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Lumps following bi lateral mastectomy. Recurrance?
Hello All,
I had a bi lateral mastectomy 2.5 years ago, with Stage 1 breast cancer. No lymph node involvement. At my 6 month check up they found a lump in my underarm area. Painful, very small. I'm having an ultrasound this week. Anyone out there with Stage 1 and mastectomy had a recurrence? I'm worried because I know that a small amount of breast tissue remains, even after bi lateral mastectomy. My risk is considered low but I'm still worried that I'll be that person who gets this every two years.....seems to be how it kind of goes with me. Want to share with others who may have experienced this and what they found. Cancer? Other possibilities?
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Hi Cindy,
How worrisome this must be for you. I'm tagging others to bring them into this discussion: @sistie @hereigoagain @wandering @coquimti @mbear
Will you be able to see your oncologist the same day as the ultrasound? I'll be thinking of you this week.
Thank you Colleen. I am worried. I have done this 'dance' every two years now for 4.5 years. I really hope it's nothing because it's not a good outcome if it crept over and started up again (although from my reading it can do that). Two years ago when I was diagnosed with invasive cancer it was a similar lump, an ultrasound and the ultrasound doctor knew it was cancer. I probably won't see my oncologist but she's very good and if it's a problem, I'm sure I'll hear from her promptly. I ask lots of questions and try to get a 'read' on it myself when I'm under going these tests (doctors find me irritating I'm sure!). My recurrence risk was only 8% but then, someone is in that 8%.....feedback from any others would be great. Will keep you posted. Appreciate your support.
Hi Cindy,
I wanted to check in on you. Any news about the lumps?
Thanks for checking up on me Colleen!! (someone needs to watch me all the time!)
I got good news on my 'lumps'. I had and still have a small lump and sore spot in my right axilla area (the side where I had invasive breast cancer prior to my bi lateral mastectomy). I had an ultrasound done and both the tech and doctor did the test (so twice) and they couldn't see any mass or anything irregular. I was thrilled. They said my lymph nodes looked normal as well. I suppose it could just be a slightly angry lymph node or ...... I will keep an eye on it and if there are any changes I will go back to the doctor on it.
Once you have breast cancer every little lump or bump becomes a source of worry. Hopefully this is nothing as well but I'm a 'super worrier' so if any changes I will go back for another ultrasound or MRI. I have to change insurance (and doctors) again starting June 1. That makes things less cohesive and difficult unfortunately. I have to be my own doctor a bit more than if I consistently had one insurance that all doctors accepted.
Such good news. Worrying about every lump, bump and cough is a reality for everyone post cancer, I'm afraid. It comes with the new normal. So important to balance the worry with being vigilant and being your own advocate for your health. Good for you.