How soon did second bc or recurrence happen?

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DJW
DJW Member Posts: 19
How soon did second bc or recurrence happen?
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  • DJW
    DJW Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2008

    I am wondering how soon did any of you have a second bc or a recurrence of your first bc. I go for my first mamogram  after my lumpectomy and 33 rads and am a little worried. I know I am probably being paranoid and I am fine but I would like to hear your story. Mine was stage 2 hormone + and I was one of the lucky ones in that it was caught early.  Don't want to sound negative but want to be prepared. 

    Thanks and God bless all,

    DJW

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2008

    DJW

    Your not being paranoid, this IS scarey stuff!!!!!

    Mine was also stage II, er/pr+ and Im 18 month past diagnosis now...just pasted my year out of treatment in March..I have my next followup next month but as far as I know Im NED and am praying I will hear it again next month...

    My first mammo after treatment showed b-9 calcifications in the other breast so had to deal with that but I took it as a sign that the tamoxifen Im taking did its job and clumped them nasty cells together...

    Again, this is a scarey time and they say it gets easier as time goes by without incident. Im still working towards the followup without incident as this will be my first mammo after the calcification one so am pretty nervous myself.

    Keep in tough if you would like, we can hold each others hand through this :)

    Hugs

    Jule

  • smithlme
    smithlme Member Posts: 1,322
    edited April 2008

    DJW,

    My second BC was diagnosed 369 (Leap Year) days after my first. I finished chemo August 16, 2007. I went for my first post Mastectomy mammo and it showed up. I've chosen to have another Mastectomy and my surgery's scheduled for April 22.

    Here's hoping everything goes well for you...

    Linda

  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited April 2008

    Linda, hugs and good luck with your surgery. Do you have to have chemo again?

    Jule, glad your mammo was ok and tamoxifen is doing it's job.

    DJW, it is a scarey time. I was a nervous wreck when I had my first mammo after treatments. I am a wreck again now as I have been having pain in that breast and under my arm. I have my follow-up with onc on April 29...I wanted to wait til then but it is very uncomfortable some days...I guess I should go to see the surgeon but I am beside myself and I so don't want to go. Good luck. Keep in touch here. We can all help each other.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Candie

  • sherryw
    sherryw Member Posts: 172
    edited April 2008

    DJW

    I am three years out from surgery and still cancer free.

    Candie,  I also have been having a lot of pain in my breast, my oncologist told me it was the radiation.  I wanted to make sure she was right so I made an appointment with my radiation oncologist and he confirmed what my oncologist was telling me.  He asked if I noticed it more when there was a low weather front coming through, I said I really hadn't noticed but all I know is that it hurts.  He said you will notice it now that I said it and he was right when it is cold and damp it is much worse.  He said some people can take a longer time getting over the pain from the skin and tissue being compromised by the radiation.  So now I am not so worried about it being a recurrence.  I hope this help you not be so worried.

    Sherry

  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2008

    My second breast cancer, a new primary in the other breast, was discovered 5 1/2 years after the first. I had been off AIs for a year when I found the tiny mass.

    In retrospect, I believe it was there at the time of my original diagnosis. MRI wasn't prevalent at that time, in my community anyway. And an MRI I had about 18 months after the first diagnosis showed an "area of low suspicion" in that very spot.

    I think that the AIs kept it in check, or actually shrank it, then when I was off the drug for a year, it began growing again. My onc feels this is a plausible explanation, but of course we have no proof.

    It's funny--I never really lived in fear about a second breast cancer. But I hesitated to say I was cured, even when I hit the five year mark. Now, though, I feel in my heart that this is the end of breast cancer for me.

    Anne

  • DJW
    DJW Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2008

    Thanks for all the replies. I went for my post mammogram yesterday, 6 weeks after I finished rads to the left breast. Extra shots were done on the left side, but on the right breast several extra shots were taken and I was given an ultrasound on the right breast while there. Now I play the waiting game. Just a little worried did not like rads and now wonder if I made the right choice. I was told small bc caught early I know I am lucky ( I've been told that enough.) but I don't feel so lucky, still had surgery, rads and am on arimidex. Just needed to vent, haven't told my family yet, I will wait and see.

    Thanks DJW

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2008

    DJW,

    Im sorry your back in that waiting game again....it seems like an never ending thing once you have been dx'd with this junk!!!!!

    I remember only too well how I freaked about the calcifications on my first mammo after treatment!!!!!! I had tried to keep things in perspective so when I scheduled the mammo I made the appt for a couple of days b-4 leaving for vacation and told them I didnt want the results until AFTER my return....did they listen, heck NO, some well meaning nurse called and left a bizzare message on my answering machine while I was at work!!!!!! when I called to see what the heck was going on they scared me so badly that I jumped into my car and headed for the doctors office....just before pulling into the parking lot my cell rang and it was that nurse, she said that they were mistaken and that it was scar tissue from rads....next day I get a call back at work from that nurse apologizing, but that mistakenly the first nurse was right and what they saw was in the "good" breast......

    Needless to say my vacation wasnt quite as good as it should have been :(

    When I got back I met with the doctors and ended up with another lumpectomy to remove what they thought they saw (which they had told me they thought was DCIS).....thankfully it was the b-9 calcs....

    I will keep you in my thoughts for quick/b-9 results!!!!!!

    Jule

  • tiinajk
    tiinajk Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2008

    This site never ceases to amaise me in that it always has exactly what I need.  I have been having problems with fluid buildup around my original reconstructed breast hand have been through a battery of test including breast MRI at great expense. Long story short, that turned out to be an implant rupture so awaiting corrective surgery for that BUT in the other "good" breast there is now a new mass!!

    This breast is also reconstructed after a prophylatic mastectomy and so far has been completely complication free. (Unlike the "bad" side)  The mass is only 2 to 3 mm and while they are going to try to do a FNA under ultrasound they think it will be too small to see.  My 5 year mark is within a month and I was hoping that I was almost done with constant worry.

    Glad to hear that others have been in similar situations and it was worked out well.  At this stage my doctors are not too concerned as the characteristics seem benign.  It may be some time before we will know anything for sure...  Gotta love that waiting... NOT!

    T.

  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited April 2008

    my second bc was dx'd 15 years after the first.... another primary, other breast,  another stage 1.... I hope this is the last one....  wasn't any fun THIS time either...

    Maureen 

  • GrandmaWolf
    GrandmaWolf Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2008

    8 clean years before 2nd bc was found... new primary in the other breast.  While doing MRI for this lobular event...a 3rd small "new primary" was found in the original breast.  Never picked up on mamogram all those years.  Who knows how long it was there?  Only 1 cm, and grade 1, but if it had not been for the MRI, I would have been being treated for the 2nd never knowing the 3rd was there "simmering".

    Bilateral next month hopefully will end it once and for all.  No guarantee, I know, but the risk is a whole lot lower.  I agree with blue16.... no fun this time either.

    Dakota

  • mke
    mke Member Posts: 584
    edited April 2008

    1st was left breast stage 1 - lumpectomy

    2nd 8 years later, new primary, right breast stage 2 - lumpectomy

    3rd  2 more years left breast again  stage 1- bilateral mast.

    And that had better be the end of this nonsense.

  • kiwikan
    kiwikan Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2008

    ? for mke.........

    What course of treatment, after 1st lumpectomy did you have?Did you take an AI after 1st or 2nd?  Thanks, Ruth

  • DJW
    DJW Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2008

    Ruth I had a routine mamo in sept. compression mamo and ultrasound in oct. vent on vacation came back had biopsy around thanksgiving, lumpectomy dec 12th. Started arimidex jan 1, rads end of jan for 33 txs ended march 4th. Bc was stage 2 small, caught early, hormone postive ( I am postmenopausal, ) any other info from doctors is like pulling teeth to get. I went back on April 14th for post mammo and they also did the rt. side , made extra flims of rt side took me right over for ultrasound and now I am waiting. I live in a small town area, we are behind times with equipment  and the doctors don't seem to want to tell you anything. I am second guessing my decisions for first bc and now if this one is positive I just don't know which road to take. I just can't seem to get a handle on learning about bc. I am in the medical field but just know the basics about cancer and I just feel so dumb and helpless when it comes to this. Hope this helps.

    DJW

  • lemonpie
    lemonpie Member Posts: 183
    edited April 2008

    I was originally diagnosed March 19, 2007.. did 6 rounds of TAC, had a unilateral masect. in Aug. took 6 weeks of radiation...went for my FIRST 3 month check up...did a mammogram on the  "good" breast and found an inflammed lymph node and 2 spots on my breast.  The spots were cyst but the lymph node.........you guessed it CANCER AGAIN........  now I'm taking 12 weekly Plaxitol (sp)......  and hoping and praying.................

  • VBG
    VBG Member Posts: 227
    edited April 2008

    I was originally diagnosed with ultrasound in 6/06.  Lumpectomy 1.5 cm grade 1 stage 1 no nodes, er/pr+.  I had rads and tamox and regular screening mammos and ultra sounds.

    18 months later asked for an MRI since I believe I would fall into a high risk group.  MRI found a 6mm mass.  Had an excisional biopsy to confirm BC.

    Rads and tamox obviously didn't do the job.  Have since read on this site about the fact that rads aren't all that successful on low grade tumors.

    Scheduled for bi lat and reconstruction in 13 days.  I am hoping this is the end of the journey.  At least will not have to do the mammos every 6 months!  Ovaries coming out too so that I can start AIs next!

    You shouldn't feel dumb or helpless.  My best advise is to do your homework and scour the web for info on your specific type of cancer.  Be sure to go into your Dr office with a list of questions.  Ask for tests that you want!  Get a second opinion!  My proactive approach after my second DX has lead me to a new hospital and more leading edge Docs and a better/less invasive surgical plan than what my original Docs were suggesting!  You need to always be your own advocate!

    Stay positive!

  • melmedic06
    melmedic06 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2008

    first dx'd october 04- went for mammotome- radiologist found suspicious tissue and it was indeed ILC- 0.9 cm's- removed via lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks of radiation and started on arimidex- did well with f/u mammos and labs until august of 05 (i was just starting paramedic school)- mammo showed calcifications- steriotactic biopsy showed DCIS- another lumpectomy but with totally benign breast tissue- no DCIS anywhere- confused- yes!radiologist and oncologist both suggested 6 more weeks of radiation so i did it and continued on with the arimidex- all negative mammos and labs since then but am i hopeful- not really-

  • RJ62
    RJ62 Member Posts: 58
    edited April 2008

    Hi all Here is my run down

    Yr 2000 DX IDC,left breast 5cm, stage 2, grade 3, triple neg 2/5 nodes involved had mast,aux dissection, chemo and rads

    Yr 2008 eight yrs later DX'd IDC, right breast 1.7cm, stage1A?  grade 3, triple neg, 1/25 nodes involved had mast, aux dissection, chemo, no rads (thank god)

    I hope this is it for me. I was almost done worrying if this will ever return and every ache in my body I was finally not thinking it was cancer. Now I am back to square one again.  I had my first treatment of TC today. Got 5 rounds to go.

    Everybody hang in there I know several ladies that are at least 20yrs clean . So who knows. 

    Good luck to you all

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited April 2008

    DJW,

    Recurrence or new cancers can happen, but more often don't in women like you, whose cancer was caught early.

    I was one of the unlucky ones in that I was diagnosed with a new primary three years after initial diagnosis, but I was lucky in that both times the cancer was caught early:

    2003, DCIS plus 3mm invasion, grade 1, found through mammo in right breast, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen (even though I was post-menopausal, I chose tamoxifen rather than an AI)

    2006, extensive DCIS, intermediate and high grade, found in my left breast through mammo, probably there at time of original diagnosis (perhaps tamoxifen kept it from becoming invasive, I'll never know), bilateral matectomy, no reconstruction. I was on Femara for 5 months, then my bs urged me to stop, said risk of osteoporosis outweighed benefits in my case. Onc agreed.

    I feel great, try to appreciate every day.

    Barbara 

  • SuperMujer
    SuperMujer Member Posts: 100
    edited April 2008

    Hi Girls,

    Yes twenty years is more than possible. I had my first diagnosis of IDC w negative nodes in 1989 at the age of 29!! No other BC problems until this year when I was diagnosed with DCIS w a positive sentinal node. Yell 

    This  time was alot less fun than the first if that makes any sense.

    I wish I had someone talk me into a prophylactic mastectomy in 1989. I could have saved myself alot of trouble.Cry 

    But I DID have 19 YEARS (and two children)!!!!!!Smile

    God is good!

    Lots of luck to you.

    LA

  • DJW
    DJW Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2008

    Sorry it took so long to get back with some info. Sorry to hear all the stories about bc coming back or a new one. This is what I found out. It could be a lymph node they saw or it could be a new cancer that is still too small to veiw . The area was undefined and the oncologist and the surgeon agreeded that the best course would be to watch it for six months and repeat the test. But if at anytime I feel uncomfortable with the decision we can repeat the mammo. I would rather know, but I don't want to try biopsy if it is not neccessary. I will stay busy , try to enjoy the summer and pray that next fall is not a repeat of the last one.. Prayers to all and thanks for the stories, it sure helps to know I am not alone and have your support and help.

    DJW

  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited April 2008

    I'm in the same situation as youladies.  I was dx 4/2006 stage 2 IDC 1.8cm and 1+ node, ER+ PR+, HER2-.  My onc and surgeon insisted on lumpectomy, chemo and rads.  Since I was age 49 and premenopause I insisted on oopherectomy after my treatments to swithc from Tamoxifen to Femara. 

    I just had my 2nd yearly mammogram (they did not do 6 month mammogram as follow-up) and now they see changes in my left breast - - the same one with the bc.  Now I'm told to wait and see for another 6 months until I get a repeat mammogram in Oct.  So do I wait or do I scream that I want bilateral mastectomy (which I asked about 2 years ago).  They do not understand this stress!!

  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited May 2008

    4 1/4 years to other side.  Now have bilateral.

    Good luck to all of you,

  • shmy3sons
    shmy3sons Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2008

    1st bc Feb 2001 on left side.  I chose mastectomy, i had 6 rounds of chemo.  Seven years cancer free.  2nd bc May 2008 on right side.  It was DCIS.   Again I chose mastectomy for "my peace of mind".  The surgeon says lumpectomy is just as safe as mastectomy.  This is a choice each person has to make for herself.  No chemo, rad or tamoxifen needed this time.  You may get bc again, so you will beat it again, but you can't live your life worrying about it.  Enjoy life and live it.   

  • monee
    monee Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2008

    I'm in the same boat as most of you.  What is the standard treatment for a second primary cancer in the opposite breast?  Is there a standard?  My doc wants to do a double mastectomy.  Last time it was stage 1, grade 2, ER+/PR+, node0 on the left and now I have it on the right.  Just did lumpectomy, and rads. I am going for another opinion.  Is double mastectomy the right answer?

  • VBG
    VBG Member Posts: 227
    edited June 2008

    Hi Monee,

    A mast is what is recommended if you have a second cancer in the same breast.  My recurrence was in the same breast so I  did a bi lat to be sure that I was done with screenings and stress.  I just wanted the breast tissue gone...it was not my friend.  For me it was the right answer.

    I would go for another opinion for sure.  Also not sure what your DX was but invasive cancers are also treated more aggressively.  Talk to a breast surgeon and talk to at least a couple of plastic surgeons about your options.  I am very glad I did as my recon was far less invasive and scarring than most so my extra research paid off.

    Valerie

  • monee
    monee Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2008

    Thanks Valerie.  Reoccurance in the same breast is much worse than a new cancer in the opposite breast (likeme).  Dx was IDC.  My first impression is that I would have the same treatment as last time so the bi lat mast suggestion blew me out of the water.  As the days go by it doesnt seem so bad.  Just wish it wasn't summer. Thanks agin for the reply.

  • Nichola
    Nichola Member Posts: 402
    edited July 2008

    I felt something in the skin of my reconstruction (biopsy site) 9 months after my mascectomy.  It was biopsied and came back OK

    3 years later it had grown and another lump appeared on the areola scar.  DX was 3 x satellite skin nodules....

  • dixie46
    dixie46 Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2008

    Had first mammogram on 2-08, biopsy on 2-29 and right mast on 3-31.  Er/Pr+ Her- Snb 0/5 neg 9mm tumor.

    No chemo, put on Arimidex 5-8.

    Somewhere around the first of June I felt something in my left breast.  Had appointment with surgeon because of seroma in right being treated.  He felt the place and said "You just had a mammo and biospy" " We'll watch and wait and if it gets bigger we'll just take it out"  Well I really didn't care much for that approach but knew I had a onc appt a few days later and mentioned it to him for a second opinion.

    He ordered another mammo on 6-13 which led to u/s and biopsy on 6-19.  They did not take enought tissue to get receptor results but onc said under the mircoscope this tumor looked very similar to the first one small and early and most likely missed the first go round.  I am definately sure it is another primary that got missed too.  However in the mean time I felt a lump under the arm in the left and that will get taken care of when I have surgery on 7-9.  Another mast with no recon.

    A bummer since I really thought I was finally getting all this behind me.  Seroma finally was healing up but better found now than later.

    I guess what really scares me was I had manual breast exams with both doctors.  The first tumor was non palatable but if I could find this one so easily sure wish they could have too and I would only have had to go thru this once.

    Prayers and good wishes for all you experiencing the same thing and hopes for all of us to finally have some real ned. 

  • trubev
    trubev Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2008

    I went 10 yrs cancer free and almost to the day I was dx'd with a new primary in other breast.  I had a mast. & reconst fhe first time (2 pos nodes) & chemo.  The 2nd time was more aggressive becuz the nodes were matted & dx was more aggressive.  I was told the chances of recurrence were high & 4 yrs later I had bone mets.  I did have chemo & rads the 2nd time.  Am now on Tykerb for 15 mos & xeloda for 18 mos.So far the meds have been working.  I do have an issue with anemia right now.  I MUST see my onc every 6-8 wks. I'm glad that he's keeping close tabs on me.  My other issue is heart failure due to having cycles of Herceptin.  I was close to death with that situation 3 yrs ago.  It was far worse than any chemo I had gone thru.  I feel positive , do a  40 hr work week (thru chemo &  rads) and enjoy every moment.  I try not to let cancer rule my life. 

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