Anyone experience regional recurrence of stage 1 ER+ BC < 5 years?

I had local recurrence, near scar after lumpectomy, 2.5 yrs after diagnosis of same (IDC, ER+), even after having radiation. But your symptoms may be due to radiation? My rad oncologist said pains could occur years after the radiation, as I had been worried like you about pains more regionally.
They went away, but then the local bc recurrence happened in my case. Best to get it checked out.

Thanks for responding. How long was it before your pain subsided? So sorry about your second diagnosis. I will definitely ask about the pain and swelling I’m experiencing at my upcoming appointment.

I'm not sure, but since they assured me it wasn't due to cancer returning, I just stopped worrying about it and eventually no longer had the pains.

@gldilli - Thank you for asking the question. That's what the blog is all about; we are all here to help one another!
Can you share what type of symptoms you have been experiencing? Did you do radiation? Are you on Aromatase Inhibitors? When is your next check-up?

HUGS!

D.

I had radiation in February 2022 and started aromatase inhibitor in March. Some swelling developed soon after, left breast is about one cup size larger than the right. In last six months I started having some dull pain near breastbone, top and side of breast near underarm. I’m also having more nerve sensation going down the arm. There are also a couple of very tender spots in the breast itself. It’s all likely due to the radiation given my low risk factor for early recurrence. My next oncology appt is in March.

I had some discomfort about 1 to 1 1/2 years after radiation. I was worried before my next MRI, but it was nothing. I asked my doctor and she said that the discomfort could be permanent. However, I’ve noticed since then, it has lessened and I hardly think about it anymore. I do not think it’s connected to a recurrence. From what I read, this experience is quite common. I also have permanent nerve damage under my arm. That was due to the surgery and removal of two lymph nodes.

Hi! @cashemire :

So sorry about your experience of local recurrence:( Since the pain went away, it must have been even more shocking to find out you had the regional recurrence near the scar of the surgery site! How did they realize the recurrence of BC eventually? Did they miss the early signs some how? I am so sorry to refresh this painful experience for you....

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us to help us striving forward!

Please don’t wait until your next appointment. Call your oncologist’s office and tell them all your symptoms! You could also call your breast surgeon’s office-my surgery was 2.5 years ago, and I still see the surgeon’s NP every six months, and call her anytime with questions or concerns. I think someone should check this out ASAP.

That said, could this be breast lymphedema? I have that, and my PT said she’s seen the affected breast swell to enormous proportions. My case is thankfully mild, and very easily managed with specific exercises and a Swell Spot.

Anyway, please don’t wait! Keep me posted if you can. Hugs 🤗

Hi! I’m 48, stage 2A IDC/DCIS, ER/PR +, HER2 - grade 3, Oncotype 20, diagnosed 8/21. My onc says I’m at a high risk of recurrence, ugh, but is optimistic because we’ve thrown everything at the darn cancer we can (surgery, chemo, radiation, Zoladex, exemestane, and Verzenio). I get either a mammo or MRI every six months, switching between the two. I see my breast surgeon’s NP every six months for a thorough breast exam and chat, as well as six months checks with radiation nurses, and my yearly OB/Gyn visits. I see my oncologist every six months. I can, and absolutely do, call any of these wonderful providers with any question or concern, no matter how minor, even if it seems unrelated to the cancer.

I say all that to encourage you to please contact one or more of your docs to discuss your concerns. Thankfully I haven’t had a recurrence, but I have certainly heard of ladies with early stage breast cancer have a recurrence even within the first year. If something is troubling, honor your feelings and call your doc. If it’s nothing, hooray! Now it’s off your mind. If it’s something, thank goodness you found out earlier rather than later, and you can do what needs to be done.

(Sorry for the lecture. I’m an oldest daughter, so I’m super bossy, and of course I know everything.)

Keep me posted. Hugs 🤗

*I just realized you are the same person I replied to when I reference lymphedema. You got a double lecture, sorry!*

@gldilli - Thank you for the information. I am not a doctor, but I recommend you call your surgeon's office and request to be seen as soon as possible. Please don't wait until your oncology visit to discuss it with the oncologist.

@gldilli - Yes, it may all be explained away: It could all be due to the surgery, radiation, or the aromatase inhibitors, and I believe some of these symptoms are so. However, determining quickly the nature of ALL of your symptoms will give you peace of mind.

HUGS,

D.