Well here I am again…

Hi @ltam16, I’m so sorry it turned out to be a recurrence. You are most probably right about the surgery. I hope things work out as well as possible. Hugs for you.

Hi Itam16. I had a reoccurrence after 17 years. I understand you may be in shock, angry, or just accepting.

I had a partial mastectomy, chemo and radiation the first time around. With the reoccurrence, I had to have a mastectomy on the cancer side. I opted to get a full mastectomy with no reconstruction. I like it, but it’s not for everyone.
I discovered that chemo was much easier the second time. So many advancements were made in the 17 years between. I think the chemo was milder and the side effects management was so much better.

I’ll pray for during treatment. You’ll get through it as you did before.

Sending positive vibes! I had a second diagnosis (opposite breast) at the beginning of this year, after 13 years. Being in treatment again is certainly not fun, but you already know what you're made of 💪 Keep us posted, please!

I had a recurrence after 19 years on the same side. The first time I had a lumpectomy, rads and chemo. That was 33 years ago. The second time I had a BMX and chemo. That was 14 years ago!

It was shocking and disappointing but honestly, I found the second time easier because I knew what to expect. We are here for you.

@groucho2 I’m in a similar situation. Had lumpectomy, chemo, rads in 2005. Last month, 20 yrs later, dx’d with recurrence. Having bilateral next week with no recon. Won’t know if chemo is in the plan till after surgery. I’m really nervous about the scars. How are you doing with that? I’m 70 and not in love with my boob, but dreading that first look after surgery.

malegal, I am so sorry to hear about your reoccurrence. It’s no fun the first time and definitely no fun the second time.

I was left with horrible scars on my non-cancer side after my mastectomy. I won’t bore you with details, but I blame my surgeon and myself for not stating clearly what I wanted and expected.

Talk to your surgeon about the scars and how she closes up. What should you expect? I suggest you stress to her that you want to be flat. No lumps or bumps, no leaving extra skin for reconstruction, but flat like a prepubescent girl.

I did not have this discussion with my surgeon. I chose her because the nursing supervisor (my friend) told me she was good. I wish I’d chosen a different surgeon that I’d used before.

If you don’t trust your surgeon to give the results you want, cancel surgery and find a different surgeon. To a surgeon, you’re a mastectomy. For you, the scars are forever.

Best wishes and prayers……..grouch2

Good for you, Marlegal. I like the way your surgeon talks with you and how she is tuning into what you want.

Onward!