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Old 05-25-2014, 01:21 PM   #1
Deeze
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Question Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Good Afternoon,

I joined this group about 3 1/2 years ago. I can't recall if I ever posted or just peeked around.

I'm searching for answers to curiosity questions:

I was diagnosed Her2 Positive/Stage 4 in August of 2010. Metastasis was to liver and right lung. Immediately, chemo was started then in December a right mastectomy and 47 right axillary lymph nodes removed (all of them) followed with radiation in February and March 2011. During and since, I've been on every three weeks Herceptin infusions. After about a year of Herceptin only, some more spots were seen in right lung and Tykerb was added to my treatment.

Fast forward to current: A week ago I had a routine mammogram on left breast which showed a number of small areas of Bi-Rads 4 "highly suspicious for malignancy" calcifications. I'm scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy on Friday, May 30th.

When I was first diagnosed in 2010, and informed that a mastectomy was necessary, I asked for a double mastectomy but was discouraged and pretty much told no. I LOVE the care and professionalism I receive where I'm treated but have never really understood the reasoning behind a unilateral mastectomy. I specifically asked, per leaving my left breast alone, "what about cancer showing in the existing natural breast and possibly having to go thru another mastectomy." My answer was (condensed); "Her2 doesn't work that way. IF you should get cancer in your left breast it would be coincidence where Her2 is concerned. It won't be because that breast wasn't removed."

Here I am today looking at "highly suspicious for malignancy" in my existing natural breast. I know that I may be "putting the cart before the horse" with the questions below before getting my actual findings, but, haven't we all been there?

My questions are:
1) Have any others here experienced a parallel to what I've described above?
2) Are there any of you who would have a clue as to what I might be looking at, per my history, concerning either/or radiation, or chemo, or mastectomy.....or combos?
3) Would anyone know if these areas prove to be malignant if they'd be most likely Her2 or an different type breast cancer.

If these areas of concern are malignant... I nearly made four years. I think that's pretty good, don't you? I've been told that it was not a matter of IF cancer returned but rather WHEN. In the interim I chose to live as that wasn't factual.

Choosing Joy has been and will continue to be my mantra....however, I do recognize that this isn't joy at all, but life all around it can still have joy.

Thanks for reading such a long post.

Blessings,

Deeze
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Old 05-25-2014, 02:36 PM   #2
Jackie07
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi Deeze,

That sure is frustrating to be denied a bi-lateral only to find a new cancer in the opposite breast 3 years later!

I was talked out of a mastectomy in 2003 when I was diagnosed with a stage I (1.2 cm) Her2+++ breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. 3 years later, after I made an appointment with the original surgeon, we found that the lumpectomy she performed had missed a chunk of cells and the new growth had been misread (by radiologists) to be scar tissues. So I insisted on a bilateral mastectomy - partly because I didn't want to take any risks again, partly because of insurance concerns.

Then I requested for the BRCA gene test (thanks to what I'd learned from knowledgeable members on this Board. Marcia alerted me of the Jewish settlement in ancient China) and assessed the genetic risks. A year later, after a new cancer case occurred to a family member, I located the cancer cluster called Lynch syndrome (HNPCC) and decided on a prophylactic hysterectomy/oophorectomy ... (The surgeon found hyperplasia in the uterine cells.)

Below is the abstract of a recent study about cancer in the contralateral breast. One of the reasons why surgeons prefer to cut less than more is 'angiogenesis' - growth of new blood vassals from a wound/cut/operation that helps cancer to spread.

JAMA Surg. 2014 May 21. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2013.5689. [Epub ahead of print]
Social and Clinical Determinants of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy.
Hawley ST1, Jagsi R2, Morrow M3, Janz NK4, Hamilton A5, Graff JJ6, Katz SJ7.
Author information
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The growing rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among women diagnosed as having breast cancer has raised concerns about potential for overtreatment. Yet, there are few large survey studies of factors that affect women's decisions for this surgical treatment option. OBJECTIVE To determine factors associated with the use of CPM in a population-based sample of patients with breast cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A longitudinal survey of 2290 women newly diagnosed as having breast cancer who reported to the Detroit and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries from June 1, 2005, to February 1, 2007, and again 4 years later (June 2009 to February 2010) merged with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry data (n = 1536). Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with type of surgery. Primary independent variables included clinical indications for CPM (genetic mutation and/or strong family history), diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, and patient extent of worry about recurrence at the time of treatment decision making. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Type of surgery received from patient self-report, categorized as CPM, unilateral mastectomy, or breast conservation surgery. RESULTS Of the 1447 women in the analytic sample, 18.9% strongly considered CPM and 7.6% received it. Of those who strongly considered CPM, 32.2% received CPM, while 45.8% received unilateral mastectomy and 22.8% received breast conservation surgery (BCS). The majority of patients (68.9%) who received CPM had no major genetic or familial risk factors for contralateral disease. Multivariate regression showed that receipt of CPM (vs either unilateral mastectomy or breast conservation surgery) was significantly associated with genetic testing (positive or negative) (vs UM, relative risk ratio [RRR]: 10.48; 95% CI, 3.61-3.48 and vs BCS, RRR: 19.10; 95% CI, 5.67-56.41; P < .001), a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer (vs UM, RRR: 5.19; 95% CI, 2.34-11.56 and vs BCS, RRR: 4.24; 95% CI, 1.80-9.88; P = .001), receipt of magnetic resonance imaging (vs UM RRR: 2.07; 95% CI, 1.21-3.52 and vs BCS, RRR: 2.14; 95% CI, 1.28-3.58; P = .001), higher education (vs UM, RRR: 5.04; 95% CI, 2.37-10.71 and vs BCS, RRR: 4.38; 95% CI, 2.07-9.29; P < .001), and greater worry about recurrence (vs UM, RRR: 2.81; 95% CI, 1.14-6.88 and vs BCS, RRR: 4.24; 95% CI, 1.80-9.98; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Many women considered CPM and a substantial number received it, although few had a clinically significant risk of contralateral breast cancer. Receipt of magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis contributed to receipt of CPM. Worry about recurrence appeared to drive decisions for CPM although the procedure has not been shown to reduce recurrence risk. More research is needed about the underlying factors driving the use of CPM.
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Last edited by Jackie07; 05-25-2014 at 03:22 PM..
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Old 05-25-2014, 04:16 PM   #3
thinkpositive
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

When I was diagnosed, I had cancer in both breasts. However, the left breast was the ER-/PR-/HER2+ cancer and was much larger. The cancer in the right breast was ER+/PR+/HER2-. I was told that these were 2 different cancers.

I opted for a double mastectomy although I was told I could spare the right breast. Like you, I didn't see the point in having just one removed. My Dr. agreed.

Based on my experience, it is possible to have a HER2 cancer on one breast and a different cancer on the other breast.

I wasn't told by my onc to expect a recurrence. She never said anything about it being a question of "IF but WHEN".

I wish you the best...think positive
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Old 05-25-2014, 08:04 PM   #4
Adriana Mangus
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi Deeze, Welcome back!

I can just imagine how disappointed you must feel about the hospital/doctor/insurance
company denying you to have a double mastectomy.
Wait until the May30th procedure and see if indeed those
are Her2+cancer cells, or a new type of cancer. Don't even think much
about it since you really don't know yet, and frankly is a waste of time to
worry about something we have no control over it.

Jackie07 has provided you with useful information regarding your case.

I'm also stage IV- - long term cancer survivor. Don't despair, treatments
are better than what they used to be years ago.

Stay positive, go to the movies, park, museum anything to keep your mind off
BC. I know, Deeze, it easier to say than done. The wait is the worse part, but is nothing one can do about it.

Please, keep us posted.

Adriana
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1994 - rt brst, .lump, underarm node dissection,chemo+rad 1.2 cms, Grade 3.
28 nodes neg
Er,Pr, Positive HER2 status unknown
2003- Recur to rt lung.July 16 ( B-Day!)
Her2+++ Er,Pr, Negative
2003 - Aug04--Navelbine + Herceptin
2004- 2007--
NED - Herceptin, only
2007 Feb-April Xeloda added to hereceptin
2007-May Back on Navelbine+Herceptin
2008-Feb-Mar 15 Ses Rad to Rt. Lung
2008- Oc 17 Add Tykerb to Herceptin
2009- June-- Discont Tykerb
2009 July 7--Current Taxol + Herceptin
2009 Dec--Discontinued treatment due to progression. Looking into cyberknife.
2010-Aug Accepted to TDM1, no SE, except liver count went up.
2010-2011 September got kicked out of the trial, due to a small spot found on lung.
2011- 2012 September thru early 2013 on Herceptin
2013- March Bone density shows small spot on 5th rib.
2013 - April 4th appt with onc. will post after discussing course of treatment.
2013-March-April Cyber knife to brain and radiation to rib. Chest --base line before chemo-CT-Scan stable for lung issue. CA2729 Normal.
2013 April Herceptin- TDMI
2013 Sept Herceptin + Perjeta . CA2729 within normal range. Brain and Pet scans October 31st. will post results.
2013 October Brain MRI- mixed response. Will see Onc/rad on Halloween.
2013 October/November Brain-MRI nothing new. Repeat MRI next year in May.

2013 December Continue Herceptin and Perjeta. Stable at the moment.
2014 February Brain MRI -clear!
2014 January Added Taxotere to Perjeta+Herceptin.
2014 March Stopped chemo-chest ct-scan next.

2014- March Scans shows tumor's larger, CA2729 higher. Discontinue Herceptin.
2014 April Perjeta+ Halaven
2014 April CA2729 went down 60 points after one cycle. Cough does not want to go away.
2014 June Continue on Perjeta + Halaven-- no more cough. Stable
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Old 05-25-2014, 08:31 PM   #5
mjm
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi Deeze,

sorry to hear about your recurrence. I believe breast recurrences aren't considered as big a deal for survival than mets to other areas, so if you've got through the original liver and lung mets and still doing well I'm hoping this will be a 'road bump' rather than anything more (please don't take that as dismissive of how stressful any more cancer and surgery is).

Mum had a unilateral mx and her doctor is leaving it to her as to what to do regarding the other side - he said there is a small increased risk of recurrence in the other side which was cancer free (I think he said 5 or 10% over 5 yrs but I'm not 100% sure), but not high enough that he would recommend surgery, but it's up to her what she prefers.

They seem to be pushing the least-acceptable surgery line at the moment, and in some ways that's good (avoid overtreating that's purely based on fear) but conversely some women are happier with the reduced risk of a local recurrence from having a mastectomy or double mastectomy and I like it when a doctor offers sensible advice but lets people make informed decisions about their own body.
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Old 05-25-2014, 08:32 PM   #6
suzan w
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

In 2005, when I was diagnosed, I was told, it's not IF, it's WHEN. I had invasive lobular carcinoma in my left breast. My decision for a bilateral mastectomy was never questioned as invasive lobular spreads single-cell through the bloodstream. Even though I was stage 1, I was given a poor prognosis due to ILC and Her2+++. In order to get herceptin, at that time not yet approved for early stage BC, the protocol was chemo first.
All that being said...now, almost 9 years later...herceptin has completely changed the course of Her2+ breast cancers. As has the BRCA1 and 2 testing. Every day new research and trials are revealing more and more information leading to different treatment protocols.
We do the best we can with the information we have at the time we are making these decisions...usually making decisions rather quickly considering the gravity of the choices. It is very hard not to look back and ask the "what ifs" . Stay informed, ask questions, go for another opinion...
Best of luck to you, Deeze...let us know how things go!!!
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age 54 at diagnosis
5/05 suspicious mammogram-left breast
5/05 biopsy-invasive lobular carcinoma with LCIS,8mm tumor,stage 1 grade 2, ER+ PR+ Her2+++
6/14/05 bilateral mastectomy, node neg. all scans neg.
Oncotype DX-high risk
8/05-10/05 4 rounds A/C
10/05 -10/06 1 yr. herceptin
arimidex-5 years
2/14/08 started daily self administered injections..FORTEO for severe osteoporosis
7/28/09 BRCA 1 negative BRCA2 POSITIVE
8/17/09 prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy
10/15/10 last FORTEOinjection
RECLAST infusion(ostoeporosis)
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8/2010-18%increase in bone density!
no further treatments
Oncologist says, "Go do the Happy Dance"
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Old 05-28-2014, 10:18 PM   #7
Deeze
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Wow! Wow! Wow!

I'm a positive person, really, but I had found myself quite discouraged....then each of you who've replied to my post really helped a great, great deal.

Thank you, Ladies, for taking the time to educate me further and mostly encourage me during this waiting period before my biopsy.

If there has to be a recurrence to endure -I'd rather it be my existing breast than in any other place within my body.

So much was gained by me from each of you.

THANK YOU MUCH!

Blessings to all.
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Old 05-29-2014, 06:07 PM   #8
Coux92
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Deere, best wishes for tomorrow! I pray it is not cancer again.
I had my lumpectomy one year ago on the right and Tuesdays mammo showed clusters of calcifications on the left! I'm doing the stereotactic bx on June 9th......may we both have benign results!
Elizabeth
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3/11/13- normal mammo and US
4/30/13 Found pea sized lump while showering
5/10/13 core bx
5/15/13 dx IDC 1CM,
5/20/13 BRAC 1&2 neg
5/28/13 lumpectomy and SNB, ER/PR/Her-2+, Nodes neg,positive margins
6/13/13 revision of margins . Now clear
6/26/13 first TCH
Chemo Ninja~kutaki Zika Zukuchiri
10/18/13-Bx of calcification-neg whew
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01/2014- Started Tamoxifen
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Old 05-29-2014, 06:45 PM   #9
Carol Ann
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Deeze and Elizabeth, I am sending best wishes and positive thoughts and energy to both of you!

Carol Ann
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July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

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March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

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Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:01 PM   #10
Nurse4u2day
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Deeze and Elizabeth I'm wishing you both the best and that all results are benign for both of you. I have appts with surgeons tomorrow and on the 9th , I will surely be praying for all of us and thinking of you 2 on these days.
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11/19/2013 Inflammatory Breast Cancer stage 3c grade 2 Er- Pr- her2+++
Node involvement suspected based on CT
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12/13 neoadjuvant DD AC xs 4 rounds started
02/14 taxol/herceptin started every week xs 12 rounds
Herceptin for 1 year
Ki67=23%
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11/19/2023 - 10 years since diagnosis and I remain NED
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Old 05-29-2014, 10:21 PM   #11
Lisalou
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi deezie
Hoping your biopsy is negative. If you do wind up with cancer in the other breast it is considered new disease, not recurrence. The risk for breast ca in the unaffected breast is less than 1% (about .8) per year so roughly 4-5 % over 5 years or 8-10% over 10 years Increased risk greater than the general population per year. Good luck with the biopsy and hoping for the best
Lisa
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[SIGPIC]Lisa
Routine mammogram 12/20/2013
Call back with repeat films on12/31/2013 Ultrasound with core needle biopsy same day
Dx 1/2/2014 IDC ER/PR+
1/10/14 HER2 +
2/14/14 BRCA results negative
2/17/2014 skin & nipple sparing BMX with reconstruction Tissue expanders placed
IDC Stage 2A left breast. 9mm tumor no other CA 1/4 nodes positive
ER + PR + Her2 +(by FISH)
Right breast no cancer, sclerosing adenosis
3/13/14 Round 1 AC minimal side effects
3/27/14 Round 2 AC
4/10/14 Round 3 a little more nausea
4/24/14 round 4 hurray! Done with phase 1!
5/8/14 THP ( taxol weekly x12, Herceptin & perjeta every 3 weeks x 4)
7/24/14 done with chemo
Continue of Herceptin every 3 wks x 1 yr
5/14 start Tamoxifen x 5 years
8/18/14 removal of TEs silicone implants placed
9/14/14 Cellulitis Right Breast, suspect infected implant. Managed with Oral antibiotics, avoided surgery to remove implant. Whew!
12/17/14 nip & tuck revision of Left breast

We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. The danger lies in refusing to face the fear, not in daring to come to grips with it. We must do that which we think we cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt
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Old 05-30-2014, 02:40 AM   #12
zhelmom
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi deezee.we all knoww how you feel...Pray tell all to our lord allyour worrie s everything.dont worry gods in charge.
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Old 06-05-2014, 05:12 PM   #13
Coux92
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Hi Deeze, thinking of you and praying you have gotten good news, please update us when you are up to it
__________________
3/11/13- normal mammo and US
4/30/13 Found pea sized lump while showering
5/10/13 core bx
5/15/13 dx IDC 1CM,
5/20/13 BRAC 1&2 neg
5/28/13 lumpectomy and SNB, ER/PR/Her-2+, Nodes neg,positive margins
6/13/13 revision of margins . Now clear
6/26/13 first TCH
Chemo Ninja~kutaki Zika Zukuchiri
10/18/13-Bx of calcification-neg whew
11/7/13 Started Radiation.
01/2014- Started Tamoxifen
06/09/14-Steriotactic BX left breast calcification-Benign
06/18/2014-completed one year of Herceptin!
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Old 06-11-2014, 05:18 PM   #14
Joanne S
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Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

Elizabeth & Deeze, In my thoughts and prayers. Plz update - How are you?
Joanne
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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.



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Old 06-12-2014, 03:57 PM   #15
Coux92
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Location: Katonah,New York
Posts: 228
Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

I'm happy to report I got the call this morning that my calcifications are benign. I'm praying that Deeze got a good report as well.
Elizabeth
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3/11/13- normal mammo and US
4/30/13 Found pea sized lump while showering
5/10/13 core bx
5/15/13 dx IDC 1CM,
5/20/13 BRAC 1&2 neg
5/28/13 lumpectomy and SNB, ER/PR/Her-2+, Nodes neg,positive margins
6/13/13 revision of margins . Now clear
6/26/13 first TCH
Chemo Ninja~kutaki Zika Zukuchiri
10/18/13-Bx of calcification-neg whew
11/7/13 Started Radiation.
01/2014- Started Tamoxifen
06/09/14-Steriotactic BX left breast calcification-Benign
06/18/2014-completed one year of Herceptin!
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Old 06-12-2014, 04:35 PM   #16
Carol Ann
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Posts: 1,045
Re: Right mastectomy 3 yrs ago....now left side?

So glad to hear that, Elizabeth! Thanks for letting us know.

CA
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July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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