Possible second diagnosis

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bethany68
bethany68 Member Posts: 7
Hi!

Had third mamm of my life. Bad results, skin thickening and more density. I had a complete mastectomy, the first time. Now, just 3 days short of two year anniversary, since left IDC diagnosis.
Had about 8-10 views, immediate ultrasound, radiologist then said we need an MRI, go see surgeon. Saw surgeon, on Monday (yesterday), his first question after breast exam was how much chemo did you have before and what kind? Let him know that it damaged my heart, and oncologist said i couldn't do it again. Then he said how serious would you be in just having another mastectomy? Rather than going through the motions beginning with the MRI, then biopsy; blah, blah, blah.

I'm scheduled for a mastectomy mid May to early June; don't have the date yet with my plastic surgeon. Having expanders placed on both sides for implants. Surgeon said only problem could be is that when they find the cancer in the breast, they'll have to go back and take lymph nodes. As long as that doesn't interfere with my implant future, that'll be fine. Hoping no rads or chemo will be required; hoping for the best....

Beth in MI

Comments

  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited April 2007
    Dear Beth,
    Welcome to this forum!
    I just was rediagnosed myself after five years. I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and alloderm.
    I have never been more happy or at peace with a decision than I have with this. I start chemo tomorrow and I am looking at it as my ally against the cancer instead of worse than the cancer like I did five years ago.

    I really like the feeling of doing everything I can to get rid of the BEAST forever.

    You will find peace of mind and you will feel a sense of freedom after the mast.

    As for chemo, there ARE chemos available that do not cause heart damage, so if worst came to worst you have options.

    It sure is hard to walk this path again, but you have a lot of second and third timers walking right beside you!!

    Please let us know how you are!!

    g
  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited April 2007
    Beth my best wishes for all to go smoothly for you.
    Fingers crossed and keep us posted,
  • bethany68
    bethany68 Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2007
    Ughh, signed the consent papers today. Guessing it'll be gone again, in 8 days. Really can't wait.

    Just wish the plastic surgeon didn't order me off for 6-8 weeks. will try to get a shorter sentence, later...

    Thanks for your encouraging words and thoughts. Wishing we all didn't have to go through this again.

    Can't help but think, maybe I missed something the first time around, and that's why I need to do it again.
  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited May 2007
    Beth, that is how I think...
    I didn't "learn" something so God has me going around the Cancerland bus again to make sure I GET IT this time.

    Good luck with everything!
  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2007

    Hi

    I was dx July of 06 with ILC. Did chemo-cmf and had mastectomy of left breast with reconstruct. Taking tamoxifen. Had yearly mammo and sono last Thursday. I think they saw something because they are asking me for my original mammo(which I took to a second opinion and never picked up). I'm feeling really anxious, scared. Didn't think I would be going through this so soon. Don't know if I can do this

  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited October 2007

    Hi July17, I know this is scary for you, please try to think positive until you know something. Maybe you could stay busy with work, hobby, children?

    Are they going to get your past mammo so they can look at?  I sure hope everything comes out clear.

    Best wishes

  • JULY17
    JULY17 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2007

    Hi

    Thanks Galnok. I am trying not to think too much into this but, its hard.

    I picked up my mammo and took them back myself yesterday. Now I'm playing the waiting game again. This sucks. When I thought this would be behind me I feel I am starting all over again.

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