Forum Discussion

Higgsy's avatar
Higgsy
Member
2 months ago

Here we go again...

I've decided I was a bit nieve (not sure of spelling) about original diagnosis/treatment in 2023 so facing it again in 2025 is a bit of a shock.  I live in Bundaberg and can not fault the system from detection,  diagnosis and treatment as it was speedy. Might have been why my attitude was.....got breast cancer, have treatment,  get over it and move on so I didn't let it consume my life. I felt blessed it was found early, I was told if you have to get cancer it is the better variety(grade 2, invasive lobular carcinoma in situ er +, Pr -  ,her2 - )and it wasn't in any nodes so it was lumpectomy, radiation and hormone blockers. I have to say none of that terminology means anything to me now so I need to do a refresher. As part of my annual checks, concerns arose around a lymph node and two months later I'm home from surgery having lymph nodes removed. That's about all I know so not sure where to from here other than changing my attitude and thinking I'd better pay more attention to cancer and connect with others. I do think I'll tell the medical oncologist I don't like being in the 20% band where the blockers didn't work 😉🙂 as facing cancer again was not on my radar. 

lymph nodes
treatment decisions

4 Replies

Sort By
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    2 months ago

    Bad luck! And luck can play a part, regardless of what you do or don't do. I know many people are glad to be shot of their medical team as soon as possible, but I've done the three monthly checks, the six monthly checks, the yearly checks (still doing that with my oncologost) and the two yearly checks (breast surgeon). No evidence of disease 12 years later but I'd still want to catch any sooner rather than later. Best wishes for your recovery and no more encores! 

  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    2 months ago

    Sorry to hear your news. Yes there is definitely misunderstanding that once your treated, you're ok. I think the chances of reoccurance or metastatic cancer are so much less if cancer is caught and treated early but it definitely isn't a guarantee. 

    I was diagnosed in 2020 with early bc. I had no lymph involvement at all but my cells were a grade 3. I was stage 1. I had surgery, chemo, radium and hormone suppression therapy but in 2023 I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and now on treatment for life.

    Cancer is a sneaking thing and once you have had cancer you need to be vigilant. All you can do now is keep going, get the treatment you need and hope it doesn't return for you. Look after yourself and see a counsellor if you need to. The support here is terrific so good you reached out. Take care

     

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 months ago

    SO sorry to see you joining our select little club Higgsy and I can only imagine how you are feeling, with the diagnosis of a recurrence xx  I hope your surgery went well & you are recovering well, too xx

    Your initial attitude ....got breast cancer, have treatment,  get over it and move on so I didn't let it consume my life. ... was terrific.   You've had the same treatment as me, with ILC .... (feel free to join the ILC private group here: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/invasive-lobular-cancer 

    Any BC diagnosis mucks with your brain - so if you are feeling sad/angry/distressed, I'd suggest you have a listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis as she is a specialist BC Counsellor who was diagnosed herself and had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.   She is very easy to listen to. http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Sadly, they have no idea as to who (or why) some go on to have recurrences or even Mets ... and it really does need ongoing investigating!   Maybe some Pathologists should do a phd on it, to try & identify a pattern, using the original and most recent pathologies and treatment history  ... of EVERY woman who's gone on to have a recurrence or Mets diagnosis.  

    I hope you have lots of family & friends around you for support and assistance xx. If you'd like to chat 'one on one' .... give our helpline a call on 1800 500 258 today (Mon-Fri, work hours) xx

    Take care & all the best with your recovery & pathology results xx