Possible Recurrence? Let the Waiting Begin

Options
DeeDeeT
DeeDeeT Member Posts: 76
edited November 2020 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

Hi! It's been a while since I a have posted on these boards. I was diagnosed in 2018 and had a lumpectomy and radiation. My diagnosis in my bio is not quite correct. I had invasive mammary carcinoma, because it had characteristics of both lobular and ductal carcinoma. All of that to say, I found my lump myself through self exam. It never showed on a mammogram (dense tissue) but did show on an ultrasound.

I did not react well to tamoxifen and needed a hysterectomy, which I had this past February. I thought I finally turned a corner.

Over the past few months, I have had noticeable changes in my right breast (the side that had cancer) It is swollen and has a dimpled spot. The nipple has moved to be almost to the side. It does not look the same as it did after surgery. But, more concerning than this, I feel a small knot or lump over the area where I had my lumpectomy.

I am praying it's not a recurrence. I have an appointment early December (next week). They said they will probably try to schedule a diagnostic mammogram before that. I can't believe I'm in this situation again.

Much love to everyone dealing with this horrid disease!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited November 2020

    I hate that you are going through this and I hope it is something benign.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2020

    So sorry DeeDee. I'm with 2019. Hoping for B-9.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited November 2020

    DeeDee, so sorry you find yourself here again! I hope this is benign though it sounds troublesome and of course you are worried. Hopefully you can keep yourself distracted this week and through the weekend....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited November 2020

    I had a lumpectomy in July 2018. At the beginning of this year, that breast started feeling tender with some odd tough-feeling areas. I can't tell visual changes because I'm old, saggy, and flabby. 😱 My MO ordered an ultrasound. It turned out it was scar tissue settling in and re-arranging the surrounding breast tissue. I hope that's all yours is, too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ctmbsikia
    ctmbsikia Member Posts: 1,095
    edited November 2020

    DeeDee, hi. I also had the mixed sub type. I also had 1 biopsy done since surgery. It was benign. Fat necrosis. I can feel it, and if I don't wear proper support, I sometimes get pain in that breast. I hope it's the same outcome for you as well. Do you think you could have bumped or injured that breast? I did that too. Exercising of all things. So, I think I caused my own problem, as well as having had surgery and radiation.

    I don't do well around imaging time. Even though I know it's there, I'd like to have it gone and get a normal score. My next test will be MRI which is more sensitive and just hoping it doesn't pick up anymore changes. It has been a learning experience knowing it takes several years for your breast tissue to settle down and quit changing!! Try and have a good holiday. Let us know how you make out.

    Should it turn out to be scar tissue, it can be surgically removed. I was given that option last visit, so will see what happens next year and when the pandemic is over.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beclyn20
    Beclyn20 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2020

    I too have a pretty big lump where mine was removed. Lumpectomy and balloon radiation therapy. It started to get more tight in last couple of months and thinking it is radiation fibrosis setting in. Have not reached out to investigate yet. Finished radiation in Aug. 2018. Surgery and radiation does leave scar tissue. Best wishes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DeeDeeT
    DeeDeeT Member Posts: 76
    edited November 2020

    I want to thank each of you for taking the time to reply to my post. This forum has been my lifeline throughout my BC experience, but especially right now.

    It seems reasonable to me that it may just be the scar tissue continuing to change. I have to wait about a week and a half before testing, but I'm already calming down. I feel like I need to get it checked out, but that there's a reasonable (benign) answer to this.

    Thanks so much for your encouragement!! May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving (if in the US) and I will try to come and update when I get results.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories