Another cancer

So sorry you have had this news. I didn’t face that so I can’t offer anyadvice. However, once you have had your mastectomy there will be a goid chance that  the cancer will be totally gone. Fingers crossed that your sentinel node biopsy comes back clear but if it doesn’t the treatment is very efficient at eradicating it. Not the news you wanted but good that it is in the same breast. Good luck with your treatment.

Oh Rosie,  I can somewhat understand how you feel even though my situation was a bit different.  I had DCIS in right breast and Stage 1 Invasive Cancer in left one.  MRI picked up the left breast tumor.  MRI also picked up an area on right breast separate from DCIS.  I was able to have bilateral lumpectomy on both breasts followed by radiation and then arimidex for 5 years as estrogen positive.  The tumor on right breast was fibrocystic so only DCIS was cancer on that side.  
I have small breasts 34 A but surgeons were able to do lumpectomy even though I had 2 areas on right breast where tissue removed.  I don’t know if that is possible for you because sometimes they are not able to get good cosmetic results.  
I will be thinking of you as I know how traumatic it is to hear that you have another area to deal with but now that I look back I was glad they found out at that time rather than a few years down the road.  Definitely not easy but you will get through it too.  I was a wreck when I found out and honestly didn’t know what to do but finally made decisions.  
Hugs to you.  
Barbara

Hi Rosie12

My heart goes out to you, it really does  Setbacks, changing treatment plans, and waiting for results, I have found the most challenging part of this journey. My coping mechanism has been distraction. I use audiobooks, walking, jigsaws etc. Walking has definitely been the best therapy for me. I wish you all the best on your journey and I am sending you lots of positive vibes ️

Thanks for your reply Evajean. I’m feeling a bit more positive today, partly because the appointment to see the surgeon came through today. They’ve fitted me in next week, so not too long to wait. You’re right, I’m grateful it’s not in the other breast xx

Thank you Barb, I really appreciate your reply and I’m sorry to hear you’ve been through similar. That must have been horrid to find out there was a problem on the other side too. Like  you I am grateful they found it now rather than later, but it has still been a shock. I’m my case I’m particularly thankful I was referred for the MRI scan as neither of my cancers were visible on mammogram. 
I’ve been told that lumpectomy is no longer an option, I think partly due to tumour locations (one is very deep and close to the chest wall), and I suspect also due to my size. Like you I am a petite lady. 
Thanks for your kind wishes and for sharing your experience. I hope you are doing well. Rosie xx

Thank you Mrsmagoo, I really appreciate that ️ I’m kind of getting the picture that this is going to be a journey full of unexpected events and lots of waiting. Therefore I’m battling my natural response which is to try and organise things, as I realise most of this is beyond my control. I’ve been going for lots of walks and also talking to trusted friends which has been helpful. I’ve also got a new found interest in wordle and such games  - great for distraction! 
I hope you are recovering well and feeling better too. Sending you a hug. Rosie xx

Like you my cancer in left breast did not show up on mammogram or ultrasound.  DCIS in right breast showed as microcalcifications on mammogram.  I don’t know why Surgeon ordered MRI but glad he did.  I just changed my medical oncologist as he said something that really affected me.  I had told him how thankful I was that the cancer was found on MRI and he said well if it hadn’t been done it would have shown up in a few years anyway and all I could think was how insensitive as no one wants to go through hearing those words you have Breast cancer again.  Maybe I was a little over sensitive but I am seeing my new Oncologist in May.  
I really feel wonderful and so thankful.  I am back to exercising and feel strong.  A few issues with the Anastrazole but not bad.  
You will get there too although right now it seems a bit in the future.  Take care.

Barbara

Hi Rosie. I play Wordchums with my sister every day. You can play with multiple friends, one at a time and any time you want. Bit like scrabble on line. You can add chats too which I use to chat to my sister. It reallly helped me after treatment to be in touch with her each morning. I also enjoy doing jigsaws online and find them relaxing.8 months from my diagnosis I now feel able to get back to a normal life again, have struggled mentally to do this but think Spring arriving has helped. You will get through this but it is not an easy journey at times.Good luck with your appointment and keep us posted.

Hi Barb, strange isn’t it how some cancers don’t show up on mammogram? This really surprised me and makes me conscious I might need to advocate for careful monitoring of my remaining breast in future
I’m not surprised you were upset by that comment, especially as you were already dealing with a cancer diagnosis and all the difficult emotions that come with that. My experience so far with cancer is that you have so little control over anything, therefore good for you for being proactive and requesting a change of oncologist. That was clearly important to you. I’m glad your meds aren’t causing you too many issues, and it’s great to read you are feeling wonderful and strong again. That made me smile and gives me hope Take care, Rosie xx️

Hi Evajean, thanks for your message and for sharing what helped you. I haven’t played wordchums before so I will look it up. It sounds like fun, and a lovely way to have regular contact with your sister too. I’m finding those thoughtful texts and contacts with the few people I’ve told about my cancer really important right now. One friend seems to know exactly when I need a walk or a listening ear, and another keeps dropping off little homemade cakes and sweet treats. I feel blessed to have that support and it lifts me to know I’m not alone.  
I’m so pleased to hear that you are getting back to normal life and you are feeling better. As with Barb, that made me happy to read and it gives me hope for the future ️ Take care, Rosie xx