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Joan M · 03-19-2008, 09:28 PM

Liz,

Your topic is very timely. Thank you ladies for all your insight on this dilemma.

I had a mammogram of my left breast a few weeks ago and was called back for additional views and a sonogram last Tuesday. The sonogram showed an 8 mm nodule. The radiation oncologist said it had benign characteristics, but recommended a core biopsy because of my breast cancer history. I have to call tomorrow to make an appointment.

I've had a surgical biopsy on that breast after I was scheduled for my right breast mastectomy, and then a core biopsy about 18 months ago.

I started to consider whether I should have a prophylactic mastectomy (provided everything comes back benign for the core biopsy) so I don't have to deal with the uncertainty.

I had DIEP flap reconstruction when I had the right breast mastectomy, and I can't do that again on the left side. I'm not keen on an implant, but I guess it doesn't matter.

03-19-2008, 09:28 PM	#19
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Liz, Your topic is very timely. Thank you ladies for all your insight on this dilemma. I had a mammogram of my left breast a few weeks ago and was called back for additional views and a sonogram last Tuesday. The sonogram showed an 8 mm nodule. The radiation oncologist said it had benign characteristics, but recommended a core biopsy because of my breast cancer history. I have to call tomorrow to make an appointment. I've had a surgical biopsy on that breast after I was scheduled for my right breast mastectomy, and then a core biopsy about 18 months ago. I started to consider whether I should have a prophylactic mastectomy (provided everything comes back benign for the core biopsy) so I don't have to deal with the uncertainty. I had DIEP flap reconstruction when I had the right breast mastectomy, and I can't do that again on the left side. I'm not keen on an implant, but I guess it doesn't matter. __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!