No chemo for recurrence?

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NTS
NTS Member Posts: 20
edited February 2020 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

I'm newly diagnosed with a recurrence. I was previously diagnosed June 2017 with ER+ Her2+ Invasive stage 2A, roughly 4 CM and 1 sentinel node involved. I had neoadjuvant TCHP, 2 lumpectomies (1st one didn't have clear margins), followed by radiation. I have been having twice a year mammos & u/s, and once a year MRIs since.

It has just been confirmed that I have IDC, but it’s only showing about 3-4 mm, in the same spot as before. My breast surgeon said “you’ve already had the chemo and radiation, I think what you need now is completion mastectomy.”

I was feeling very optimistic about this, but I’m beginning to wonder if I am going to need chemo again. All I know right now is that it’s grade 2, which it was before. I’ve been on tamoxifen for 2 years. I don’t see my oncologist until 3 weeks after surgery.

I’m just wondering if anyone had a small recurrence of IDC and didn’t require more chemo? I know it would be more likely with DCIS, but since this is invasive, I would think chemo is going to be recommended. I don’t really know what to think, and I’m just trying not to panic now.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited February 2020

    Not sure that’s your surgeons call. I had recurrence in nodes on other side after bmx. Surgery to get them out and rads. Then started on ibrance letrozole. Might want a second opinion, or talk to MO.

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  • NTS
    NTS Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2020

    I know it will ultimately be my medical oncologist’s call. What I’m asking is if anyone here JUST required surgery and that’s it. Trying to find hope in others’ experiences. I know every bc is different. Just want to know there have been people that only needed surgery for their recurrence, even though it was IDC. Thanks.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2020

    NTS - yes, it's clear what you are asking BUT you need to see the oncologist NOW and discuss what he thinks. Please remember that surgeons cut - that's what they are trained to do. Since you are HER2+, it's possible you should have more treatment BEFORE surgery.

    I had no chemo the first time but yes chemo the 2nd time. Both times I let the oncologist make the decision before any action. I would not have been comfortable w/o throwing everything I could find at a recurrence so it hopefully didn't happen a 3rd time. I've been NED for years this time.

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  • NTS
    NTS Member Posts: 20
    edited February 2020

    My oncologist is already aware of the recurrence and requested I make an appointment to see her three weeks after my surgery

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