Hi Lottie ...

So sorry the pesky cancer is returning ... I had my masectomy in 2017 ... and know it's always just waiting .. you asked if anyone else had two bouts ... the lady that helped me when l came on here is @Jolomine ... hopefully she'll pick this up and reply too ..

She had the two within a short period ... long befor mine ... so you did this once .. just get your old boxing gloves back on... ready to knock it out again .. it's come a long way now .. and there's lots of us breast lasses on here... so you know it's no walk in the park .. but it is doable ...

Let us know how you go .. Chrissie xx

Hi Lottie,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through the nightmare of another lump so soon after you had surgery for your first lump.

As Chrissie has already told you, I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years and, I am due to have surgery for a melanoma on my face on 6th March. You are the first person that I have come across, who has had a second cancer diagnosed at your one year check up. I was initially told that I was fortunate in that my cancer was mucinous, grade 1 and HER2- and, that this is not a very aggressive cancer, so my chances were good.

Like you, I was put on to Tamoxifen for that first year but changed to Letrozole, following a double mastectomy the following year. Fortunately, the second bout was still a primary and was still the same type of cancer. You really need to know what type of cancer you have and, what grade it is before you can start to think about treatment. Do you know what type of breast cancer you have, or what grade it is?

By the next time you see your consultant to get your results, he will have already discussed your treatment with his MDT (multi-disciplinary) team.and, will be able to discuss the best options for you.

Have you been given an appointment to go back for your test results, or are you waiting on a phone call to tell you when?

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

I get the biopsy results on 25th, have a full body CT scan next week and have those results on the 25th. The consultant told me at my yearly check up that he doesn’t yet know if it’s the same cancer or a different type. The tumour is small as it was the first time around. I felt very lucky the first time around as I was called in for a mammogram early on a trial and was under 50, I was 48 at the time and it was caught very early. It was a bit of a shock when I went for my check  up. I saw the consultant before my mammogram and he was telling me I could stop taking the Tamoxifen if I wanted to as I am such a low risk of it returning in the next 15 years. He was really shocked at the results, told me to carry on taking the Tamoxifen. First time around I just needed surgery and radiotherapy, just a bit worried that I will need more this time. 

Hope all goes well with your surgery x x x 

Jo

Thanks Chrissie, 

I was hoping I just need lumpectomy and radiotherapy again with it being in the opposite side. There seems to be no information on the internet about it, guess it’s just a case of waiting now for the appointment.

Jo x x 

Hi Lottie,

It is a terrible shock to get a second cancer diagnosis. I managed to persuade myself that I had secondary cancer whilst I was waiting to get my test results back. In the end, I felt very fortunate, because it was another primary of the same type of cancer.

What type of cancer were you diagnosed with originally? I understand that some oncologists now advise patients to stay on Tamoxifen and Letrozole for 10 years instead of the five they used to recommend. They may change you to another drug, because Tamoxifen hasn't prevented the cancer from growing in your other breast - this was why I was put on to Letrozole.

I am glad to hear that your tumour is only a small one this time too and hope that this means that you have caught it early again.

I am thinking of you  and hope that you are not finding the wait for results too stressful - it is always a scary time, but it sounds as if your consultant is being ultra-cautious with your CT scan too, but better safe than sorry.

Fingers crossed for good results on 25th.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

I have no idea what type of cancer I had last time, I just know it was hormone receptive to oestrogen. I was first told it was grade 2 then after removed I was told it was a slow growing cancer so a grade 1. Last time around I just treated it like having a cold but not feeling that way this time around. I know this is the hardest time, waiting on the results, just feels more scary having a body scan. 

Jo x x x 

Jolamine, 

Thank you for your reply. Means a lot to talk to someone who’s been through the same x x x

HI Lottie,

Try not to worry too much about your CT scan. It sounds as if your consultant is just playing extra cautious after the surprize he got when he discovered that you had cancer in the other breast. Far better to rule out any metastases at this time. if he can.

Your consultant should be able to tell you the type and grade of breast cancer you had to start with, if you ask him at your next visit. I had a CT scan and MRI on both occasions, but fortunately , nothing more sinister turned up.

Try to occupy yourself with other pursuits to help pass the time that you are waiting for your results. Are you bringing someone with you to your appointment? It is always a good idea to do this. It is also advisable to draw up a list of questions you have for your consultant.

Kind regards,
Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

My husband is coming with me and I will write questions down thanks. X x x

Jo

Hi Jo,

I am glad to hear that your husband is going with you and, that you will draw up a list of questions before you attend your appointment. It is all too easy to forget important questions in the heat of the moment if you don't.

Less than a week for you to wait now.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx