recurrence after radical mastectomies

[dognanny]

Hello and thank you for advising and addressing my concerns.

In 2005 I had a lumpectomy for invasive ductal cell carcinoma stage 2 with 2 rounds of chemo (2 + nodes).  The following year 2006 -March I had thickening of the aereola.  Took surgeon and doctors almost 2 months to diagnose Inflammatory BC.  I am now 37yo.  Pathology results state cancer is now 3b. Had 6 rounds of Chemo and 25 cycles of Radio and taking Tamoxifen.  Had duel mastectomy in Jan 2007. Results for cancer after treatment is resistant to chemo and radiation.  Lymph nodes also positive.

I have 3 children with youngest being 9.  I have gone back to severe tiredness and feel that I have got another recurrence.  Oncologist appointment Feb 08.  Surgeon appointment next week.  I have done no further tests except for brain scan since January.  Should I be having a scan of some sort to get this disease before it spreads to far and nothing can be done for me.  How do I convince my doctor that something is not right.

I have found several lumps like grit under the skin and in the tissue.  It is hard to feel since I had a radical mastectomy on the left side.  Also I have inflammation to the left side of the sternum (raised) compaired to the right.  I do not have alot of energy and would like to know if i should request specific tests.  I occassionally get a cough like a smokers cough and my mouth dries out when I go out walking (never happened before, only since I have got over a cold).

My oncologist has told me to go and enjoy my life and also told me to take 12 months at a time.  Is this my death sentence.  What other symptoms should I be on the look out.  What is the average life expectency for someone who has the same or similar cancer to myself.  Want to fight and grow old with my husband.

Thank You
Sue

[tumbleweed1999]

I totally agree with boninclyde.  Also, my opinion, I'd change Drs, asap.   I can't imagine an Oncologist telling someone to "take 12 months at a time".!!

You fight, girl!!!

G.

[boninclyde]

I am not the doctor here. He does not answer on this forum. You have to post on the breast cancer forum above this one. Please see another doctor soon. Also go to breastcancer.org. Then go to community support and join the discussion board there. Scroll down to the discussion forum Inflammatory breast cancer and post there. Manuver around the site.  You will gain invaluable information there from other ladies going through this same diasgnosis. You will also learn what meds they are taking and be able to share there survivoral stories. I hope this helps. I wish you well.