Not angiosarcoma

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Hi Everyone, 

I posted on here at the beginning of 2023.  I'd had lumpectomy left breat August 2010 followed by 8 chemo and 15 radium.

2020 lumpectomy on right breast, no chemo but 15 radium.

On 16th December 2022 I noticed the underside of my left breast had gone a funny, brownish/red colour.

Long story short, saw consultant who thought it was a bruise but did scan.  Discharged with 'keep an eye on it'.

The discolouration spread so I went back.  Still same diagnosis but different consultant. 

It went worse so back again to my 2020 consultant who did 3 biopsies all negative.  Couple more appointments and she said she was sure it wasnt angiosarcoma but consultant radiologist would know more.  I'd never heard that word before.  Also told me radium treatment could cause skin issues.  After 13 years I was a bit surprised but maybe I'm a late developer.  I never saw consultant radiologist. 

Couple of days later I thought I'd see what I didnt have and was shocked that the online photos could have been me.

Anyway, consultant insisted it wasn't AS but my research said the only way to tell was to biopsy the purple spots.  This wasnt done but I figured if I had it I was a goner.  If I didn't I'd be ok. At my age I've lived longer than any member of my family anyway.

TBH they made me feel like a hypochondriac nuisance so I left it.

On 5th August I went for annual mammogram.   I was recalled for further scan and 3d mammogram on 22nd August.   All fine they said.

5 days ago I noticed that the same discolouration had spread to my right breast.

I rang my Macmillan nurse, who'd been on this journey with me since December,  and she suggested it was an insect bite.  Keep an eye on it.

To say i feel stupid is an understatement. 

I've decided, based on my 'goner/ok' self diagnosis that I will not, ever ring them again.  Let it run its course.

My left breast is slightly paler than in December but its 8 months - some .longterm bruise.

I am keeping my eyes on both now but feel so terrified and weepy all the time.

My husband is recovering from surgery but is getting stronger.

I'm 73 next month.  He's 78.

Stay safe everyone and good luck xx

  • Hi, I did get my results and they were all clear. What's more I asked for antibiotics to cover all bases and in the two week wait the bruising completely disappeared...only marks left were scars from biopsies. Consultants and breast nurse were as relieved as me as we had all feared the worst. They could only explain it as radiotherapy weakens blood vessels and tissue so it reacts differently so they think it was harmorrhage in blood vessel exacerbated by recent mammogram and fact I am on an aspirin a day for a clinical trial which thins your blood.

    Hoping you get encouraging results from satvoma unit.....for the two week wait I thought I had it so can imagine what you are going through. Sarcoma UK have a good support line if you feel in need and best to keep to their website as others are just plain traumatising. Be aware though that support lady told me I was right to prepare myself as it sounded like a sarcoma....but then biopsies were clear so try and stay calm until you get an actual diagnosis and know exactly what you are dealing with.....if it is angiosarcoma there is a facebook support group... again stick to the UK one just for those affected by RIAS (radiotherapy induced angiosarcoma) ...I found the American AS facebook group harrowing....UK RIAS group much more positive and some great role models on there.

  • My biopsies were all clear! See my reply above for more info.

    Re your rash...my sister in law had radiation induced skin changes years after her treatment for breast cancer.....seems like radiotherapy is the gift that keeps on giving.... even decades after treatment.

    I wish you both well in your health journeys....none of us know what's round the corner so be grateful and appreciate what each day brings us x