predicted text have used them for swimming knockers not knickers 
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suzie19, at first I was freaked out about having cancer again, then I was coming to grips with it and was pointed toward the Stage IV scare. Now I am back to what may just be a local recurrence, but all these emotions are throwing me left and right. Glad you lungs turned up with no change. I am in the United States in Arizona. I’ve noticed many of the ladies on this site are from England. I signed up because reddit and my old bco.org weren’t as much a good fit for discussions.
I have an appointment with my surgeon in a couple of weeks and will begin to talk more about reconstruction. When I first met with him, after my recent dx, I really thought he could just take out this new mass and send me on my way. I suppose I was being a bit native. I’ve since researched a bit and have a few ideas of what I would like, but I have to see if these things are possible. I am bummed as I have always liked my breasts. Even after my lumpectomy 13 years ago, my doctor did such a nice job I couldn’t even see the scar. The mass was almost under my arm so he was able to take it out without any need of a plastic surgeon. Anyway, I truly understand feeling twitchy about the 1st mammo. Scananxiety is a very real thing. Be well. 
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Just saw your message. Had mastectomy with no reconstruction. Letrazole for 5 yrs
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Hi Rocky’s
I’ve read about your recurrence and I’m glad your latest results where more promising than your initial fears.
I’m waiting for rads, and started Tamoxifen for er+ her2- no chemo for my primary cancer.
I absolutely agree with your comment about recurrence rates and how the Drs seem to keep that information tucked away. I’ve also seen some of your other posts which seem to have similar thoughts to me.
They always quote 5 year stats, which for er+ is generally quite good, but they don’t extend to 10 years when it is more likely to increase.
I work with statistics and have a natural curiosity to delve into these things, and I can say without shame, last 2 weeks have been very stressful and challenging. The reason……I begged my oncologist for chemo, even thou it was minimal benefit. Why? I read the stats and I was also told I had cancer cells in blood vessels (potential to spread). I also know Tamoxifen, is a good inhibitor while taking it but it doesn’t kill cancer cells.
My chance of recurrence is low within 5 years, but I sit here now thinking rads only covers one area, and tamoxifen just delays growth. It’s frustrating and I can not switch off about it.
I sincerely hope you get some good results from your new treatment. I hope you don’t have too many side effects, but if you do, try persevere. Thinking of you x
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Hi, Thanks for the kind words. You didn’t mention how old you were, but here in the United States it seems we have a different protocol than the UK. The only reason for chemo would be for large, fast growing cancer or positive lymph nodes. If these don’t apply to you I would be jumping for joy. Chemo kills off all our cells not just breast cancer and as with me it may not have killed them all. Unfortunately they say cells can hide and some can grow again. I only wish we knew why it comes back, but I’m sure they will one day.
If you are taking Tamoxifen you really are doing what you can. They are now saying that after 5 years you may be able to continue or you can switch to an AI like Arimidex. That can get you some protection for another 10 years and by that time they may even have better meds or treatments. I’ve read that breast cancer is a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. As more time passes you will stop thinking about cancer. Heck, I hadn’t thought about it in years and years. Once in a while if the topic came up I’d think oh ya… I had that. Now of course being in the thick of things it is every day.
My tests all came back negative for a metastasis and the more scary recent biopsy came back clean. I’m coming up to 3 months since dx. After finding out my original surgeon isn’t a specialist and the 2nd opinion person was a waste of time and energy, I finally have a breast surgeon. She’s personable, knows here stuff and has referred me to 2 plastic surgeons. I already have an appointment with one for next week so I should have surgery before the end of the year. That will be the next big step. The silver lining is that all these months of tests/waiting helped me process. I have decided to have a DMX. No more mammos, no concerns for the other breast firing up and symmetry for the reconstruction.
I’ve just turned 50. I also have PCOS which is known to produce higher levels of estrogen, even after menopause. I’m going to try Zoladex, which is temporary suppression of ovaries and I will most likely have them removed at a later date.
It sounds like you gave a busy schedule ahead, hope all goes well. Maybe you can post an update when you find a suitable time, I’m sure it will provide some positivity and inspiration for many others.
Best wishes x
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I’m in my first round of treatment for Invasive Lobular BC. I’ve had a therapeutic mammillary and nodes removed and am waiting for radiotherapy.
My oncotype test showed low chance of recurrence within next 9 years but there was no mention of long term (and I stupidly didn’t ask with so much else going on) but I’ve read ILC can be dormant for 10 to 15 years and that hormone +ve cancers as you say are more likely to come back as time progresses and more likely to be a distant cancer.
Everyone I know assumes the longer you are clear the better your chances of it not returning - I’m really struggling to get my head around the fact it seems it may come back.
I’m usually quite a logical person - like stats etc. (from reputable sites) but I’m going down a rabbit hole with this one! Finding all sorts of horrendous stats and anxiety levels are high.
I’m 56 but feel I have quite a lot more life to live. How do you get your head around it?!
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