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Second opinion in a pathology assessment

Lynne1704
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Hi 

I was diagnosed in October 2019 for the second time with breast cancer in the same but not the same cancer was also told this is rare. First time I had a lumpectomy. This time the lump grew quickly and I had to have a mastectomy in December. 
I have not received my pathology results as they have gone for a second opinion. No one can explain why, is it something I should be worried about? 

  • Hello Lynne1704

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2nd time. I hope that you're recovering well from your surgery. 

    There could be any number of reasons that your pathology results have been sent for a 2nd opinion but the positive aspect of this is that when you do get the results the Consultant should be able to give you a full picture about what is going on for you and the best plan to deal with it. I know that this doesn't make the wait any easier for you. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses I'm sure they'll be able to offer some advice and support. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you hear soon. Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn

    i saw the oncologist yesterday and have now found out why the results aren't back. It wasn't breast cancer it was an Radiotherapy induced sarcoma which I found . The pathology has gone to another hospital hopefully I will get my results in two weeks. Still don't know if I need chemotherapy.
     

    I've now got to have further investigations into my vocal chords stomach and bowels. As these showed up on my pet scan. They are hoping there is nothing and that they have removed the cancer with the mastectomy. 
     
    It's a bit scary but at least I now know why it's taken so long.

     

    Thank you for your reply 

     

    lynne

     

  • in reply to Lynne1704

    Hi Lynne, 

    I'm glad that you've had an answer. Sometimes just knowing that extra bit of information and understanding can make things a bit easier. 

    It's understandable that you're still worried about what may be ahead and I hope that you have more answers soon. 

    Don't forget that you can call our nurses if you need to chat to someone. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline in reply to Lynne1704

     

    Hi Lynne,

    Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear that you are having to wait that bit longer for your pathology results. We all complain about the wait, but we don't always know the reason for any delay. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and found a second lump in the same breast just a year later. I had all the normal tests, then had a MRI and CT scan. Fortunately, it was a second primary of the same type of cancer. First time I had a lumpectomy and then Tamoxifen. Second time around, I had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. How long is it since your first bout of breast cancer and, do you know what types of cancer you've had on each occasion?

    Before your consultant gives you any results, s/he will hold a discussion with their MDT (Multidisciplinary Team). These meetings are usually held weekly and, this is where decisions are made about your surgery and treatment. If further tests are needed, this naturally takes up more time, but it helps those caring for you to know exactly what they are dealing with. Your results must have gone to another hospital for a second opinion, but rest assured that your consultant is being thorough, which has to be in your interest in the long run.

    I sincerely hope that all goes well for you and, that your other organs are clear. Please keep in touch and, let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine.

    Fortunately it wasn't breast cancer for the second time, unfortunately it was a sarcoma so a second opinion has been requested Im hoping to get more information in a couple of weeks. Should know if further treatment will be needed then. I have already had my mastectomy and a reconstruction. 
     

    I need further tests for other areas of my body but the oncologist is hopeful. Just waiting for my appointments. 

    Thank you for responding it's tough when you get an answer that gives you more questions and waiting for information is frustrating too.

    Hope all is well with you 

     

    Best Wishes

    Lynne
     

  • Offline in reply to Lynne1704

     

    Hi Lynne,
    How are you feeling post-mastectomy? Your sarcoma has obviously thrown up more questions than answers at the moment. I sincerely hope that you get some answers in the near future. You will notice that Lucie has removed the name of your hospital from your post, as forum rules state that we are not allowed to mention the names of hospitals.

    Do please let us know when you get some answers.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine
     

    Im recovering very well and having reconstruction straight away was for me a good choice. Took me a while to accept the new breast, I'm over the moon with it now as looks more normal then it did pre op. 

    Emotionally wise I'm up and down but think that will improve once all the tests etc have been done. 
     

    Thank you for asking

     

    Lymne
     

     

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