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Anyone had cancer return while taking hormone therapy meds?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (240)Comment receiving replies
@anjalima
Hello,
I can’t get in for my MRI until August 30th. I’m nervous that since the ultrasound couldn’t see the palpable lump, what if the MRI shows nothing, as well, and they say it’s fine, even though we can clearly feel it.
It scares me because the only reason they found my rare invasive cancer was because I felt a lump. The initial needle biopsy came back as ADH, so they said I should have it removed. It ended up being “grade 2, extensive” DCIS and during the lumpectomy, the surgeon noticed an area that “looked strange” so she removed that also and that was what came back as the rare cancer. It hadn’t been seen on mammo or ultrasound.
I am hoping the MRI can tell 100% that it’s scar tissue or something benign but what if that doesn’t happen? What should I ask my next steps to be so that I feel confident nothing further is needed?
Replies to "@anjalima Hello, I can’t get in for my MRI until August 30th. I’m nervous that since..."
@mchler73
It’s all so frustrating. So sorry that you’re dealing with this!
One thing you might ask about is the differential diagnosis. If the consideration is that it might be scar, or it could be ADH, or it could be the rare cancer (missed in previous scans), or it could be DCIS - there are different features they consider to eliminate options. It might help to know what they’re basing their decision on, so you feel assured that they really are identifying what it is.
Have them talk through the features of what the MRI is showing differentiating it from what it is/not:
1) Your rare cancer had these features that would be visible in an MRI. What we’re seeing now is ___
Is it same or different, how?
2) DCIS, or ADH, has what features visible during an MRI? What we’re see now is ___
It is same or different, how?
3) A palpable, but not visible, non cancerous lump is expected to have these features seen on a MRI.
Your MRI shows ___
4) Scar tissue appears with what features on a MRI? If your MRI shows scar, how is this tissue different from any of the above? Is this scar just from manipulation of non cancerous breast tissue?
Or, it is scar where cancer tissue was removed? then how are they planning to monitor this as leftover cells could be present. A lump indicates cells are reproducing, they could be non cancerous, but may be an opportunity for any leftover cell.
I am very hopeful your MRI with contrast will help the radiologist with a diagnosis! MRI the gold std! Please keep us posted! Xoxo
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My heart goes out to you. We’ve all experienced anxiety in this journey and it’s probably the worst part. I found walking and practicing breathing help calm me down. If the MRI finds nothing, would you consider mastectomy for your peace of mind? I’m a brca and planning to have DMX next year. Hugs.