Hodgkin's Lymphoma
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October this year. Previously, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (this is a form of blood cancer) and underwent (ABVD) chemotherapy and (full mantle) radiot...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for your response, arpie.
I had surgery a couple of weeks ago. I underwent bilateral skin sparing mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I am due to start Tamoxifen.
My previous diagnosis and treatment has effected the treatment recommendations made by my treating team. It has also played a role in my own decision making process. The first being that I was not able to undergo radiotherapy. The biggest decision, though, has been removing both breasts and nipples.
The problem with the Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's treatment regime is that is good at getting rid of the Hodgkins's but it is also very good at causing other health problems later on down the track- breast cancer (as well as several other cancers eg lung cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and leukaemia) being one of them.
I started breast cancer screening once I was past the 5 year post treatment mark. I feel extremely fortunate. I have been able to access breast MRI as part of that screening process. I have also been doing the breast cancer screening through a breast cancer clinic that screens people who don't have cancer but are high risk of developing breast cancer in the future (due to strong family history, BRACA 1 and 2 or a history of hodgkin's lymphoma). Because of this screening process, the cancer has been detected before it has had a chance to spread. Because the cancer has been detected so early, has also meant I have been able to avoid having to undergo more chemotherapy (thank goodness!).
I underwent full mantle radiotherapy for the hodgkin's which means that both breasts have been irradiated. That was why I decided to remove both breasts. Invasive breast cancer was later detected in the tissue removed during the lumpectomy (of my right breast). This prompted my decision to remove both breasts as well as both nipples. The pathology of the breast tissue from the mastectomy found DCIS in tissue from the right and left breasts and another patch of invasive breast cancer was detected in tissue of the right breast. As my surgeon said- the pathology results have justified (and supported my decision) removing all of the breast tissue.
I feel nervous about starting the Tamoxifen (and extremely relieved at not having to undergo more chemo). I have heard about some of the side effects of anti-hormone treatment. My main concerns are the impact it could have on my ability to work (I am on my feet all day) and to ride my horse. Quality of life is extremely important to me. I keep stressing this to my doctors and I am grateful that they are listening, acknowledging and respecting this. I refused breast implants due to the potential health issues associated with them and I refused to have abdominal muscle removed during the reconstruction as I do not want the muscle weakness associated with doing that.
I agree with your comment about how each person living with cancer is unique. When I have been disclosing my breast cancer diagnosis, the first thing I am asked is "do you have a family history". I reply "no" and "I have had treatment for hodgkin's lymphoma". That is something I am interest to find- if there are other people who have developed breast cancer as a late effect of previous cancer treatment. What is their unique story? How are they travelling?
I guess that is something that saddens and frustrates me sometimes. The lack of awareness of the impact that cancer and its treatment has on your life and your health when you undergo treatment at younger age. I remember, the first cancer support group I ever attended, being told- "you are young so you're going to be fine".
I had surgery a couple of weeks ago. I underwent bilateral skin sparing mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I am due to start Tamoxifen.
My previous diagnosis and treatment has effected the treatment recommendations made by my treating team. It has also played a role in my own decision making process. The first being that I was not able to undergo radiotherapy. The biggest decision, though, has been removing both breasts and nipples.
The problem with the Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's treatment regime is that is good at getting rid of the Hodgkins's but it is also very good at causing other health problems later on down the track- breast cancer (as well as several other cancers eg lung cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and leukaemia) being one of them.
I started breast cancer screening once I was past the 5 year post treatment mark. I feel extremely fortunate. I have been able to access breast MRI as part of that screening process. I have also been doing the breast cancer screening through a breast cancer clinic that screens people who don't have cancer but are high risk of developing breast cancer in the future (due to strong family history, BRACA 1 and 2 or a history of hodgkin's lymphoma). Because of this screening process, the cancer has been detected before it has had a chance to spread. Because the cancer has been detected so early, has also meant I have been able to avoid having to undergo more chemotherapy (thank goodness!).
I underwent full mantle radiotherapy for the hodgkin's which means that both breasts have been irradiated. That was why I decided to remove both breasts. Invasive breast cancer was later detected in the tissue removed during the lumpectomy (of my right breast). This prompted my decision to remove both breasts as well as both nipples. The pathology of the breast tissue from the mastectomy found DCIS in tissue from the right and left breasts and another patch of invasive breast cancer was detected in tissue of the right breast. As my surgeon said- the pathology results have justified (and supported my decision) removing all of the breast tissue.
I feel nervous about starting the Tamoxifen (and extremely relieved at not having to undergo more chemo). I have heard about some of the side effects of anti-hormone treatment. My main concerns are the impact it could have on my ability to work (I am on my feet all day) and to ride my horse. Quality of life is extremely important to me. I keep stressing this to my doctors and I am grateful that they are listening, acknowledging and respecting this. I refused breast implants due to the potential health issues associated with them and I refused to have abdominal muscle removed during the reconstruction as I do not want the muscle weakness associated with doing that.
I agree with your comment about how each person living with cancer is unique. When I have been disclosing my breast cancer diagnosis, the first thing I am asked is "do you have a family history". I reply "no" and "I have had treatment for hodgkin's lymphoma". That is something I am interest to find- if there are other people who have developed breast cancer as a late effect of previous cancer treatment. What is their unique story? How are they travelling?
I guess that is something that saddens and frustrates me sometimes. The lack of awareness of the impact that cancer and its treatment has on your life and your health when you undergo treatment at younger age. I remember, the first cancer support group I ever attended, being told- "you are young so you're going to be fine".