Treatment options for recurrence

Hi Melinda,

Yes, these short straws are a bugger aren't they.  I have ended up saying to myself - oh, why am I surprised - another thing that is not quite 'the usual'  if there is such a thing.  I do, of course, think myself as being very lucky compared to some though.  Even with this recurrence - it could have been so much worse.

I went to the oncologist yesterday and she was very good again with her view on the situation.  When we talked again about the lack of data on the statistics of those who choose monitoring for recurrence she did say again that 'most' women go with the mastectomy option and that is partly why they don't have more data.  She said that some women who are told the risk is ultra low of having another recurrence still opt for a mastectomy.  In my case - if the recurrence had been bigger then she would possibly have suggested chemo but because they removed it when it was small with clear margins then the added benefit of chemo is only small so not worth going through it.

The oncologist also told me that they could drain the seroma but it would refill again until the internal healing had happened which can take a long time on radiated tissue.  So if it causes problems I will probably have it drained - otherwise I am to watch for any signs of infection and see how it goes.

For now - I am going to do with the monitoring and Arimidex and reassess over the next few months.  I was originally given the impression that if I had a mastectomy I would not need to take the Arimidex but that is not the case.  I would need to take Arimidex anyway - to help prevent recurrence in the area and elsewhere. So things could change at any time but just to have a small break from it all would be good - have some things to get done and a little bit of time would be good.

It sounds like you may have come to a bit of a decision - which is a big step in itself.  Perhaps some time doing a few things that you want to during this monitoring time would also be good for you.  A bit of space.  Hope you are feeling good.

Thanks for chatting.

Cheers, Pauline xx