KatNT, I just wanted to reach out to you and express my sorrow to hear that you've had a recurrance. In some ways, I'm surprised that you're listed as Stage IV, as what you have described sounds like more of a regional recurrance. I just went through a scare like that - I was diagnosed at Stage IIIC, and after having undergone a double mastectomy (which I elected to do to lower my chances of recurrance in the non-affected breast), full axillary dissection, chemo, and radiation, I went to my surgeon on Christmas Eve for an interval check, only to be told that she found a suspicious node in my armpit, and recommended removal. She said that a malignancy found there would constitute a regional recurrance, which was not the same as being in Stage IV. Thankfully, the node was benign - the inflammation was leftover from the fairly severe burning I had with my radiation. I chose not to have reconstruction due to financial issues; actually, I'm quite pleased with my prostheses, so at least for now, I'm going to stick with them.
I can clearly sense your anger in your posts - at this point, I can only imagine how betrayed you must feel by your medical team. I'm horrified that they didn't do more to inform you and give you the information you needed to make informed decisions and help get through some of this in a more positive (or at least more tolerable) way. You always have the option of pursuing a second opinion with another oncologist, with whom you might be able to establish a better relationship. It's important to choose wisely, because he or she will be a part of your life for a long time to come, and there needs to be a lot of trust. Ask questions until you're satisfied with the answers.
Above all, take heart. You've had a rough road, no doubt about it, but you can and will get through this - there are LOTS of us out here to attest to that! No one fights alone - we are here for you when and if you need us.
Namaste,
Christine
0
January 2014
KatNT, I just wanted to reach out to you and express my sorrow to hear that you've had a recurrance. In some ways, I'm surprised that you're listed as Stage IV, as what you have described sounds like more of a regional recurrance. I just went through a scare like that - I was diagnosed at Stage IIIC, and after having undergone a double mastectomy (which I elected to do to lower my chances of recurrance in the non-affected breast), full axillary dissection, chemo, and radiation, I went to my surgeon on Christmas Eve for an interval check, only to be told that she found a suspicious node in my armpit, and recommended removal. She said that a malignancy found there would constitute a regional recurrance, which was not the same as being in Stage IV. Thankfully, the node was benign - the inflammation was leftover from the fairly severe burning I had with my radiation. I chose not to have reconstruction due to financial issues; actually, I'm quite pleased with my prostheses, so at least for now, I'm going to stick with them.
KatNT, I am sorry that your cancer has recurred. My 1st bout was in Feb. of 2012. I was diagnosed with it again in March 2013. I know how it feels to hear the doctor tell you that the cancer is back or that you have another type of cancer in your other breast. It was like a slap in the face. It blew me away for a while. Please know that all of us are here for you. Have the doctors told you what type of treatments you will have to go thru? I am praying for you and your family, that the doctors will hit this cancer hard and straight on and get it taken care of so you can go on with your life. I know it is not an easy road to go down but I do know the one that can help you down it and that is God. He has been there for me thru thick and thin when I knew I just couldn't make it thru another day but I am still here! You will be too! Live each and every day that you can to the fullest and enjoy your life! Good luck and God bless.0January 2014
