New Mass--I have Questions

[cafe1084]

Hey all,

I found a new mass under my left axilla this past week. It is a good 2 1/2 inches from my mastectomy scar and feels the same as my breast mass was and is approximately 1 cm x 1 cm. I saw the oncologist and the surgeon today and was scheduled for a CT scan and a biopsy on Monday. The surgeon says it is possible that it is fat necrosis. I have heard of this briefly with reconstruction, but I was wondering if any of you have experienced it and thought it was a recurrence. I am also interested in knowing if any of you have developed a resistance to herceptin. If this is a recurrence for me, does it mean that the herceptin I've been getting for all of 5 months isn't going to help me ever again in the future? Breast cancer is bad enough. fearing that I'm resistant to Herceptin is worse!

Thanks,
Steph C

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Don't panic. I too have heard of fat necrosis. Scar tissue maybe? See my story in my signature. It is my understanding that if you are resistent to Herceptin -- Tykerb was made for you. + there is some bld test now that shows if you are going to be a poor Herceptin recipient. I went on in '98 before they had that. Obviously, it is my magic bullet. But I attended a lecture a few wks ago where they mentioned the Tykerb working for those who weren't responding to Herceptin.

Don't jump the gun. No one has said Herceptin is not for you. It is so hard to be vigilant and proactive and involved and not become crazed, but that is what you must do. Please let us know how this goes. You have my prayers for a simple answer and the joy of being STABLE. With loving energy... ANDI

[Becky]

I have this although it is smaller than yours (but maybe not) and was fat and glandular tissue located about 1.5 inches from my lumpectomy scar. It was a bit scary but for some reason, I felt it would be okay. Keep the faith. This can all be so hard.

Also, if this is a local recurrence for you, it does NOT mean that the Herceptin isn't working. Chemo and Herceptin (or any IV drug) has a very difficult time penetrating scar tissue. The Herceptin is probably doing its job everywhere it can get to.

Big hug to you.

[cafe1084]

The fact that this just showed up out of nowhere has me in a bit of a panic. It is absolutely crazy how in one day I went from enrolling in classes, contemplating a job transfer, house hunting, and looking forward to reconstruction this fall to a dead stand-still, afraid to make any decisions based on this lumpy thing under my arm. Knowing this can and HAS happened to someone else and turned out to be benign gives me some reassurance that it could be something other than a recurrence. I guess what I yet have to learn is that life will go on and so will I, no matter what may be thrown in my path. Thank you both for the positive thoughts. I certainly needed them in a bad way.
Steph C

[Mary Anne in TX]

Steph, keep those house hunting, job search dreams alive. They give us hope, determination, courage and that special sparkle. I'm pulling for you!
ma

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Yes, Steph. I'm a firm believer in making your INTENTIONS clear to your body and to the Universe. Your vivid EXPECTATIONS translate into mental chatter and whisperings, which induce coordinating pictures. YOUR BODY HEARS EVERY THING YOU SAY AND WHISPER and takes it all very seriously. So you go right on planning, AS IF what you truly want is on its way, coming directly to you. Live AS IF what you dream of ALREADY EXISTS! With love... ANDI :)

[janet11]

Steph, I found a lump the same day you did -- not far from my lumpy scar. Called my surgeon and I'm scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound on Monday. After 30 minutes of being terrified, I'm now realizing that it's likely it's SO many other things.. that I've been able to relax and not worry until/unless I find there's something to worry about.

So good luck with your tests on Monday and I hope we BOTH get great results...

Janet

[cafe1084]

Janet, I hate that for you....that initial panic is horrific! What I'm wondering is this: When do we stop worrying about every lump and bump we find? Probably never! But, being ever vigilant with our bodies is a positive thing and may someday save us. I'll be thinking about you and wishing for positive things for you come Monday....hugs to you all!

Steph C

[theresaw]

I also felt what I thought was a reacurrence mass, however after having a ct scan and mri it was just scar tissue. Boy was I happy!!! I wish the same for you!!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Dr. Gaynor swears taking PERFUSIA SR, which is Argenine 380) -- just 1 a day -- vs bottle directions -- will fix low EF! He prefers this particular brand for Argenine. Can get it cheaper -- but quality is key. :) With loving, healing energy... ANDI