Another primary cancer in opposite breast less than one year

Hello lovely ladies full of wisdom.I was diagnosed last May with multifocal right invasive breast cancer and DCIS-stage 1, grade 2- I had a lumpectomy And reduction on both breasts, all breast tissue sent to pathology. Sentinel node negative, Onco DX 20 so no chemo- had 4 weeks of radiotherapy, have been on Arimidex since October with some mood changes. I went for my first follow up mammogram-small area suspicious on left upper outer quadrant that led to ultrasound and biopsy- saw in my portal it was IDC, Same ER +, Her 2 neg- grade 1 this time-sigh- I haven’t recovered emotionally yet and this is putting me over the edge. Was it missed last year because I had larger breasts? Or did another tumor develop? I have an appt with breast surgeon next week. Does anyone have experience or know someone that this has happened to? Trying to keep the panic at bay.

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Sorry you are here again.

Although not exactly the same situation, I was diagnosed with IDC last July, after lump was found and biopsy. Lumpectomy was decided.

I had had a mammogram the previous year and had asked them to go back and see why this 3.2cm lump had not shown up. On reviewing the scans they called me and said they had now found calcifications in both sides but this was ‘likely to be nothing’.

I had further tests which confirmed them to be DCIS so treatment was now a double mastectomy. Results afterwards showed two tiny IDC among the DCIS in the other side to the original lump.

I wonder that if I hadn’t pushed to have the scans looked at again, I may have had one side lumpectomy/mastectomy only to have found the other tumours a year or so later.

When I spoke to my team about it they did say that sometimes things are just too small to see on the scans.

I’m sure some other ladies will be along soon and have some other experiences, but I hope you can get your treatment completed quickly and smoothly. Lots of love xx

Hi @tryingtobebrave1 I’m so sorry you’re back in the crosshairs of breast cancer but a grade 1 should be very treatable. This does not diminish your understandable upset in having to go through treatment again, however.

Can I say that you have posted in the Secondary cancer category and although you have a second diagnosis that is not classified as secondary (or metastatic) cancer. You may be better posting in this category Local recurrence or new primary diagnosis - Breast Cancer Now forum as the current category has a different and specific focus.

Wishing you all the best for what is to come. Sending hugs.

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Good spot @Tigress! I moved the topic to the right board :slight_smile:

Thanks @Bernard_BCN. I was hoping you could do that and should have probably asked you first!

Thanks so much for replying so quickly and telling your story as well as giving your support. It brought me comfort before leaving for work this morning. :kissing_heart:

Thank you so much for your quick reply and support! Thank you also for pointing out I posted in the wrong spot. I’m still learning how to navigate the site! :kissing_heart:

Thank you so much for doing that!

No harm done @tryingtobebrave1 we’re here to guide you through both your treatment and how to use the forum so that you get the most traction for your posts. Keep posting!!