I've just been diagnosed with a recurrence in the same breast exactly two years after my lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment in 2009. Absolutely devastated as this is a different cancer, more aggressive and may have spread. I'm about to have a whole body CT and bone scan to see. Have seen surgeon and discussed options which will include a double mastectomy as I also have calcifications in other breast. I am thinking of having a reconstruction at the same time using the TRAM flap or DIEP procedure. Have appointment with a plastic surgeon in 2 weeks. The waiting is dreadful. Any thoughts on what I should do or is there anyone who has also been through this?

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

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?

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

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

Recurrence of breast cancer | BCNA Online Network

47 Replies

Deeay
Member
15 years ago

Just back on that topic Tonya about starting a Support Group in Castle Hill. I reckon it's a great idea and there would be heaps of ladies who'd come! We really don't have a group too close do we! I'd be happy to help set it up.

Diane
TonyaM
Member
15 years ago
Back in 2003 I had radiation at the San and I joined that Tuesday group.I also went to all their talks and used their library.They were terrific. I did a term of aqua exercises(claimed on private ins.for physio)in their hydro pool.I am thinking of doing that again cos I have tightness across my chest scar.The physios were very good at the San.The Pennant hills group must be quite new cos it didn't come up on this site late last year.Patrea King workshop should be good.In my heart I believe that constant stress might contribute to cancer cells growing despite my oncologist saying otherwise.We just have to read all we can and then find peace of mind knowing we are looking after ourselves as best we can,

Tonya xx
TonyaM
Member
15 years ago
Back in 2003 I had radiation at the San and I joined that Tuesday group.I also went to all their talks and used their library.They were terrific. I did a term of aqua exercises(claimed on private ins.for physio)in their hydro pool.I am thinking of doing that again cos I have tightness across my chest scar.The physios were very good at the San.The Pennant hills group must be quite new cos it didn't come up on this site late last year.Patrea King workshop should be good.In my heart I believe that constant stress might contribute to cancer cells growing despite my oncologist saying otherwise.We just have to read all we can and then find peace of mind knowing we are looking after ourselves as best we can,

Tonya xx
TonyaM
Member
15 years ago
Well that is a coincidence.I am seriously thinking of starting some sort of breast cancer support group in our area cos I don't know of any.Do you?? I might apply for bcna community liaison officer first-just thinking out loud!

My hair began to fall out about day12.It was a gradual process over the following week.I read a book last year called Foods that fight cancer which was interesting. Boosting your veg n fruit is great start..Enjoy your weekend. I've just got back from a night away in the city-Sheraton on the park and a night at a concert at the opera house.

Tonya xx
Deeay
Member
15 years ago
Hi Tonya,

I live at Castle Hill too! That's where I see my Specialists - at Norwest Medical Centre in the Hospital. The new Infusion and Chemotherapy unit is lovely. They really looked after me. The nausea hasn't been too bad. I'm down to just Stemetil now on Day 4 so not much difference with nausea. I did take up to 10 tablets earlier in the week!

Went to the Growers Markets at the Showground today and stocked up on veg and some organic bread. I'm determined to becaome healthier because of this and fight back with lots more vegetables and juices in my diet. I'm going to go to a Petrea King workshop on Mediation too on the 24th in the city.

So I have a plan! Makes me feel better mentally, but oh I feel so sick now.....

x

PS Can someone remind me when the hair goes please? Day 12? 14?
TonyaM
Member
15 years ago
Well you are back on the conveyor belt now. Glad chemo went ok for you yesterday.I had Taxotere and I hate to burst your bubble but day 4 is when it unleashes it's full force.On the upside,the nausea wasn;t too bad and I never threw up.You sound like an expert with wigs.I could only wear mine for a few hours at a time as it was hot and itchy.How did you find the new Norwest Hospital?I live in Castle hill so not far from there.

Tonya xx
Deeay
Member
15 years ago
Yes, good news there, although I still may have those lymph nodes out yet! to save all the monitoring and worrying later.

Started my first of 6 rounds of chemo yesterday. Carbolplatin and Taxotere. Had AC last time and as far as side affects go, this is way better. Feel strange but not so nauseous. Just a dry mouth and metal taste and a bit spaced out. v tired too of course. This could be bearable!!!

Rang my hairdrsser today to get ready for the number 2 cut! I think I'll buy a new wig this time as Ive kept my hair short since the last loss. She can trim it up for me as I don't trust the wigmaker as much!

All the best,

Diane (Dee)
Deeay
Member
15 years ago
PET, CT/CAT scans of all lymph nodes, brain, bones and organs were clear so no further surgery is needed thank God, although I do worry about the minute cancer cells that may be lurking in the lymph nodes. I am assured that the Chemo will kill them and they can be monitored with ultra sound in future anyway.

Decided against the DIEP flap as Oncologists said the 15hour procedure is too long and too much for the Immune system with a triple negative cancer. He thinks my skin and chest wall muscle can cope with implants fine. So now I just have to think about the timing of that.

I'm 3 weeks post op now and recovered very well. Rubbing the Bio Oil in faithfully 2x day and its working ! But I hate the scars and the 'pulling' in of skin along the scar line. Start Chemo on Wednesday at the new Norwest Private Hospital which is a bonus as I went Public for Chemo last time. (Glad I bumped up the Health Insurance!) It s Taxol based one with maybe Carbo something? Dreading the impending hair loss again........

Hope everyone is going well!
Deeay
Member
15 years ago
PET, CT/CAT scans of all lymph nodes, brain, bones and organs were clear so no further surgery is needed thank God, although I do worry about the minute cancer cells that may be lurking in the lymph nodes. I am assured that the Chemo will kill them and they can be monitored with ultra sound in future anyway.

Decided against the DIEP flap as Oncologists said the 15hour procedure is too long and too much for the Immune system with a triple negative cancer. He thinks my skin and chest wall muscle can cope with implants fine. So now I just have to think about the timing of that.

I'm 3 weeks post op now and recovered very well. Rubbing the Bio Oil in faithfully 2x day and its working ! But I hate the scars and the 'pulling' in of skin along the scar line. Start Chemo on Wednesday at the new Norwest Private Hospital which is a bonus as I went Public for Chemo last time. (Glad I bumped up the Health Insurance!) It s Taxol based one with maybe Carbo something? Dreading the impending hair loss again........

Hope everyone is going well!
Deeay
Member
15 years ago
I was really happy with Prof Boyages and his team two years ago when I went through all this, so am going again with them.

Thanks for reassurance because lots of people say' are you getting a second opinion?'. I think they must think another opinion would be different, but we know better!

PS His book is great! Just got it last night.

Forum Discussion

Recurrence of breast cancer

47 Replies

Recent Discussions

Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Woohoo .... I signed off with my Onc yesterday

Abemaciclib

Cording/axillary web syndrome

Regrowing hair

Disclaimer: