MRI so far, shortly after I was diagnosed and there were no concerns with my right breast at that time. I’m also taking Lupron to protect my ovaries since I’m only 34 so I’m wondering if it could be a side effect of that. Also my left breast is not tender at all and you would think that if it was a hormonal symptom from the Lupron then both breasts would be tender, so I’m confused...and worried. I don’t want to deal with anything else on top of my current diagnosis. I see my MO in 2 days so will have her check it then but hoping for insight and support in the meantime.

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Comments

  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    I have no insight but I send you a (((hug)))

    It seems to me that it is unlikely to be spread of the same cancer -- it sounds like your chemo has been very effective against your cancer so far. Maybe you have a breast infection or something like that? I hope you get an answer fast!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2019

    I'd call your MO and leave a message. They'll be able to give insight if this is something they often see. Infection is plausible, as is any other irritation. I had mastectomy first, so I had no breasts at the time of chemo, but I did have odd pains during Taxol.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2019

    Hi Kirby and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you're here worrying about your other breast. We also don't have any answers for you other than to be sure to bring this to your MO's attention and try your best to stay positive, and focus on your treatment. We're all here for you though, and will be sending our best thoughts your way!

    Please come back often, and let us know how you're doing. Our Community is a wonderful source of advice, information, and support!

    --The Mods

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  • kber
    kber Member Posts: 394
    edited February 2019

    Hi Kirby,

    No answers and everyone is different.  That said, I had almost the exact same experience, down to my dx and treatment protocol and we seem to be at the same place in our treatment.

    I brought it to my MO's attention and he did not think the thickening I was feeling was anything to be concerned about and in fact it went away after a week or so.  I've just stopped getting my period (at 47) due to the chemo, but the swelling / tenderness did coincide with when I would have gotten it, so there may have been some residual PMS symptoms.  

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited February 2019

    Hi Kirbylyn, this is extremely unlikely to be a new primary or even an old cancer. Your chemo is shrinking the caner you know about. It would not be growing cancer you don't know about.

    I would bet on Lupron SE. What Lupron is doing is wiping out all the estrogen in your body by flooding your body with a agonist that floods the ovaries and makes them shut down. So you'd be feeling all sorts of weird hormonal side-effects (like hot flashes). Tender breasts would fit right in. I'd bet the other one isn't tender because it has a tumor in it.

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  • Kirbylyn55
    Kirbylyn55 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2019

    thank you everyone so much for your responses! This was my first post here - thank you for making this a good experience so far! Your comments gave me reassurance and I feel less anxious today :) I will try to remember to keep you updated after I see my MO.

    Best wishes to you all

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  • Kirbylyn55
    Kirbylyn55 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2019

    thank you! This was very insightful. Sometimes I wonder if the Lupron is worse than the other chemo drugs :

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