Newbie !

I was 1st diagnosed with breast cancer on 27th Feb 2017. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. I was told at the time that it was grade 1, 10mm and classified as Tubular although also containing Cribriform with a small amount of DCIS. I chose not to have radiotherapy, a decision which was supported by my oncologist. I arrived at this decision after a great deal of research and being assured by my breast surgeon that, if I had to have breast cancer, then this was probably the best type to get as, not only was it a very early stage and small but the classification was unusual and represented only approximately 4% of all breast cancers at the most. I also agreed to go on to a programme of adjuvant therapy. My oncologist prescribed Letrozole, as I was post menopausal, for a duration of 10 years.

Unfortunately, after a period of 6 months, I came off Letrozole as I found that I could not tolerate it because of the side effects. I discussed this with my GP and oncologist but was not offered any alternative.  For the next 3 years I carried on with life, having annual check-ups and feeling quite well. In July 2020, following a routine annual mammogram, I received the shocking news that my breast cancer had returned. It was in the same breast but, rather than being on the lower left side of my breast as before, it was the upper central part. I was duly scheduled for another lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. (Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as smoothly as the first time and I developed cellulitis afterwards, necessitating an emergency admittance to the large, local University Hospital. Following this, I then contracted C. Difficile). When I was given the pathology results, I was bewildered to be advised that the pathology was almost identical to the previous occasion, except slightly smaller at 9mm. I was told that this was being treated as a new cancer, rather than a recurrence. I was offered radiotherapy once again, followed by adjuvant therapy in the form of anastrazole. Obviously, I questioned both the breast surgeon and the oncologist, both of whom were the same consultants as previously, about the apparent ‘co-incidental’ nature of this occurrence. I was concerned that not having radiotherapy could have played a part, or stopping the Letrozole, in this cancer returning. I was assured that, in their opinion, this was not the case and that it was just bad luck. I expressed my worry that I was either doing, or not doing, something to cause this ‘unusual’ cancer to return. However, assurances were reiterated that it was just co-incidental and bad luck. (My ‘bad luck’ continued with a flare-up of the C.difficile after my radiotherapy, which had been postponed twice because of the cellulitis and the ordiginal bout of C.diff.)

I am left feeling quite confused as I don’t believe in bad luck to this extent. If it had been a more common form of breast cancer the second time, I would be more prepared to accept the explanation of ‘bad luck’.But, surely the incidence of 2 unusual forms of breast cancer of early stage and small in size, occurring in the same breast such a short time apart, must be down to something more than ‘bad luck’? I have my annual mammogram and check-up looming and I am really apprehensive as to what I am going to be told.

I would be interested in making contact with anyone who has experience of Tubular or Cribriform cancer. 

Thanks

Yogamollie