I’m having a really hard time coming to terms with a diagnosis of contralateral breast cancer 19 years after my initial diagnosis. That’s a different cancer in the opposite breast. It was diagnosed in December 2024 and 4 months later I’m still really struggling with this situation. I’m all over the place. I don’t have the genetics. I’m an avid runner. My BMI is 20. I don’t smoke. My diet has been really healthy mainly plant based. I thought I was doing all the right things. I’m even questioning the pathology. How common is contralateral breast cancer? Has anyone else been through it?
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Contralateral breast cancer isn’t super common, but it’s not rare either, studies show it happens in about 5–10% of breast cancer survivors over a long-term period. Even without genetic risk factors, it can happen just due to how complex and unpredictable cancer biology is. That doesn’t make it fair, but sadly, it’s a known possibility
Hi @smiler4
I’m really sorry to hear what you are going through. I’ve been in the same boat. I had my first diagnosis of a lobular tumour 17 years ago and went through all the treatment, mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy, 10 years hormone therapy. Then 6 months after discharge i found a lump in the remaining breast. This one was a hormone negative, herceptin positive tumour. So I went through the whole lot again. This is now 6 years ago.
I feel it could have been me writing this post smiler4. Like you I’m bmi 20, don’t drink, exercise etc etc. my genetics done after the second bout were all normal. The only risk factor I identified was having small, dense breasts.
Looking back I think I found the second bout easier to deal with, not having the ‘OMG I’ve got cancer’ reaction. I also knew full well that I could survive a bc diagnosis and go back to a normal healthy life doing all the things I love. So that got me through the chemo, second mastectomy and herceptin and zolendronic infusions. And yes, I’m out the other end and involved in this charity to help support others grappling with it all.
So Smiler just take it all one step at a time and remember that there are more good times ahead of you when you get through it all.
Sending loads of hugs and love
Eily xxx
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Thank you so much Eily. Your response has made me cry. I’m so sorry to hear you went through it all twice. It feels like a real lonely place to be the second time. Unlike you I’m not coping as well this time round. Maybe because I’m post menopausal and I’m more anxious anyway because of the hormone change. And I lost my mum a few years back which I’m still struggling with. I actually think the stress of losing my mum has had a lot to do with it. And I nearly lost my business during the restrictions, So it’s all a bit much really. Thanks again for your support. It means a lot xxx
Oh, you poor girl. that’s a lot to deal with. I hope you have supportive family or friends nearby. You could also contact the ‘someone like me’ service here, the helpline if you want to just talk to someone, or look for a Maggies centre near you. You have certainly taken a good first step by posting here. This forum is full of lovely people who are really supportive.
Do keep us posted on how you are doing
Eily
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Thank you very much Eily. Your response has helped me massively. Love and Light to you! xxx
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