Forum Discussion

Blackduck's avatar
Blackduck
Member
8 years ago

Here I go again.

I am 25 months post mastectomy, 4 rounds of TC chemo, no radiation, was then put on Exemestane which apparently is the rolls Royce of Tamoxifen and a Zoladex injection every 28 days. First diagnosed in July 2015, I decided on mastectomy. Tumour was measuring 4.4cms and was found to be very aggressive. Most common form of b/c was diagnosed, being 90% oestrogen and 90% progesterone positive. At my 2 year annual checkup a mass measuring 1.8 x 1.0 cms was detected in my other breast, this was not there 12 months ago. Biopsy has been performed and sadly this is another visit from breast cancer for me. My original surgery showed there to be NO lymph node involvement and the only reason for me having 4 rounds of chemo, as a precaution, was due to the aggressive nature of the tumour. My multidisciplinary team has told me that this is nothing to do with the original cancer and that this is extremely random as it only happens to 6% of women who have previously dealt with b/c. 
This cancer is a 2nd primary and not a secondary from the original. There are no reasons as to why this has happened and I am struggling to get my head around it. I now have to make the decision as to whether I have another mastectomy or opt for the lumpectomy followed by radiation. Any advice, suggestions or information from others who have found themselves in this same situation would be greatly appreciated. Love to all xx

35 Replies

  • @blackduck I'm so sorry to hear of what has happened! I know when I had a recurrence in the same breast it was extremely hard to take, I was so angry and upset, considering Id had radiation and tamoxifen for 4yrs grrrr! I did genetic testing which was negative and they said I only required a single mastectomy as the right breast is separate and my risk is only as the general population. I had the mastectomy in Feb this year with immediate diep flap recon. 

    I know after my 6 year journey for me?? if I'm ever faced with it again I'd do a mastectomy and no treatment, and I base that only on the fact of what happened to me originally. Its so personal! do what feels right for you.

    Hugs Melinda xo
  • Hi there I had left side triple neg with no lymph nodes and scans all clear and took it off to only have to have chemo and no rads then took the other boob off 6 months later as a preventative even though it wasn’t necessarily recommmeded but trusted my guts on it anyway and have no regrets. If it was me and it meant only surgery and no treatment I’d just get rid of it. It can still recur in the chest wall or armpit etc like it did with Marg above but I wanted to reduce my risk as much as possible. Everyone is different though so trust yourself and you’ll know what’s best for you. Margie xx 
  • Crap. What shitty luck. I had a recurrence too. I think I would rather have had anthrax. 

    If you think you are going to be able to trust a de-lumped boob, fine. If you don't think you will be able to relax, maybe it needs to come off too. Rotten position to be in. Good luck. Marg.
  • Hi beautiful I feel for you as everyone story is different its up to you but I had mastectomy clear lymph nodes and now waiting for other breast to be removed and then tissue expanders in and then implants I want to keep ahead of this dreaded disease while I can you could always go mastectomy then reconstruction  all the best with ur decisions I spose you could look at it id rather loose breast to loose the cancer id rather no cancer more than a breast x
  • Truly gutted for you. I chose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction because my original cancer wasn't visible on a mammogram 5 weeks before hand and if it had been deeper in my breast and not easily found by myself..well we wouldn't be having this conversation possibly or I would be stage IV at the very least due to my aggressive Es+Pr-Her2+ grade 3 tumour. I knew for me it was the best option due to breast density and my family history with an Aunt who had bilateral breast cancer. 

    I certainly miss my breasts but have never regretted the decision. 

    I know statistically lumpectomy  with radiotherapy do just as well. My fear was that early detection in my breasts was difficult and therefore too risky.

    It is a personal choice and no answer is wrong. You just have to chose with your surgeon the right decision for you..

    Hope treatnent is kind. There are a number of women here who have gone through similar who I am sure will link in with you. Kath x