Hi, I’m a 58 year old female, diagnosed with 33 mm stage 2, grade 3 ER positive breast cancer in June. I had a lumpectomy and bilateral reduction in August, with 1/2 nodes showing micrometastasis. I started the first of four EC on 4/10, and am to have 9-12 doses of paclitaxil following that, with four weeks of radiotherapy to finish my treatment. I’ve been doing really well and have stayed very calm throughout, however this morning I found another lump which feels exactly the same as the first one, although smaller. It is in the same breast although on the outer part of the breast, whereas the previous lump was on the lower, inner part of the breast. When I looked more closely, it is just beside a very faint scar which I think must be one of the biopsy scars, so I’m trying to tell myself that it’s most likely fat necrosis. There’s no heat or redness, although it is slightly sore to palpate. I feel well in myself and am apyrexial, so I have no concerns that this is infection. I spoke with my breast nurse and she has made an appointment for me to see my surgeon on Friday morning, so I’m not having to wait very long. The problem is that the first time around I convinced myself that I was imagining the lump, and even when I was referred to the breast clinic I still thought it was nothing to worry about. Since I’ve been diagnosed however, I can’t shake the feeling that the cancer will return, in fact I almost have an expectation that it will, so now I’m panicking and struggling to stay rational. I know that it’s only my surgeon who can either allay my fears/organise tests if necessary, but is it possible that this could come back within four months? Thank you in advance.
