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Tumor Invasion to Pectoral Muscle?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 13, 2023 | Replies (19)

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@californiazebra

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!

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Replies to "Hi @colely I can't keep track of all the conversations at this point either so I..."

Thank you for your detailed answer! I will be more vigilant in the future, with my self- exams. I have been told that what they are doing for me is the protocol for my diagnosis and that they won't change it. I can't go anywhere else right now. I went to P.T. for shoulder problems after surgery. Then to O.T. for cording. And now back to get steroid shot for shoulder pain. And then back to O.T. for NEW, LARGER CORDING, that just developed. Three years, 2 months and counting.