Recurrence of breast cancer

Hi Dee,

You will need to check with your doctor about all those pills.I know with some vitamins you have to stop before surgery eg.vit.E, it thins your blood slightly. The first time I was diagnosed(2003) I had surgery 2weeks later. The second time -took about 4weeks till surgery.That's because I had to wait for core biopsy results and then have all those fun body scans.The first time,I was like you,worried that the cancer had been disturbed and was travelling everywhere. With the second time,I gave myself a self talk:well it must have stayed put the first time cos 7yrs later,although back in the same breast,it was nowhere else in my body.I must have convinced myself this time cos I haven't worried as much! It's not so much vanity but rather losing and grieving for a part of your body that you've had for a long time. It's also an emotional loss- a smaller breast from a lumpectomy is one thing but to look down and see nothing but a scar takes some getting used to.You are forever reminded of bcancer.Wardrobe is another thing to consider-no more cleavage so you may have to "doctor"some of your necklines. I've just had my first mammogram since surgery last year and I was quite anxious about it..It's like I have to start all over again just when I'd become quite ok about mammos.And it has made me think about  having the "good"breast off in the future so as not to face that anxiety every year. Talk to your surgeon about having both off and if you can decide down the track about reconstruction.I mean,you want to have options later.If there is one thing I've learnt  from this journey - you can't always predict how you are going to feel and react. These decisions are so difficult aren't they but you'll get there.

                                Tonya xx

Hi Dee,

You will need to check with your doctor about all those pills.I know with some vitamins you have to stop before surgery eg.vit.E, it thins your blood slightly. The first time I was diagnosed(2003) I had surgery 2weeks later. The second time -took about 4weeks till surgery.That's because I had to wait for core biopsy results and then have all those fun body scans.The first time,I was like you,worried that the cancer had been disturbed and was travelling everywhere. With the second time,I gave myself a self talk:well it must have stayed put the first time cos 7yrs later,although back in the same breast,it was nowhere else in my body.I must have convinced myself this time cos I haven't worried as much! It's not so much vanity but rather losing and grieving for a part of your body that you've had for a long time. It's also an emotional loss- a smaller breast from a lumpectomy is one thing but to look down and see nothing but a scar takes some getting used to.You are forever reminded of bcancer.Wardrobe is another thing to consider-no more cleavage so you may have to "doctor"some of your necklines. I've just had my first mammogram since surgery last year and I was quite anxious about it..It's like I have to start all over again just when I'd become quite ok about mammos.And it has made me think about  having the "good"breast off in the future so as not to face that anxiety every year. Talk to your surgeon about having both off and if you can decide down the track about reconstruction.I mean,you want to have options later.If there is one thing I've learnt  from this journey - you can't always predict how you are going to feel and react. These decisions are so difficult aren't they but you'll get there.

                                Tonya xx

Yes, lots of nice ladies there to talk to thanks. I'm 53 this year and divorced so have mixed feelings about the recontruction. After a sleepless night I've started to think that may be I should just get the double mastectomy and wear prosthesises. Its only vanity and I've given up on finding love again! I wanted it for my self esteem mainly. Now I'm thinking that such a huge operation (15 hours!!) may not be so good for any minute cancer cells in my body. All that moving of tissue, fat and muscle.

Its been 2 weeks now since the mammogram, 1 week since diagnosis. May be another 2 1/2 weeks before surgery. Is this normal? I'm worried that the cancer has been so mucked around with all these biopsies and squeezing that it is now zooming through my lymph nodes (if not already)!

I've been told to stop taking Arimidex to prepare for surgery (slight chance of blood clots) and I feel awful not taking it after never missing one for two years!!! This cancer is not oestrogen receptive. Should I also stop taking my calcium, fish oil, glucosamine, magnesium and Vit D? (All for my bones and joints!!)

What about sleeping tablets. I think I need them. Are they safe?

Thanks Ladies!

Dee

The cancer was both times the same -Oestrogen positive.  So it looks like the lymph node just was hiding up behind the armpit very deep right from the first diagnosis.  My percentage was of recurrence was 3% - you're even more special than me.  I have had no mastectomy - but have a very patchwork breast that wants to live under my armpit!!!XLeonie

The cancer was both times the same -Oestrogen positive.  So it looks like the lymph node just was hiding up behind the armpit very deep right from the first diagnosis.  My percentage was of recurrence was 3% - you're even more special than me.  I have had no mastectomy - but have a very patchwork breast that wants to live under my armpit!!!XLeonie

Good advice. Day by day. Did you have a mastectomy 2nd time around?

This cancer for me is a different one. First was oestrogen positive and I've been on Arimidex. This one is not. It is negative and a grade 3. The surgeon said it must not have been killed with my initial radiation and chemotherapy. 1% chance of that and I'm it! Bad luck for me.

Reconstruction can't be done using tissue expanders because of the previous radiation (it damages breast tissue) hence the more drastic reconstruction using skin and fat from my stomach. (free tummy tuck!) I can't have radiation this time either, so hopefully just chemo will do the trick. I am dreading the chemo so much as it was a terrible experience last time.

If the cancer has spread I won't bother with the reconstruction.

On top of this, I used up all my leave at work last time, so this time I will run out of money. Luckily I have family who will help. I do feel like just retiring and being poor. :) Wonder what Centrelink benefits are like?

I too was diagnosed a second time last December.  Previously had my first diagnosis in October 2006.  Same breast this time but the cancer was in a lymph node right up high in the armpit and around the back of my shoulder.  Very scary just before Xmas.  The tumour in the lymph node was extensive and had escaped.  The surgeon could not get clear marjins due to the placement of the lymph node.  He was very concerned and had to leave the room when he told me of the diagnosis.  Didn't make me and my husband very hopeful.  Anyway I had the full body scans and bone scans prior to Xmas and nothing showed up.  What a great relief for my family.  In 2006 I had a lympectomy, radiation and was put on Tamoxifen. (I chose not to have chemo last time as there was no node involvement - this little one must have been hiding)  I was immediately put on Arimidex on this diagnosis.  I have had 5 weeks of radiation and yesterday have had my 3rd round of chemo - one more to go.  I have been told - after all the scares - by my Radiation Oncologist that this cancer is curable.  Must have just been unlucky.  However my first surgeon (now retired) told me 4 and a half years at the time of my first diagnosis that I was at high risk of getting bc in the other breast.  My husband and I have discussed this and if it were to happen, both Betsy and Petsy would be going!!!!  Unfortunately, I have been told that after having two lots of radiation on my left breast that reconstruction would not be an option.  Heh who knows if it happens, there might be a chance.  Either way I don't think it would matter to me.  My advice to you is just go day by day.  Get your appointments and don't jump to any conclusions - get the information and then act.  I know how hard it is for you with the waiting but it is all about living in the moment and as my daughter has said - just go with the flow.  Take care.  Please add me as a contact so that I am see how you are progressing. XLeonie