Need 2nd lumpectomy?

Hello Diane
I lost one breast in '86 (I was also 38 at the time), had 10 rounds of chemo, then lost the other one in '88 and had to do the chemo over again, then radiation. Both were cancerous.
My advice would be to get that second lumpectomy.
I also took tamoxifen for 7 years. Did not have any extreme side effects. Was still glad to get off of it eventually, but even gladder that I am still here 22 1/2 years later. Don't take any chances if there are procedures and treatments available that may save or prolong your life.
If problems or side effects do surface they can be dealt with.
God bless.

mimivac said:

I agree with zahalene
Of course, talk to your doctor about all this before making a decision. But just from my perspective, I would do everything I can to lower my risk of recurrance. I cannot have hormonal therapy because I am ER negative, but I really, really wish I could. Did you see the article posted somewhere on this board about the latest reseach on taxoxifen? Maybe do some of your own reseach and then go to your doctor with questions. Congrats on finsihing your treatments, and the best of luck on future decisions.

Mimi

Me, too.
I agree with Mimi and Zahelene. Get the 2nd lumpectomy. I had a UT guided biopsy of microcalcifications (which can be pre-cancerous) in my opposite breast after my lumpectomy. Turned out benign, but they removed the calcifications as a preventative. That was a year ago. My most recent mammogram showed "appeared normal" in both breasts. Take advantage of all treatments and procedures that will benefit you. As for tamoxifen, your doctor can give you the statistics on survival and recurrence with and without that treatment. I was told that without Arimidex and chemo, my chances of recurrence were 26%. With chemo and Arimidex, my chances of recurrence dropped to 14 - 15%. The 10% decrease is a significant number. Hang in there and good luck with your recovery. Keep posting. Hugs, Marilynn

Yes, I had something on the other side
Hi Diane,

My doctors found a spot in my right breast and lymphnode while I was on chemo for treatment for the invasive ductal carcinoma that was on my left side.

I finished chemo and then had a double mastectomy. The pathology showed there was still some cancer in my lymphnode on the right side (even though I'd completed 12 straight weeks of chemo).

I encourage you to go forward with the lumpectomy. Even though it is a precancerous spot, you will have peace of mind getting it removed.

Talk with your doctor about Tamoxifin. As I understand it, Tamoxifin cuts your risk of recurrance in half. So if you've been told that your risk is 20% for recurrance, Tamoxifin would drop it to 10%.

I'm almost 38, but was 36 when all of this started for me. Staying on top of all the decisions my doctors have made and being an active participant in the decision making process, has been important to me.

Chelle

Diane 88 said:

Thanks everyone
Thanks to everyone for your input.
I wanted to update you. The surgery went fine with no more cancer found. I also just had a mammogram that was clear. My concern now is lung nodules throughout both lungs that I will be talking to a lung specialist about Mon.
I started taking the Tamoxifen today. I cried about it for awhile before I did it. I just don't want the nasty side effects and thought I wanted to have a baby...guess that's out. I just want to live and not think about possibly dying from cancer. I'm too young just turned 39.
Take Care All of you!
Diane

Hi, Diane
Thanks for the update, and glad to hear from you. Good news, and some not so good. Glad your surgery went well, and for the clean mammo. I'll be hoping for the best possible outcome from your appointment on Monday, with sincere best wishes. Please let us know how it goes.

I took Tamoxifen for 2 years (before being switched to Arimidex - now 3+ years and still counting). Had no side effects from the Tamoxifen. There are risks with everything - it's all about weighing those risks, one against the other. I hope you do well with it.

Though I'm so sorry that "having" a baby isn't the safest thing for you to do, and sense your disappointment - if you really want to raise a child, there are other options to consider. Maybe not right now. Most importantly, focus on yourself and healing both your body and your spirit.

(P.S.: Your photo is precious - such a cute kitty!)

Diane 88 said:

Thanks everyone
Thanks to everyone for your input.
I wanted to update you. The surgery went fine with no more cancer found. I also just had a mammogram that was clear. My concern now is lung nodules throughout both lungs that I will be talking to a lung specialist about Mon.
I started taking the Tamoxifen today. I cried about it for awhile before I did it. I just don't want the nasty side effects and thought I wanted to have a baby...guess that's out. I just want to live and not think about possibly dying from cancer. I'm too young just turned 39.
Take Care All of you!
Diane

I am so glad to read that
I am so glad to read that your surgery went fine. And, no more cancer!

Good luck on Monday. Let us know what you find out!

Chellebug said:

Yes, I had something on the other side
Hi Diane,

My doctors found a spot in my right breast and lymphnode while I was on chemo for treatment for the invasive ductal carcinoma that was on my left side.

I finished chemo and then had a double mastectomy. The pathology showed there was still some cancer in my lymphnode on the right side (even though I'd completed 12 straight weeks of chemo).

I encourage you to go forward with the lumpectomy. Even though it is a precancerous spot, you will have peace of mind getting it removed.

Talk with your doctor about Tamoxifin. As I understand it, Tamoxifin cuts your risk of recurrance in half. So if you've been told that your risk is 20% for recurrance, Tamoxifin would drop it to 10%.

I'm almost 38, but was 36 when all of this started for me. Staying on top of all the decisions my doctors have made and being an active participant in the decision making process, has been important to me.

Chelle

Hey Chelle. Sounds like you
Hey Chelle. Sounds like you are doing good now.

Congrats on finishing your treatments!

Diane 88 said:

I am troubled
I found out that they don't know if it's cancer. I have to make a choice of either running a scope down to the lung lymph nodes for a biopsy OR wait 3 months and redo the CT scan to see if it has changed. I am losing sleep over this decision. You are awake for the scope altough drugged up. With me freaking out the medicine should be real special.
Later, I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for the update.
Thanks for the update. Won't you have the scope now? Isn't waiting taking a risk or not?

Please let us know what you decide and update us.

Diane 88 said:

Not decided
Thanks for everyone's input. I still have not decided to do the scope. I may just wait for 3 months then do the CT Scan again. The scope is not a sure thing...meaning there could be a false reading if they can get the right tissue. In the mean time my husband and friends have planned a great vacation of the 2 places I wanted to see Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

scope...
Diane, I am very sorry you are dealing with this new problem. The scope will surely not be pleasant, but it might end the wondering. Three months is a long time to lose sleep over. I don't think you need to worry about finding something now rather than later. Treatment options won't change much between now and 3 months from now. However, this is a quality of life issue. Good luck with your decision. Please come back and let us know what you decide.

Mimi

Diane 88 said:

Not decided
Thanks for everyone's input. I still have not decided to do the scope. I may just wait for 3 months then do the CT Scan again. The scope is not a sure thing...meaning there could be a false reading if they can get the right tissue. In the mean time my husband and friends have planned a great vacation of the 2 places I wanted to see Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Diane
you kinda mentioned above about the scope and taking meds above...Just wondering if you freak out when it comes to taking medicine??? and having stuff done to your body??.. IV's and what they are putting into your body?? If so I thought I was the only one!!! I freak out over everything!! I'm terrified of the side effects to the point that I have panic attacks... I know it's all in my head but I can't help it!!

I am sooo glad you are getting away for awhile... It will do your soul some good!!! When do you leave??? I'm stuck here I need so bad to get away to forget for about what I just went through to get to this side of being a Survivor!!!

HUGZ...Calleen