Lump after chemotherapy????

[fiveohrider]

In April 2007 I discovered a lump in my left breast. After all the regular tests, it was determined I had breast cancer, which was not a shock since my mother died of the disease. I had a lumpectomy and a sentinal node removed (the cancer was not present in the lymph nodes), follwed by 6 treatments of chemo (ACT) every three weeks, the last chemo being approx 1 month ago. While undergoing preparations for radiation, they discovered a new lump. An ultra sound revealed that it is NOT a cyst, but solid. A biopsy has been scheduled for next week. How anxiety ridden should I be?  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to hear the biopsy reports. You should celebrate.

Do carry out regular breast self examinations and post us if you have any doubts.

Regards.

[fiveohrider]

Biospy results back- negative!! YAY! The lab thought it was a foreign body reaction, such as an internal stitch my body is trying to work out. It wasn't fat necrosis, specifically. Just thought I'd let you all know.... Thanks for all your thoughts.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now?

Have you seen a breast specialist as yet? Let us know about what is advised and also if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[lhughes]

Ok, think positive....that sounds like my little necrosis, which did go away, eventually.  I could move mine, just not quite that far.

Get it checked and be sure.

Either way, you can still have a good prognosis...that's why I threw in that last line.  She's fighting.  I'm still good and thankful for it.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be scar tissue or fat necrosis.

Do not panic, and get a review with your breast specialist or breast surgeon and see what they have to say.

Let us know about what is advised and also if you have any other doubts.

Post us about how you are doing.

Regards.

[fiveohrider]

I'm trying to keep positive but it is so hard, especially when it seems to baffle my doctors. My doctor, instead of reassuring me that cancer cannot return (or survive) after chemo, he just said it would be rare.

Additional note: lump is about the size of a pea, and very mobile. We can manipulate it about 1-1/2" in any direction.

[lhughes]

PS...my friend is hanging tough and has a good prognosis.

[lhughes]

I've a friend in a similar situation, though they found her second lump in the middle of radiation.  But they also found a spot on her lung and chest wall.  She's currently undergoing additional chemo at MD Anderson in Houston.  She is almost done (1 more treatment) before they reevaluate her and decide if this has helped.

Now, the lump could just be necrosis, that is ENTIRELY possible.  I had a very small spot of necrosis along my mastectomy line after the first round of chemo.  It was about the size of a very small pea.

Best not to think the worst until you have the biopsy.  We'll keep positive and think necrosis.  Write back and let us know, would ya?