Lump in reconstructed breast

Options
AndreaC
AndreaC Member Posts: 220
edited March 2020 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have not been on this site for a few years...I had bilateral breast cancers and mastectomies in 2015. I had reconstruction 3 years ago. I am just under 5 years since the mastectomies. For the past year I have had a small (pea-sized) lump on the right breast, just above the level of the flap. I have had two ultrasounds...the radiologist figures it is a cyst...but my last ultrasound (about 3 months ago) showed that it was slightly larger, and I need to have another ultrasound in 6 months (ie, 3 months from now). I have not been too worried about it, but for the past couple of weeks I have noticed a larger lump in that area...I am not sure if it’s the exact same lump or a new one. It seems to be grape-sized and the skin is quite red. Not painful, because I do not have any sensation there anyway. I called to make a doctor’s appointment but can’t get in for 10 days. I am quite worried about it, because although I had chemo and radiation and am on Tamoxifen, I had triple-negative BC in my right breast. I don’t think a cancer would grow this quickly in 3 months, or would it? Has anyone else had a recurrence in a reconstructed breast

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Bonnie7
    Bonnie7 Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2020

    Hi Andrea,

    Sorry u have the horrible worry that comes with BC when we see/feel changes in our bodies!

    20 months following my lat dorsi surgery I noticed a lump above the implant (r) side. This seemed to grow reasonably quickly and I had a biopsy which confirmed it was IDC - this may not be the case for u of course! I also had a swollen lymph node on the scar line. Long story short I had chemotherapy (for the first time!) and am now on aromasin. I jumped up and down for the implant to be removed, was initially distraught at the thought of this after everything I had gone through to get it....but I have no regrets now except actually having the lat dorsi in the first place!

    Remember this could be scar tissue, surgical clips? Have u been unwell and lymph nodes are reactive?

    Hope u get to the bottom of it soon to put yr mind at rest! Some other members may add their stories and shed some further light!

    Big hug Andrea, will look out for you posting further!


    Good luck! 😘💛

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndreaC
    AndreaC Member Posts: 220
    edited February 2020

    Thanks for sharing your experience, Bonnie. I am sorry this happened to you. The way I have coped with health challenges is by educating myself as much as possible, and hearing other stories is part of that. I have been feeling fine, no lymph node swelling or anything. I do not have surgical clips, and I doubt that it's scar tissue, given the rapid growth. I am hoping it's some kind of cyst but am prepared for the worst. If it turns out to be nothing that's great...but as I am sure you know, waiting for results is the hardest part. It is so frustrating having to wait nearly two weeks to see the doctor, then waiting for an ultrasound, then maybe getting a biopsy, then waiting for those results. Given my history (I have also had colon cancer), my doctor is really good at getting tests etc. done urgently though. *sigh* It would be so nice to not have to always worry about recurrence. Anyway, I won't stress until there is something to stress about. Thanks for the supportive words, it means a lot. I will be sure to post an update once I know more. 😊

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2020

    Holding you close as you wait for resuls, my friend. I hate that you are having this scare again, and I am praying for benign results.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndreaC
    AndreaC Member Posts: 220
    edited February 2020

    Good news, the ultrasound showed that there is low risk of malignancy. There is no blood flow to the lesion, which would indicate cancer. But I am having a biopsy next Tuesday just to be sure. I am so relieved! I had convinced myself it was a recurrence. It has been a very difficult, stressful couple of weeks. I am resting easier now but won’t be totally reassureduntil I get a clear report from the biopsy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndreaC
    AndreaC Member Posts: 220
    edited March 2020

    Update - I had my breast biopsy yesterday and sure enough, it was a sebaceous cyst! I am so relieved. The surgeon removed it and sent a sample off for cytology just to be sure there is no cancer. So I have a few stitches now. Wow, what a rollercoaster that was. Once you have had cancer you are always worried about recurrence and fret about every little abnormality. I read a statistic recently...40% of breast cancer survivors will experience a recurrence. That seems awfully high. But if caught early enough, it’s entirely treatable. The key is to stay vigilant

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2020

    Yahooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories