I’m still in a little shock so please bear with me.
Im Barb & I’m 54 years old. 10 years ago I had DCIS, ER & PR+, in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy & radiation. Took Tamoxifen for a short time but had bad side effects & stopped after maybe a year. I was tested for BRCA 1 & 2 and was negative.
This past June I had an abnormal mammogram result in my right breast during a routine scan followed by more testing and a stereotactic biopsy. Result was atypical ductal hyperplasia. So not cancer, but high risk of becoming cancer.
I got my referral to the breast surgeon & before we set a plan in place she had me meet with genetics & get an MRI. The genetics results were excellent. No mutations out of the 78 gene variants that were tested.
The MRI showed 2 areas of concern in the right breast that were not previously detected. One at 1 o’clock near the area my first cancer was and one at 5 o’clock. I went back in yesterday for an ultrasound and core needle biopsy and the results just came in…
A. Right breast, 1:00, 5 cm from nipple: - Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2 of 3 (see comment) - Intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ with comedonecrosis.
B. Right breast, 5:00, 3 cm from nipple: - Invasive carcinoma with lobular infiltrative pattern, grade 2 of 3
They are running more tests now to get the complete extent, receptor status, lymph-node status & staging.
To say I’m shocked is an understatement. I spoke with the radiologist and a nurse navigator today & have an appointment to see the breast surgeon on Monday the 17th. I’m getting married in less than 2 months so the timing of this couldn’t be worse…
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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Hi @barbpal
Sorry you’ve had another diagnosis. I know the shock of getting diagnosed again well. I think for me the shock the second time was worse than the first time too.
All the treatments have come on so much since 10 years ago so it might look different but hopefully will do the job and do it well, whatever that looks like for you this time.
I haven’t really got any advice but we are all here to support you. Feel free to ask questions or vent anytime. 
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I too had that ‘here we are again feeling’ last year, as breast cancer was diagnosed in the other breast, 11 years after my first diagnosis. I too think treatments have improved but it doesn’t take away the feeling in the pit of your stomach. I hope your diagnosis and treatment pathway are soon in place. Thinking of you, as you take one step at a time.
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I had DCIS 13 years ago. Had lumpectomy radiotherapy and tamoxifen for 10 years.
I had a routine mammogram which showed micro calcification in August and biopsies followed. Sadly I am scheduled for a unilateral mastectomy on Oct 8th. I am Her2 positive. I won’t know to what extent till after my operation. It’s the same breadt again.
Like others it feels worse this time but hoping things have progressed in the last 13 years.. looking at mastectomy cushions bras etc it’s a minefield. No reconstruction as I’m a small lady with big boobs (34gg) and there’s not enough of me. I also had a reduction on my healthy breast last time..
I would really like to be completely flat but apparently that’s not an option…
IF you feel flat is right for you may I direct you towards Flat Friends. They have been very supportive and encouraging during my recent SMX with flat closure and they support woman who want to be completely flat rather than just a SMX as well as those who have no other medical choices about living flat. They also support woman who have been recommended for a SMX but who would prefer a DMX for symmetry. It can be an option but it comes with additional hoops you need to jump through. You might also find it helpful to contact the Breast Cancer Now nurse helpline to chat about your possible options and how to approach your surgeons.
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So I had my unilateral mastectomy yesterday. Ct scan was clear as were lymph nodes. For now I want to keep this happy feeling till I get to my next hurdle.
Everyone is made different and every one’s cancer journey both physically and mentally is too.
Some days it is hard to be focused and it’s good to vent . Life in general throws lots of curved balls.
Sending my love to all of you on here.