Bilateral breast cancer?

Hi 

I can't answer your question about how common bilateral breast cancer is but noticed that you hadn't had any response to your post yet.

It's probably a good idea to also join and post this in the main breast cancer group as it's a much busier group than this one and I'm sure someone there would be able to help.

If you'd like to do that just click on the link I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the page that opens. You can then post your question.

When you have a minute it would be useful if could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Hi Earlgrey...I’ve just had left mastectomy for same as you...HER2 negative and er positive...I worried too on diagnosis about the other boob, and asked about double mastectomy. They told me that would be unnecessary surgery and it’s very uncommon for the cancer to spread/ come back in other breast. 
I would call your Macmillan nurse and ask her for some reassurance if you’re feeling anxious.
if it’s any consolation, I’m feeling the same, my right boob, the one I’ve still got, is saggy and flat and can’t help checking it the whole time but it doesn’t feel the same as to what the other was, which was lumpy and considerably bigger and red and blotchy just before operation. 
sorry TMI!...anyway sending you hugs, how far along are you on the recovery from your op? I’m 3 weeks post op on Monday. 
x 

Hi R81, 

Thanks for your reply. Not TMI at all. I'm about 9 weeks post mastectomy now. I'm 38. How's your recovery going? Have you had reconstruction? I guess you had your surgery just before the outbreak. 

Just started radiotherapy 3 days ago and tamoxifen 3 weeks ago. 

Yes my left breast is flat, saggy and not at all what it was and quite lumpy but maybe that's what normal breast tissue feels like? I don't know what's normal anymore. Like you say, it is unusual to have in both. Like you, I keep checking. Maybe after a few months, if no more changes I'll relax a bit.

I'm wondering what the follow up is going to be like with all thr coronovirus stuff.

Much love xxx

Hi EarlGrey, 

wow well done, how is it going? How is the tamoxifen? 
I’m speaking to my oncologist on Tuesday to see what treatment plan will be, considering virus etc. It’s all a bit annoying isn’t it. 
I didn’t have reconstruction, scar seems to be healing ok, I’ve been in twice to have the seroma drained but haven’t for a week or so and now it’s a bit harder and uncomfortable and I would say definitely needs draining again but I’m trying to avoid going in! 
Did you have the seroma and arm pain? And how long does it last? 
the exercises are soooo boring! 
take care xxx 

Hi R81 

The tamoxifen has been fine, I can honestly say I haven't noticed any particular side effects but also realise everyone's different. I have been feeling pretty tired which could be related but also could just be the cumulative effect of the last few months.

They took my drain out before I left hospital as we've got young children at home. I thought they'd need to drain it but when I went for my follow ups they said it looked OK. 

Yes my arm felt very strange after surgery, but loads better now. Have you had sentinel node biopsy or clearance? I had biopsy, my arm and armpit felt very numb and tender afterwards, still do a bit when I touch them. I don't think the sensation will ever come back fully but I can use my arm as normal. I'm still a bit careful about lifting with it though. I found the first few weeks pretty rough but by 6-8 felt loads better. It's amazing the difference a few weeks can make and you feel more yourself again. 

Have you got good support around you? 

I really hope things progress well with treatment for you even in the current circumstances.

Mostly good news and good to be at this point but I do feel anxious at times. Now that we're stuck at home, it's harder to distract myself. 

Nice to chat. 

Much love xxxx