Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 4 replies
  • Views 175 views
  • Users 0 members are here

recurring breast cancer ?

Skyelilliexxx
Offline

Hi,

I was diagnosed with early breast cancer [left breast] in 2023, i had a lumpectomy and targeted radiotherapy. I have been taking Letrozole since then, with yearly mammograms.

however last year i found a lump in the same breast breast, so had a mammogram, but was worried that as it was in an area that couldnt be detected as it was nearer to my armpit, I was assured there was no evidence of breast cancer visible on the mammogram and there was evidence of fatty / scar tissue.

However now the lump although still there has become what my doctor described as a figure of 8 mass, attached to a more solid mass, and yet another lump in a different area, within the breast.

My general health is not good with aching in my neck, shoulder blade on left side, and collar bone on left side.

blood tests show my Thyroid is seriously underactive even though I take my thyroxine religiously and daily, and my liver function test was bad, so all of these are under review.

I originally went to see my GP as I have had rapid weight loss ; 2.5 stone in 4 months, and mentioned I was still worried about the breast lump, which has got bigger.

I have been referred under the 2 week system, and have an appointment on Monday back at my breast clinic for further investigations, mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies if needed.

I am literally going out of my head with worry, still going to work, laughing, joking etc... but I have meltdowns when Im on my own...and cant sleep. I really am putting on a brave face...but..what if its come back....what are the survival rates...what if its spread...even after surgery , radiotherapy, hormone treatment....is it possible for it to come back at all...??????...I dont want my family to worry if this could possibly be cysts or something....???.................so I try to brush it under the carpet....

Thank you for being there..x

  • Offline

    Hi Skylilliexxx,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am so sorry to hear that you find yourself in this worrying situation. I fully appreciate what you are going through, as I had 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer all diagnosed with a year. I had a lumpectomy the first time and a double mastectomy for the second bout. That was 16 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. It is impossible to know what this is, until you undergo some tests at the breast clinic, so you have done the right thing by getting this investigated. I am glad to see that your appointment is for Monday, so you don't have much longer to wait.

    When I first investigated my breasts, following surgery, I was told that this was fatty/scar tissue, but when I returned a few months later it was cancer. I am not surprised that you are having meltdowns and sleep problems - you are under a tremendous amount of pressure! You do not say what age you are and what type of breast cancer you had. Some cancers are more aggressive than others and so, more likely to recur. It must be so difficult trying to keep all of this to yourself just now. Do you have one family member or friend who you could confide in? It really would help you to be able to talk to someone.

    I sincerely hope that all goes well for you on Monday and that nothing untoward is found. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I’m really sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. Having had breast cancer before, it’s completely understandable that finding a new lump would bring up fears that it might have come back.

    Waiting for tests and results can be such an anxious time. Many people describe feeling overwhelmed, with their thoughts going to the worst-case scenario, so it’s no surprise you’re feeling this way. Trying to carry on with everyday life while this uncertainty is there in the background can be exhausting.

    As Jolamine has said, until the tests have been completed and the results are back, no one can say for certain what is causing the lump. Although it’s natural to think of recurrence, there can also be other, less serious explanations, and the tests will help to give you clearer answers.

    I understand you may not want to worry family or friends unnecessarily, but I wonder if there might be one person you feel able to talk to just for support while you’re waiting. You don’t have to go through this on your own, especially over the weekend.

    I really hope you’re able to get some reassurance soon and that your upcoming tests go well. Please do feel free to come back and talk things through anytime.

    If you’d like to speak to one of our nurses, our helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on freephone 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi..thank you for your reply.

    Im sorry too to hear that you have been through such a tough time xxx

    I do unload to my friends and they always tell me that they are here for me at any time..I just sometimes feel like Id prefer to hear about their happy news instead of getting them down with what seems to be my constant worries, etc...

    I know....I know...I know... that nothing can be done until Ive had all of the tests etc at the breast clinic on Monday...the 2 week wait has felt like 2 months...its the waiting and convincing yourself that the worst is about to happen ...again...you know how that feels xxx.

    Im 58 by the way so was 55 when diagnosed.

    I come from a family of 4 sisters...none of them have had breast cancer..but we have all had "lumpy breasts" at some point ..so it was a total shock when the oncologist confirmed I had it...

    Sorry, but out of interest when you went back with concerns and was told it was fatty/ scar tissue...were you totally convinced.???

    I absolutely was not convinced last year..but you take their word for it...you just make everyone worry again just to tell them...its fine..its nothing...

    Once again thank you for your kind words, and keep kicking cancers *** !!!!!

    I will keep you updated of course.

    Thankyou for being there.

    XXX

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Jemma

    Thank you for your reassurance Jemma...

    I am filling my weekend with my beautiful grandchildren.

    Fingers and toes crossed for Monday xxx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.