Second time around

@Pink I too have had it twice, first time 2011 had radiation, lumpectomy and tamoxifen 4yrs, it still came back inspite of aggressive treatment. It actually came back in the same spot, same breast, in my scar tissue!!! yet had very clear margins! So 2015 lumpectomy, nodes all clear, scans all clear and chemo. I was then put on Arimidex and now changed to Aromasin due to side effects. I decided on a single mastectomy when Genetic Testing came back negative, lots of meetings with Specialists and Genetic Counselors all of who agreed that a single is only warranted, my right breast is separate and change is no higher than the normal population. So I had mastectomy and immediate diep flap recon in late Feb and I've just had my revision surgery in late July, right breast lift, left nipple recon and fat grafting. I am 2yrs post diagnosis now and getting my life back in order. The thing is I've done all I can to prevent...I'm also on Prolia injections as Chemo caused osteoporosis in my spine Yippee!!! Prolia however is renowned also for guarding against breast cancer. There is nothing more you can do...does it mean it won't come back?? it's the lucky dip...my oncologist said there is no guarantee at all. You can only make your decisions in the moment of where you are and be at peace with it..I don't focus on it coming back...but rather I've done my time 6yrs and moving on for good past it...it upset me when my Onc told me that because I figured what was the point of all my treatment all this time if it will come back...so its just about being OK with what you have chosen for yourself as in for me, there's nothing more. Hugs Melinda xo

Thank you, in one regard I have been very lucky with both breast cancers, both caught early and although both invasive cancers areas removed and sentinel nodes clear. Have received results back from BRCA testing and results negative. With the first cancer eight years ago I had radiation then Arimidex for three years and tamoxifen for last two years as joint pain from Arimidex was debilitating. Treatment for this one would be similar, radiation and tamoxifen. But, I cannot get out of my head that after the first time and doing everything by the book I still got cancer again, a new cancer. So, my head is kind of saying why would I risk getting it back again if I haven't prevented it from returning the first time. What I would like to know though is, what are the chances of it returning again if I have radiation and meds for five years or however long, or, I have mastectomy, can I still get it back again

And I think you should trust your gut on this decision. My surgeon said the same thing to me but my gut said no just get them both off and that's what I did And I don't regret it. Trust yourself and don't let others sway you. The other reason I took my left boob off (the one affected) is so I didn't have to have chemo and radiation. If he just took the lump (3cm) I would of had both so I just had the chemo which was bad enough. Didn't want rads as well. . From what I've read you're lucky not to have chemo I had a friend who had it in both boobs very early stage and she had immediate mastectomy and reconstruction and they did a great job. I only had b cup boobs and if I'd only had the lump I would of been left with a massive chunk missing anyway once the surgeon took the margins as well. At the end of the day  It's a big decision but it's your decision remember that. Margie ❤️

I think it's very reasonable to get a second opinion, if for nothing else, to make you feel better. 
Paula x

Thanks for that Margie, I know you can't keep shopping around but at least a second opinion would be good I think. Cheryl

Hi there pink I live north side brissy and I saw dr alys saylor who is in fortitude valley the other week. She works privately and publically from the RBWH. She was awesome and i am still on the public waiting list but it was worth the $150 to see her and get her opinion. She also works with a surgeon called dr Matthew peters both are highly recommended. I'll PM you as well about it. Margie ❤️

Are the risk factors the same for a reoccurrence regarding my last post

Just got back from a holiday and have no clearer vision of which way to go. Does anyone know a good surgeon in Brisbane who does both mastectomy and reconstruction at same time. Is it wise to get a second opinion or stick with surgeon I was happy with but my gut feeling is he thinks radiation and tamoxifen will do the trick and mastectomy is a bit over the top. The thing is, he is not inside my head

Thank you ladies, just have a bit of wifi at moment as we hopped on a cruise to Papua New Guinea to get away from the whole cancer thing while I have a couple of weeks to make a decision. Look forward to searching more info when I get back home

Tonya thats awesome news! Im like you in that going to stay put, i have no intention of having my right off unless necessary and its not for my diagnosis. 

The Diep is a big op but im really happy with it to be honest and now with the right breast lift they look great. 

My mum had left breast mastectomy at 40 and was 26yrs free.  Ill be happy to get that lol. 

Heres to good health! Xx M