Second primary breast cancer

Hi

I was diagnosed with stage 3 IDC ER+PR+HER+ in 2016.

I've just been diagnosed again (an hour ago) with ER+ in the other breast.

I've been taking Arimidex and had monthly Zoladex implants for 6 years so how am I still producing Oestrogen?!

Is there anyone out there who has been through/is going through a similar thing? Or any nurses who can help me understand this or reassure me? 

X

  • Hi Melly74 and thanks for posting.

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I am unable to provide you with an explanation for why this has happened, but I can offer you some information which you may find helpful.  

    Unfortunately there are no guarantees with cancer treatment and sometimes despite taking hormone treatments for breast cancer people can go on to get a recurrence or a second cancer diagnosis further down the line.  This can be very difficult to understand and cope with, there is some information here that can help with this.

    There is some information here about being diagnosed with a second primary breast cancer

    Endocrine/hormone therapy reduces the risk of developing breast cancer again but doesn't completely eliminate it.  Your consultant or specialist nurse should be able to explain things more clearly and discuss the different options available to you.

    I hope this is of some use.  If you would like to talk this through with someone, we have a helpline led by nurses.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care

    Rachel