Reocurrence of Breast Cancer
On 9th March 2011 (age 35, mother of two young children), I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, Stage 3C. I had a right breast mastectomy with full auxillary clearance. 26 Lymph nodes were removed with 13 having cancer in them. I had 3 tumours in my right breast suggesting I had multifocal disease. The largest was 5cm at 11 o'clock. I underwent 6 rounds of Chemo (3 x FEC and 3 x Taxotere), with each round every 3 weeks. I then did 25 days of Radiotherapy. My treatment was completed by 12th Sept 2011. In March 2012 I had a voluntary Left Breast Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and then in April 2012, I had my right breast reconstructed. In July I noticed a lump in my upper chest on the right. I had an ultrasound, fine needle and core biopsy which told me it was fat necrosis and fibrosis. The lump was 1.8 high and 3 cm wide. I was travelling along ok thinking that it growing was in my head and that I had a biopsy on it and they told me it was all good. So I have just been to get it checked again and a rollercoaster of events then proceeded to follow suit again :( The lump had grown to 3cm wide x 4 cm high and was enulfing my pectoral muscle. I had surgery 1 week ago and they couldn't remove the whole mass and this is the best they can do. I have also been told I cannot have the area radiated again. Chemo is my only option and yet I was also told I did not respond to chemo last time. Is there any information out here of where I should turn to next. Or what chemo regimes I should be asking about. It scares me that chemo is my only option and what if that doesn't work? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Sheree
Age 37
MOther of two children ages 4 & 6
