Can anyone relate to my situation? 11 years ago I had a lumpectomy in my left breast, full auxiliary clearance, 5 weeks of radiotherapy and 5 years on Tamoxifen. After 11 years I have since found a lump in my right breast which has now been removed ( 19th March 14 ) - again with full axillary clearance also as sentinal lode couldn’t be located successfully. I have really struggled with this second diagnosis and am finding it desperately hard to feel positive - I go back for results and treatment plan in just over a week. I had forgotten the excruciating pain following the axillary clearance and spend a lot of time either in tears or feeling angry. I don’t recall feeling this negative first time around !
Hi GMC
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums. I’m sorry to hear of your second diagnosis and how you are feeling right now. Please do give our helpline team a ring, they’re here to support you both emotionally and practically. Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2.
Take care,
Jo, Moderator
Hi gmc,
Us recurrence ladies do seem to get lost on the forum. Not sure “I am recently diagnosed” is the best place for us?? I do occasionally have a look, which is how I found you.
You must have your results by now. How are they?? Do you have a plan??
I had my second diagnosis last year on the same side as my mastectomy but a different type of tumor. i have finished chemo and rads and am now on herceptin. I was coming up to 5 years anniversary. I felt terribly let down by my body, and it is hard to voice this when all around you (even on here) are full of fight and positive thoughts. But my monthly thread ladies have been marvellous and it is comforting that there are a few of us going again. Kat x
Hello
I think I agree with Orange Cat that this group of threads is a funny one for those of us with local/regional recurrence or new primary. It took me some time to find it! It should be something like ‘I am diagnosed again for the second, third or more time’! I had a regional recurrence diagnosed in Nov 2012, 3 years after a primary diagnosis in 2009, and I am now being investigated for another (maybe local) recurrence 15 months on from the last one. There is no better way of describing it all as a roller coaster of shock, convalescence, adjustment and acceptance, followed by a gradual return of hope and optimism, only to be whacked by another shock etc. - with steadily accummulating side effects from various treatments. To keep steadfast and functioning for my young-ish family often seems too much…Maybe I’m just feeling jaundiced - I’m coming to the end of two weeks of ‘waiting for results’ hell - we all know how much that sucks. When you don’t know what’s going on your mind plays havoc! Anyway, the sun’s shining and the sky is blue - have a nice day everybody!
maggy
Hi Gill
Sorry about your seroma - I had such a bad one after my anc last year, it went on and on …but then it went! 500mls was my top score!! You are quite right about left in limbo/life changing land. I have been trying to find a part-time job recently - that was me finally facing up to the idea that I could get back to work - now I don’t know whether its worth it again. Oh well. Hope the heart scan goes OK.
all the best
Maggy
Your comments could have been written by me as they are identical. First time with cancer I reacted so well but this time I am like you. I just wish you so much luck and hope you are soon ‘yourself’ again.
I fully understand how you feel. It is hard to accept the recurrence or the new primary. I thought that I had moved on from cancer and just got on with my life and suddenly the horrible thing appeared again! I must admit that it was difficult to hold back my tears for the first 5 months after the diagnosis, I was just very sad but not angry. Somehow after 5 months I gained inner strength and able to cope with the idea. I’m not alone. I’m in acceptance and just do my best to get on with the treatment and going thru this life changing experience. I take note from other survivors’ tips and advice and now am embracing new healthy eating habit (organic, no sugar, juicing, healthy supplements, etc), I was not being unhealthy before, but not being organic enough. It is tough, but I’m feeling very grateful each day because there are a lot of people in the world suffering much more, one way or another, cancer or not. I hope as time goes by you feel stronger and able to sail thru this rough time. Xxx
Hi Misspiggy
Good to hear from you and hope your eating regime is going well. Not sure how well I could stick to the no sugar part as have a very sweet tooth! This is a tough old time isn’t it - coping twice with the same problem, treatment etc and I’m finding it very hard to stay positive for the future. Outwardly, to family and friends, I am able to make them believe I am coping really well, but inwardly it’s a different story.
Will get through this black cloud though - it’s a case of having to!
Onwards and upwards,
Take care and best of luck, Gill
Hi Elmers and welcome to the BCC forums where I am sure you will find support from your fellow users, please also feel free to call our helpliners to talk any concerns or queries over on 0808 800 6000, lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays
Here’s a link to the treatements area of the site where you will find information and further support ideas which I hope you will find helpful:
breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment
Take care
Lucy BCC
Hi . I’ve had an Ester weekend from hell as on thurs during ultra sound he found a 4mm lump 2 cm from my original lumpectomy scar . My mind has gone into overdrive and I’ve convinced myself it’s spread!! Scared to death of masectomy and more chemo altho that seems the better option at the mo! Stil more days of agony in wait but will b on to the nurses first thing in the morning. Will welcome any comments at all xx thank u
Hi
I too -after 9 years, (with invasive second stage cancer -mastectomy/radiation / chemo and tamoxifen) -have been diagnosed with invasive second stage cancer in other breast. I understand your shock although this time I feel angry.
What was your new diagnosis? ductal lobular inasive/non invasive & stage?
Do be thankful gmc that you don’t have secondaries and take up free counselling on offer.
Good luck
Sylvia
Thank u !
All clear! It’s a fibroadenoma. I’ve lost half a stone with worry.
Just wondering whether to opt for a masectomy as a precaution now. Will do watever I can to make sure it doesn’t come back!!
Good luck everyone and thank u so much for ur support xxx
Hi
I have been reading this thread waiting for my diagnosis - not sure if anyone is still out there as last post was over a month ago. I was told yesterday evening that a lump I found just under the nipple in my good breast is invasive cancer with some DCIS and I’m trying to come to terms with this new disease. I had DCIS 13 years ago in right breast with mastectomy and then five years ago diep flap as implant ruptured - so some tough ops and thought that was it. I haven’t slept since last Friday when my consultant confirmed the lump was suspicious and all thoughts are going through my head - every pain I Think is it secondary cancer. My two girls are about to take their GCSEs and A levels and I have to be strong for them but don’t know what to do. Can anyone give me some encouraging thoughts or advice - maybe I should talk to someone professional.
Hi carolec
Welcome to the forum. I hope fellow members will soon notice your post and come along with some support.
You might find it helpful to give our helpline a call. They will be able to offer you practical information and emotional support. They will be oen at 9.00am (9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays). The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Rattles
Yeh ok I suppose - still shell shocked - was over the moon when received news that bone scan was clear and so happy. Now I’m on a bit of a downer waiting for MRI results etc as this will determine whether lumpectomy (fingers crossed) or another mastectomy and will see my consultant on Friday. They are hoping to do the op next Tuesday or Wednesday. I’d forgotten what a roller coaster ride of emotions you go through after diagnosis. I still can’t quite believe this is happening to me again, but am trying to stay as positive as I can. Hope you are ok.
Hi Gill and Rattles
Thanks for your comments - I’m glad I found this thread as it’s good to know that others have gone through this and come out the other side. I’m trying to stay as positive as I can - roll on Friday xx
Hi Gill/Rattles
I have a date for my op - next Wednesday 5 June but first have to have sentinel node biopsy and wire localisation. I was hoping op was going to be this week but they couldn’t organise it - spent many days thinking if they leave it another week it might spread, but have calmed down a bit now. Tests so far have been good - one lump and no swelling of lymph nodes but will need rads and possibly chemo which I am dreading as never had first time. I didn’t realise the lump could be oestrogen positive and Her2 - I didn’t have any of this before as all DCIS - I know it’s oesstrogen positive and waiting on her2 results. Still have good days and bad days which is only to be expected and went into work today but left early - they have been good and basically said I can come in when I want and go when I want. I wonder how long I will need off work and whether you worked whilst having rads and chemo - suppose I just take it one step at a time - thinking too far ahead as usual! Xx
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