Secondary breast cancer

Hi Jane

It's a bit of a shock to find you have breast cancer but also that it has already spread to other parts of the body isn't it?

My surgeon was Dr Peter Barry.  He has offices at Calvary.  He was the one that suggested I have the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy.  I'm glad I did it as I think it helped me psychologically to have a bump there even if it wasn't mine!  It has all healed really well.  I went to see Dr Barry this week and he is pleased with how well I have recovered.  I have full movement back in my arm/shoulder and the scar tissue is looking good.

I would highly recommend Dr Barry.  He takes on private and public patients (I went as public).

I go for another full body bone scan next week to see if the Tamoxifen has been working. I have had pains in my left hip and lower back just the last couple of weeks so I'm thinking that my oncologist may look at another course of action.  Other than those pains (!), I feel great.  I think I am coping a bit better mentally now too.  Although if the scan results are bad I'm sure I'll find that difficult!

If you want to catch up or talk any more I am happy for you to contact me.  We seem like we are in similar situation with the mets in the bones and it's always nice to know you're not alone.

Take care and try to keep positive.

Amy