Cancer Research UK main site

Breast cancer Round 2

sunshinegirl29
Offline

Hi I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer again Had BC in 2007 had a lumpectomy chemotherapy radiotherapy and Tamoxifen for 10 years Unfortunately it is back in the same breast so it will definitely be a mastectomy this time Waiting for a CT scan to give more information and then decisions to be made about surgery and treatment 

  • Offline

     

    Hi Sunshinegirl,

    A very warm welcome to our post. I am so sorry to hear about your second bout of breast cancer. Can I ask what type and stage you had last time and is that the same again, or another type?

    I was in a similar position 11 years ago. I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen for 1 year, then discovered a second lump. This time I had a double mastectomy and went on to Letrozole, which I took for 6½ years. The mastectomies were not nearly as bad as I thought and I have kept well since then. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    I hope that this helps. please keep in touch and let us know how you gn. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine 

    Thank you for your warm welcome The last time I had Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) stage 2 this time it seems to be Invasive ductal breast cancer (of no special type) discovered after a mammogram and core biopsy I have to have CT scan next week to ascertain the stage and to check if it has spread  I had my first surgery in Northern Ireland but since then I have moved to the mainland and have been given a new health number so they have to chase up my previous medical records Have decisions to make about surgery will definitely be a mastectomy but I have to decide if I what an immediate reconstruction or a delayed reconstruction I can have a reduction if I want but at the minute I am thinking of a double mastectomy although this was not mentioned at previous appointment I am worried as I am nearly 15 years older(61) next birthday and also have Type2 diabetes I am going to ring Breast cancer nurse tomorrow and see if I can discuss all this with her 

    Thank you I will let you know how things are going 

    sunshinegirl29

  • Offline in reply to sunshinegirl29

     

    Hi Sunshinegirl,

    Most surgeons don't like to do a double mastectomy unless there is also something in the other breast. They claim that it doesn't improve our chances at all. I couldn't have reconstruction at the time, but I manage well with a selection of prostheses for different activities. I was 61 when I had my double mastectomy. I am also a Type 2 Diabetic and I have to have fibre-optic intubation, due to stopping breathing on the operating table for gall bladder surgery. It was much easier than I expected and I found it easier to recover from than I did with the lumpectomy.

    Do discuss your fears with your breast care nurse.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

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.