SECOND CANCER

1. I have had radiotherapy twice, once to the back of my tongue and around my neck, 4 years later I had SABR radiotherapy to a metastasis in my pelvic bone. You could call the oncologists secretary and ask for a call from him to answer your question. I have doner this.

many thanks - that's a relief. i have asked for a call/appointment but not heard back 

hope you are well now 

Hi ESTA , welcome to the forum, I’m sure you’ll find it a great place for support and shared experiences. Glad you’ve already had some reassurance, just thought I’d pop in to say welcome and also to tag a lovely member, @hopeful Barb (sorry doesn’t seem to be tagging, will make sure I have the user name right! I’m sure she has had radiotherapy on both breasts. My understanding (but I’m not medical) is that you can’t have radiotherapy twice on the same breast. Will also try to tag Exraygirl as she is our resident rads expert in the group! (Seems to be tagging now so I’ll try Hopeful Barb again - hope you don’t mind!) 

Love and s big virtual hug, HFxx

Thank you sooo much for your message it’s just awful time - I never thought it would come on other side so it’s knocked me for six

husband is on the let’s be positive vibe and I could stab him a million times

locely to speak with people who understand x

Oh Esta I am so sorry as it is stressful to go through it again.  My story may give help.  In September 2021 found DCIS in right breast and plan was lumpectomy and radiation plus hormone blockers.  I was on board with it although not happy.  Then Dr ordered ultrasound and MRI to both breasts.  US clear but something on MRI on both breasts.  We. Was going to have MRI biopsy but breasts too small so had to have surgical biopsy.  Surgeon wanted to do both breast operations at same time but I didn’t want to.  I wanted to see what the left breast showed. Well it was stage 1 invasive cancer with some DCIS.  I was a total wreck.  To make a long story short I had bilateral lumpectomies and radiation to both breasts.  Yes you can have radiation to your other breast.  Mine was done at same time as radiation oncologist said it was better so as not to have overlap of radiation.  So I guess that is the main takeaway don’t want to do radiation on top of other one.  
I think if you and am sure if I didn’t have MRI I would have had another BC and it is hard to take.  
Take care and hope you do well.  You can ask me anything as have been there.

Barbara

Hi Barbera

thank you for the message. It’s scary as what if you hadn’t had the US ?! 
I had us last time but no one mentioned it so far - although haven’t spoken to anyone face to face as yet just all via letters and calls which doesn’t help.

I saw a surgeon privately via zoom call and he strongly hinted it’s DCIS but have to wait for biopsy.

initial cancer was invasive DCIS and they (doctors etc) convinced me it want anything to worry about so when the diagnosis came it was awful. Hence I do t trust anything this time which isn’t good either. 

I hope you are now better and healing well and thank you again xx

Actually my US was normal it was the MRI that picked it up.  It really has to be awful for you and I understand.  It rocks your world but not in a good way.  It took me awhile to get on board with the plan but my surgeon was patient.  I live in Florida so was easy to access the Drs etc.  

I am feeling great now and back to doing everything.  So thankful.  I am on hormone blocking drug Anastrazole for 5 years as both cancers were 100% estrogen and progesterone positive.  
I understand about being skeptical of everything right now but in time once you know what you’re dealing with I think it will be easier.
Had my first mammogram in August 2022 and all was fine.  I get a little apprehensive when I have to get them.  I go once a year for diagnostic mammogram and US if radiologist thinks it is needed.  
DCIS is not invasive so did you have invasive and DCIS in your breast?

Barbara 

To be honest I’m not even sure think I have blocked it out   
the letters I had - just got them out again - said invasive DCIS - I thought DCIs could become invasive and that’s why they remove it … 

never thought for a moment i would get it on other side  

glad you are out the other end … x 

Hi Etsa,  DCIS is not invasive as it is in the milk duct and has not spread out yet.  DCIS can become invasive but then it is called invasive cancer.  I have sent you an excellent link that explains DCIS.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dcis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371889#:~:text=DCIS%20is%20noninvasive%2C%20meaning%20it,to%20investigate%20a%20breast%20lump.
I understand what you mean about getting it in the other breast.  So unfair and I felt that way too.  One thing after another.  
Barbara