Hi Spanielsmum,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear that you have developed another suspect area. Have you been told when your results should be back? This is always an anxious time. I had a lumpectomy 12 years ago . Six months later I found a large lump in my other breast. Fortunately, this turned out to be benign. A year to the date of my first surgery, I discovered another lump in my original breast. This time I wasn't so lucky and I had a double mastectomy. I have actually managed with this better than I did with the lumpectomy, so please try not to panic..

Unfortunately, I wasn't a suitable candidate for reconstruction, but I manage well with a selection of different prostheses for different activities. Do you know what type and grade of cancer you had in 1999? 

Please keep touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, Thanks for your reply and lovely welcome.

When I was first diagnosed the Dr was brutal in his wording...."You have cancer and will lose your hair!" I was in shock and upset but I have a feeling he said Grade 2, an aggressive oestragen dependant one?  Of course, my husabnd was no use at all as he was as stunned as I was. 

You have certainly had your share haven't you? 

Hi Spanielsmum,

What a brutal way to break the news to you. For an aggresive type you have done well not to have had any problems for so long. This just shows how vital routine mammograms are, as they often pick up problems before we are aware of them ourselves. It is as difficult for loved ones as it is for ourselves. If they have no experience of cancer, a blind panic sets in and they don't know what to say.

Rest assured that you can always come on to this forum and tell us exactly how you are feeling, as there is always someone who has been where you are and, nothing you say will shock us. I have had my share yes, but I feel that I am a stronger person because of it and the dawning of each new day is a blessing.

I hope that you don't have to wait too long for your results and that it is all manageable.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I have to wait 7 to 10 days from Friday 4th March for my result.:shocked: Last time it was confirmed in the same Clinic appointment and I only had a needle biopsy and scan. 

The waiting is awful and a day can feel like a lifetime. It can take up to three weeks in some areas, so 7-10 days is not too bad.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi again, got my results today. Yes the cancer is back. Grade 2 Non specific type. :sad::sad::sad: Should be seen by the Breast team within 2 weeks and op in 4-5 weeks. 

Hi,

Thank you for your update.

I am so sorry to hear this.

One good thing is that you are still grade 2. Is this the same type of breast cancer that you had last time and is it primary or secondary? If they haven't said, it might be worth asking them. Both of mine were the same, but you can have more than one type at the same time. Did they discuss anything about the type of op you'll be having and are you going to have reconstruction?

Sorry for all the questions, but these are all things that you'll need to know. 

I'm always here if you want to talk

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for your reply, Jolamine.

It's been a hard few days. I took your advice and I rang the Breast Care nurse for further information and now have an appointment to see the consultant in 13 days time. We discussed mastectomy and reconstruction . 

Can I  ask for a double mastectomy? . It has recurred in the same breast and think I'd prefer to just get rid of the boobs altogther.

Hi Spanielsmum,

I am glad to hear that you now have a date to discuss things with your consultant in 12 days time and that you got a chance to talk to your breast care nurse about mastectomy and reconstruction. 

You can certainly ask for a double mastectomy, but most surgeons are reluctant to remove a good breast, as they say that this doesn't improve our chances. Did you come to any decision about what type of reconstruction you want when you were speaking to your nurse?

You will find it helpful to write down a list of questions for your consultant prior to your appointment, as it's all too easy to forget something important in the heat of the moment.

Please let us know how you get on and remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx