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← Return to Distant recurrence risk
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Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 8, 2023 | Replies (23)
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First of all, I am sorry to hear that you did not receive the best information from your original Oncologist. I am in total agreement with you on seeking second and even third opinions when it comes to BC.
I had my double mastectomy in October and will be doing reconstruction with implants in June. This was a very difficult decision and I am concerned about how I will check for reoccurrence with implants in place. Did you have implants when you discovered your reoccurrence? Appreciate any information you are comfortable sharing.
Replies to "First of all, I am sorry to hear that you did not receive the best information..."
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No. I was not a good reconstruction candidate due to a keloid scarring disorder and my pre-existing neuropathy so the marble-sized, hard, immobile, painless lump was very noticeable on my bony chest. I just wear silicone prosthetics if going out when I want my clothes to fit nicer like work or a nice evening out. When I'm at home, walking dogs, running errands, I just wear a loosely fitting top and don't worry about it. I like comfort. Each person needs to do what is right for them. 🙂
You do ask a good question though. Definitely ask your oncologists. I just googled your question. Breastcancer.org states baseline MRI in case future issues arise, then yearly physical exams and monthly self-exams are considered sufficient. So I guess you can feel any lump through the reconstruction.
cancer.org states: reconstruction rarely hides a return of breast cancer so you should not consider this a big risk when deciding to have breast reconstruction.
Without reconstruction, I had a breast MRI the first couple years then an annual ultrasound for the next 5 years. Luckily, my annual ultrasound was scheduled just two days away when I found the lump so no waiting. Maybe they monitored me more heavily due to my BRCA2 mutation? I hope your reconstruction goes smoothly.