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Jules10's avatar
Jules10
Member
13 years ago

Need Advice

Hi ladies Need some advice ... 2yrs ago I was diagnosed stage ii early breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radio and am on hormone blockers. My recent mammogram show an "anomaly" on the same side, but unable to get clear ultrasounds or stereo mammo for a core biopsy. Specialist today says to leave it for 6mths and remammogram to see what eventuates. Not too comfortable with this so we are going to do ultrasounds at 3mths. Do I just wait? The anxiety of this will probably make me a basket case! Has anybody had similar? What would you do? I look forward to your thoughts. Thanks Jules

6 Replies

  • Jules10's avatar
    Jules10
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks Louie

    Much appreciated.

    Hope your procedure goes well

    Jules

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    13 years ago
    So sorry to hear of potential recurrance, so crap and unfair after going through so much already. Have they suggested MRI. This was used for me and clearly located and defined (high grade) DCIS. This is not a standard breast cancer diagnostic tool in Australia, but some argue it should be as it is in the USA. For us it is an out of pocket expense, $600. I believe MRI saved me from getting cancer recurrance in the future. Without the MRI multiple lesions undedectable by mamo or ultrasound would have been left behind after surgery. (I'm having bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction) For you MRI might give a better picture earlier than the three months. Good luck, I hope it is nothing, but the worry will be very difficult. Louie
  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    13 years ago
    So sorry to hear of potential recurrance, so crap and unfair after going through so much already. Have they suggested MRI. This was used for me and clearly located and defined (high grade) DCIS. This is not a standard breast cancer diagnostic tool in Australia, but some argue it should be as it is in the USA. For us it is an out of pocket expense, $600. I believe MRI saved me from getting cancer recurrance in the future. Without the MRI multiple lesions undedectable by mamo or ultrasound would have been left behind after surgery. (I'm having bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction) For you MRI might give a better picture earlier than the three months. Good luck, I hope it is nothing, but the worry will be very difficult. Louie
  • Jules10's avatar
    Jules10
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks Tonya It is only tiny at the moment .. Can't be felt by examination. It's just the thought of waiting and wondering if this will break thru the lymph nodes .. It's going to do my head in! I am greatful for the input Jules
  • Jules10's avatar
    Jules10
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks Tonya It is only tiny at the moment .. Can't be felt by examination. It's just the thought of waiting and wondering if this will break thru the lymph nodes .. It's going to do my head in! I am greatful for the input Jules
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    What a difficult situation to be in.How big is this anomaly ? I think the size might persaude me one way or other. I had a lumpectomy in 2003 and 7 years later cancer came back in the very same spot. It had grown to 3 cms in a year and appeared as a calcified area on my mammogram.Now it may have been slowly growing for years but not seen on previous mammograms- I don't know. Anyway,I've survived cancer a second time and 2 years on,seem ok. If it's really tiny then your doctor must think it's safe to leave for 3mths. If it's a larger anomaly then I think I'd want further testing or a second opinion.In anycase,go with your gut feeling.Sorry I can't be of much help.

                                            Tonya xx