Good Afternoon,
I’m looking for something positive post a local recurrence.
I was diagnosed through symptoms in 2021. i then had to wait 4 months before surgical treatment of lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, after which my intermediate DCIS diagnosis, post biopsy, was upgraded to grade 3 triple positive invasive breast cancer. I had further surgery to clear margins, chemotherapy, herceptin, radiotherapy and Zameta. Before completion of herceptin, early 2023, I found 2 small lumps of 1 and 5mm which were confirmed as ER and HER2 receptor positive recurrences and had a mastectomy in October 2023. I have had bone, abdo and brain scans which have been clear to date. My hormone treatment was changed from anastrazole to exemestane but no other medication. I was moving forward with my life quite happily.
Unfortunately I read a research article on the prognosis for local recurrence recently and I have since become very frightened and very negative about everything as I fit all the criteria for a very negative outcome… potentially surviving less than 2 years post treatment with probable metastatic disease. I just wondered if there are any more positive research findings to offer a little hope?
Thank you
Thank you for posting a question that will resonate with many of us.
I’m ER+ HER2+ bilateral, two separate primary tumours diagnosed in 2023, lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, chemo, Herceptin, Zometa, radiotherapy, Letrozole now changed to Exemestane due to side effects.
I regularly check for lumps as my second tumour was missed on mammogram. Prognosis was good but we never know, do we?
The nurse will be back to answer your question from 9 on Monday. I just wanted you to know you are not alone.
Hi Naughty Boob,
Thank you for your quick reply.
It must have been very difficult undergoing bilateral surgery, it was unpleasant enough with just one side. I hope you’re getting on better with the exemestane. I’m not finding that I’m really suffering from any side effects although my finger joints are a bit stiffer. Not really a problem and probably just wear and tear.
Take care
Hello Sparrowhawk
Thank you for posting.
Often, we hear from people who have read research articles and other information online which has had a negative impact on them and caused them to worry and be frightened.
Understandably reading a research article about prognosis and a negative outcome following a diagnosis of local recurrence and treatment, where characteristics of the disease are similar must be very upsetting and you are looking for some positive research findings to reassure you.
It is really important to remind yourself that everyone is different, and responses to treatment vary - even when individuals’ pathology looks similar on paper. It is good to hear that the exemestane treatment is working well for you. It sounds like it would be helpful as you are feeling scared to contact your breast care nurse or oncologist so they can point you to other studies, remind you how well you are doing and talk to you maybe about ongoing treatments if needed in the future.
You are not alone in feeling worried as @naughty_boob mentions. Here are some suggests that may help alleviate some of any difficult thoughts or feelings you may be having. You may be interested in our Speakers Live session Emotional impact of breast cancer.
Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your GP or treatment team about this. Mindfulness can also be helpful.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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