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Tumor Invasion to Pectoral Muscle?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 13, 2023 | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I don't remember if you have posted about your chest tumor finding before, but I am interested in how it was found. Also, what tests and types of exams did the doctors do in your yearly post- mastectomy check ups. I have your diagnosis. I was told the same percentages of recurrence. All I get is a Diagnostic mammogram on my remaining breast. And a cursory exam of my mastectomy site. So cursory, in fact, that I had cording that she didn't feel. I don't know what to do. Should I have an ultrasound, ordered by an outside doctor, on my mastectomy side once a year? What should I do?
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Hi @colely I can't keep track of all the conversations at this point either so I could be repeating myself.
In answer to your question about my post-mastectomy follow-up care. I had a double mastectomy so no more mammograms. It has been 10 years so a little fuzzy on the early years. My surgical oncologist (comprehensive care breast center) actually handled my follow-up care. I would see her one visit, then the PA on the next visit, back and forth. All tests/exams were bilateral even though the cancer was only on the right side.
Years 1-2: Extended visit/manual exam every 3 months with surgeon/PA. Bilateral MRI at one year. I believe I had ultrasounds every 6 months the first year or two.
Years 3-5: Extended visit/manual exam every 6 months with surgeon/PA. Ultrasound annually.
Years 6-7 (would have been more): Extended visit/manual exam every year with surgeon or PA. Ultrasound annually. I found the tumor myself at the 7 year mark.
BTW, I've been through PT three times over the years due to cording. It really helps!
As for what you should do, definitely go talk to your doctor because it's weighing heavily on your mind. I certainly felt better having those ultrasounds every year. They are easy, harmless and the radiologist came in right after to tell me the results. Remember to keep up with your self-exams too. I actually didn't because with my now bony chest, scars, lumps and bumps, I found it hard to tell what is what. Is this a lump? Is that? It can be hard to tell, but when I found the real tumor, I KNEW it wasn't good because it felt so unusual. I actually found the tumor by accident in the shower. It was hard, painless, immobile and fairly round 1.2 cm. No symptoms of any kind.
Be vigilant, but very hopeful because the odds are in your favor. I have both the BRCA2 and CHEK2 mutations that added to the normal risk they were quoting me. That means my tumor suppressor genes aren't working right.
Did you go to a cancer center? Breast center? If not, check those out for more comprehensive care programs. Keep me posted. You're in my prayers!