An In Depth article on BC Recurrence - what to look for - well worth a read
The article (below) is a 'must read' .... I've attached a PDF of it as well, so you can download it too. http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/breast-cancer-recurrence.html?fbclid=IwAR3HS79ElQjVbGpDuHUU538J-cm9RfZZ1qZ8vO-3Xc4u87SWilz--wGvxa0 There is a specific link to Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer, within the article. https://www.verywellhealth.com/invasive-lobular-carcinoma-ilc-breast-cancer-430623 It is written by Melbourne-based Dr Jane O'Brien ... who is a specialist breast cancer and oncoplastic surgeon who specialises in surgery for breast cancer and prophylactic/preventive surgery for high risk individuals. Her area of special interest is in “oncoplastic” breast surgery, aimed at maximising the cosmetic result following breast conservation surgery for breast cancer using advanced surgical techniques, and nipple- sparing mastectomy and reconstruction, both in the preventive setting and as treatment for cancer. Jane completed her medical training in 1985, graduating from the University of Melbourne. Following advanced surgical training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne which she completed in 1994, she undertook a two year breast surgical fellowship in Melbourne and Edinburgh, Scotland. She then worked as a consultant breast surgeon in the United Kingdom for a period of eight years at a number of world class, internationally renown breast units. During her time in the UK Jane gained extensive experience in breast reconstructive techniques, and used this experience on her return home to become one of the first breast surgeons in Australia to enthusiastically embrace the fledgling subspecialty of oncoplastic surgery, which was at that time still in it’s infancy. Following her return to Melbourne, Jane in 2005 established the Epworth Breast Service. She held a public hospital appointment as a specialist breast surgeon at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre from 2004-2013 and at Breastscreen Victoria from 2005-2017. In 2017, Jane relocated her breast practice to St Vincent’s Private Hospital East Melbourne, establishing The Breast Centre at St Vincent’s Hospital East Melbourne. Jane has a particular interest in the treatment of breast cancer in younger women and genetic breast cancers, and in the organization and delivery of multidisciplinary breast cancer care. Jane’s main area of surgical expertise is “oncoplastic” breast surgery, aimed at maximising the cosmetic result following breast conservation surgery for breast cancer using advanced surgical techniques and also nipple-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction, both in the preventive setting and as treatment for breast cancer.Breast Cancer Recurrence Prevention - An Illustrative Tutorial - Oster Oncology
A very interesting tutorial on reducing the chances of recurrence thru the use of surgery, chemo, Rads, Tabs and natural 'evidence based' factors such as sleep, diet & vitamins .. (I am a bit concerned that it indicates a 30% chance of recurrence if no other treatment is undertaken, which of course was the decision made by your medical team after considering ALL the options - ie double mastectomy and no chemo, rads or tabs vs 20-30% for those who've had the added treatment ....) In all reality - they really just DON'T KNOW why any of us (particularly early stage, successful surgery & no node involvement) go on to develop Mets ... and more of the research $$ from donations needs to go into this area - maybe this is an area that @BCNA can advocate more for .... trying to identify the reason/factors that turns the tissue/bones into Mets! The researchers would need to go back over the original tissue pathology & compare it with the Mets biopsy to see WHAT HAS CHANGED & WHY! Just remember - we ALL need to be very vigilant of any persistent aches & pains that hang around for more than a couple of weeks-1 month ..... My mantra is and always will be: IF IN DOUBT, GET CHECKED OUT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijpDZa7V5mQ He has video tutorials on other types of cancer too .... https://www.youtube.com/@osteroncology6776New test in USA that identifies BC recurrence much earlier ..... up to 2 years
A new Blood test is available in the USA for detecting cancer recurrence up to 2 years in advance of current testing methods (it is not suitable for ALL cancers tho - only some of those presenting as solid Tumours, such as in Lung, Colon, Bladder & Breast) .... called Signatera ... which identifies CT-DNA (circulating tumours) in the blood ... https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/video/cutting-edge-test-detect-early-cancer-recurrence-78192331?fbclid=IwAR12zHBTDn6dYf8A4ytvvYW6u_mu_V31QXUM6PmGS4nYXuUdrNx-WM1h5d0 It would be good if this becomes part of mainstream 'maintenance' after active treatment stops! There was a CT Blood test (out of Melbourne) that was quite expensive .... https://www.niim.com.au/research/circulating-tumour-cells-ctc-trial
Breast cancer recurrence
I have been diagnosed with breast cancer recurrence. I had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation on my left breast in 2004. In 2016 I had a new cancer in my left breast and had a mastectomy followed by chemo and tamoxifen. In 2018 I had a prophylactic mastectomy of my right breast. I had a. Biopsy a short while ago in my left breast which turned out to be cancer. I also have nodules in my right breast . I am having surgery on Friday to remove all the dodgy tissue. I have never heard of any one having cancer whilst still on tamoxifen. Anyone know if this is common?New boob abnormality
Hi all, I first want to say how grateful I am to everyone for sharing their stories here, they often help when I'm struggling. That said I'm finding things particularly hard at the moment. I was originally diagnosed oct 2019, her2+ er-, with large lump and lymph node involvement. I had ac then Taxol, 2 lumpectomys to get clearance and then radiation along with herceptin until Jan this year. I had a good response to treatment (pathological complete response). But this year I'm finding it so much harder! I was okish last year with a few little hiccups but this year I find myself so much more depressed with life and I don't get why. My son who is 7 has developed quite severe anxiety especially when it comes to me this year and it just seems to be getting worse no matter how much support we get him and how much energy I pour in to him. And now this week, I reported to my breast care nurse some tenderness I had in my boob. I had told the surgeon about it on Nov when I saw him but he just said it was radiation side effects. This week the nurse felt my breast and said it was probably just scar tissue that is pulling now I am doing more exercise but recommended an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed some abnormality in the ducts near my scar tissue so now they want to biopsy which I'm having done tomorrow. I'm trying to stay calm and think that it's all fine until I know otherwise but I'm finding it hard. I don't know how my young kids will cope if it is the worst? My son is already struggling so much. I guess I just am hoping people can tell me good news stories of when they got a biopsy post cancer and it turned out to be ok.
The Breast Cancer Trials Q&A event - Breast Cancer 2020: The Medicine, The Myths and The Mind
Hello all, I found the following online discussions very interesting, and somehow reassuring. Breast Cancer Trials: Research Update – Associate Professor Prue Francis Breast Cancer Myths – Dr Nicholas Zdenkowski Mental Health and Breast Cancer – Associate Professor Lesley Stafford Breast Cancer Recurrence – Professor Fran Boyle AM Videos of each presentation are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfaKgjeYDhnVgXYeAwcURgWaUzJ_KkZ3e
How to curb the fear
Hi everyone, it has been quite sometime since I have been on the network. We have had other dramas in our life and my focus has tended to be on that. A couple of weeks ago my psychologist commented on how sever my anxiety and depression is. I have struggled so much emotionally since finishing my cancer treatment back in 2015. I coped so much better whilst I was having treatment. so much has happened though since then. Now my anxiety is off the ritcher scale. 2 weeks ago I developed a pain in my "good" boob. I wasn't too concerned, maybe a cyst. I couldn't feel a lump though. I saw my GP last Wednesday as it wasn,t improving and she referred me straight back to the breast surgeon. I have an appointment for this Thursday. In between times the pain in my breast has gone into my under arm and now the entire breast hurts. It is swollen and I have an ache going from the top of my shoulder into my neck. There is still no noticeable lumps. I haven't had any temperatures, so I don't believe it is an infection and I am post menopausal thanks to chemo, so I don't believe it is hormonal. There is no rash or discolouration but I am absolutely terrified that it will be inflammatory bc. I am struggling to sleep, partly from pain but mainly from anxiety. What if, what if, what if?????? I just don't know how to curb the fear. I have had several scares over the last few years and I have been a mess each time until I get the all clear. How do you deal with the fear and the anxiety about it coming back? I am and have been convinced that the cancer is going to return just because my original diagnosis was very aggressive.
Should I be worried
I had a high grade DCIS last year and had a right breast lumpectomy and a reconstruction. My right breast took 4 months to heal and as a result I had no radiotherapy or Tamoxifen. I have started to get itching and soreness in my left breast, but am not sure whether it's still part of the healing process from the reconstruction, or whether it's something I should be worried about. I have a follow up mammogram booked for August, but can't get this out of my mind. I moved from NSW to Queensland 3 months ago so can't go back to the surgeon. I've joined this site as I'm hoping someone can give me peace of mind.
TNBC
I was diagnosed 12 months ago with TNBC. During treatment I always thought of my boob as a shitty titty and now having completed treatment I thought about recurrence. I asked my Oncologist the % of chance of return. He said I'm high risk (Gulp). Im now trying to come to terms with 50/50 chance of recurrence. I'm quietly shitting myself while trying to remain positive. But shit, shit shit!!! I'm not crying but my eyes are leaking.
