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Joanne S · 11-27-2007, 08:19 PM

Charlotte, I wouldn't worry yet---chances are that it is just an inflamation, infection or cyst. I agree with the other responses and suggest you get a biopsy done to be sure.

We are all at risk for having breast cancer grow back in the same breast area after mastectomy because there is no guarantee that 100% of breast tissue or breast cancer was removed (microscopic cells can remain after surgery).

You indicated you were initially dx as Stage 1. I'm a little confused by your post---I wasn't sure if you had a recurrence two years after your initial diagnosis? If so, where is the recurrence? Possibly Stage 3 or 4? Stage 4 (metastized) is considered advanced disease when you have a recurrence in another area/organ other than the breast or lymph nodes;( i.e., liver, lung, bone).

You may find this link helpful:
Staging explained:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/co...5.asp?rnav=cri
Page down to The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM System
or
click Staging Explained 11-18-2007

Well wishes,

11-27-2007, 08:19 PM	#4
Joanne S Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area, Michigan Posts: 592	Charlotte, I wouldn't worry yet---chances are that it is just an inflamation, infection or cyst. I agree with the other responses and suggest you get a biopsy done to be sure. We are all at risk for having breast cancer grow back in the same breast area after mastectomy because there is no guarantee that 100% of breast tissue or breast cancer was removed (microscopic cells can remain after surgery). You indicated you were initially dx as Stage 1. I'm a little confused by your post---I wasn't sure if you had a recurrence two years after your initial diagnosis? If so, where is the recurrence? Possibly Stage 3 or 4? Stage 4 (metastized) is considered advanced disease when you have a recurrence in another area/organ other than the breast or lymph nodes;( i.e., liver, lung, bone). You may find this link helpful: Staging explained: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/co...5.asp?rnav=cri Page down to The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM System or click Staging Explained 11-18-2007 Well wishes, __________________ Aug06...Dx Age 50, IDC Left Breast, 6+/16 lymph nodes, Stg 3, ER+/PR+/HER2+ Sep06-Jan07...Mediport. Chemo: AC x 4, T x 4 Dec06-Nov07...Herceptin Feb12,2007...Surg MRM Left & SM Right, reconstruct w/expanders Mar07-Jun07...Saline Exp Jun07...Start Tamoxifen Jun07-Aug07...Rad x 25 Jun07-Oct07...Persistent fevers-unknown origin Jun07-Nov07...PT for Severe PMPS & Capsular Contracture Nov07...Surg Capsulectomy, Gel Implants, PMPS pain gone instantly. Feb08...NED 1st CANCERVERSARY!!!!! Feb08...2 months post surgery Caps Cont again :( Mar08...Stop Tamoxifen. Start Arimidex. Apr08...Sudden high fever, Hosp ICU 10 days, staph infect, emerg surg, implants removed. Outpt IVantibiotics Daily x 6 weeks Feb11...NED 5th CANCERVERSARY!!!!! Feb12...NED 6th CANCERVERSARY!!!!! Aug12...Spotting. Surg=D&C Sep12...STAGE IV = RARE BC METS TO UTERUS ILC ER+/PR+/HER2-Negative) (Different BC than originally diagnosed = IDC ER+/PR+/HER2+). Sep12...Stop Arimidex. Start Afinitor & Aromasin. Jan13...MRI = no progression no reduction Apr13...Progression. Stop Afinitor & Aromasin. Apr13...Start Chemo: Taxol & Carboplatin. Nov13...Scans & Pelvic 95+% Reduction. Nueropathy>Stop chemo start Fareston. Jan14...PET scan = no progression stable. May14...Pelvic > Bleeding & cramps. TMs up. May14...PET scan = uterine progression :( May14...Stop Fareston. Start Chemo: Xeloda.