HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Strange symptoms

Lolly · 10-26-2007, 01:03 PM

Steph, I've had small variocose-like veins around the scar line of my left-side mastectomy, ever since my first recurrence in 2001. The recurrence was to the nodes, supraclavicular and neck, on that side, and also a small area of skin right over the clavicle. This little area of skin has also had a veinous look ever since.
My onc is always vigilant about checking these areas, looking closely and feeling for any possible lumps, whenever I have a clinical.

My "vein" problem may look entirely different than yours, so don't know if this is helpful, but at my initial recurrence a biopsy of the clavicle skin disturbance confirmed it was b.c., but was determined to be NOT inflammatory.

Hope this helps rather than scares. If it continues to be a concern, maybe a biopsy?

<3 Lolly

10-26-2007, 01:03 PM	#4
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Steph, I've had small variocose-like veins around the scar line of my left-side mastectomy, ever since my first recurrence in 2001. The recurrence was to the nodes, supraclavicular and neck, on that side, and also a small area of skin right over the clavicle. This little area of skin has also had a veinous look ever since. My onc is always vigilant about checking these areas, looking closely and feeling for any possible lumps, whenever I have a clinical. My "vein" problem may look entirely different than yours, so don't know if this is helpful, but at my initial recurrence a biopsy of the clavicle skin disturbance confirmed it was b.c., but was determined to be NOT inflammatory. Hope this helps rather than scares. If it continues to be a concern, maybe a biopsy? <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.