Has my other breast got cancer after previous mastectomy

Hi male just 59, had breast cancer also Brac gene fault; when 57.5. Full mastectomy….now i feel a lump that is very similar to the one that was cut out. I am on Tamoxifen for last 1.5 years. Working overseas so will be Christmas before i can get it check ed in UK. Just wondering how likely this is to occur in my remaining breast. Thanks

Hi Andy

Most lumps turn out to be benign but I’d have thought you’re right to be cautious. There’s no point in assuming it’s cancer in the other breast but any lump needs checking out. You didn’t say if you had chemo as that might have reduced the chances but, while it’s a possibility, it needs checking. Is there no chance of getting it checked before Christmas? It’s 6 weeks and then closures over Christmas, waiting lists etc. With luck, you’ll just be unfortunate to have a lump-prone chest and, of course, tamoxifen should ward off further cancer but nothing is foolproof. I’d definitely get it checked now and get the worry removed or begin to start planning, whichever way it turns out. (I’m Stage 4 and my breast cancer tumour is in my medial canthus - behind my nose and into my eye socket - the b**gers can pop up in the strangest places so my caution comes from my experience, NOT any diagnostic knowledge).

All the best,

Jan 

Hi there

i agree with Jan here, i am not medically trained too, but Christmas is still far away. Can you get it checked oversees? you have mentioned about a brac fault gene, hence it is a weakness - it is always better to be safe than sorry.

please take good care