A bit of a set back

[Julie2233]

I've had a bit of a set back today. I saw my oncologist 3 weeks ago to discuss my scan results. Just before my appointment I'd had an appointment come through from my former hospital for my annual mammogram. As I'm having scans every 3 months I wasn't sure if I still needed the mammogram. The oncologist told me to cancel it, which I did.

Last weekend I found a small lump in my unaffected breast. I phoned the hospital helpline and asked the nurse if I needed to worry as I'd just had a ct scan. She told me that abnormalities in the breasts didn't show up in ct scans and I needed to see the oncologist.

I saw him today and he confirmed that there was a small lump. He couldn't confirm that it was definitely cancer but with my history he thinks that it probably is. He thinks that's it's probably a result of coming off faslodex and having a month on letrazole before going back onto faslodex in February. He's not doing any further tests at the moment but is going to look at it again in 3 months. If it's grown then he will do a biopsy to establish if it's benign or cancer. If it's cancer them he will consider a course of radiation, but he's hopeful that it will respond to the ibrance and faslodex now I'm back on it.

I suppose I just wanted to let you know that ct scans don't replace mammograms, and ask if anyone else has been in this position? I feel as though I've had the stuffing knocked out of me today.

[Barbteeth]

Hi Julie

I think the Ibrance will get rid of it..it’s a good drug

I must say I was surprised to hear that a ct scan doesn’t show up breast lumps..I’ve not had a mammogram for years..I thought they weren’t necessary if we have mbc

Barb xx

[Julie2233 in reply to Barbteeth]

Thanks Barb. Yes I was surprised when I was told that ct scans didn't pick up abnormalities in the breasts. The oncologist didn't seem concerned. Jxx

[Barbteeth in reply to Julie2233]

Well I guess we have to trust the professionals

All the best to you

Barb xx

[Julie2233 in reply to Barbteeth]

I've had so many problems with poor advice from professionals I'm afraid that I struggle with that 😕 Jxx

[Julie2233]

Thanks Sandra, that's reassuring 🙂

Julie

[mariootsi]

So sorry you are going through this but your onc sounds confident that this issue can be taken care of! I wish you well! Love, Marianne

[mariootsi]

Ibrance and faslodex are a great combo to get good results!

[Julie2233 in reply to mariootsi]

Yes, I was put on them initially but transferring back to the NHS meant I had to have a month of letrazole. I know it works brilliantly for loads of women but I just had a feeling that it wouldn't be good for me. I'm really hoping that is why I have the lump. I feel so well on ibrance and faslodex and everything else is under control, I don't want to change. Now it's a matter of waiting to see what the next scan brings. 🙂

I saw a different oncologist and he was so much better than the one I'm registered with, he did his best to give me some confidence.

Julie x

[Hidden]

Hi Julie,

I am so sorry to hear of what has happened. Is there any way you can reschedule the mammogram? I don't know whether we should continue to have mammograms after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. But my thinking is that if you were sent an appointment letter it may be worth pursuing it and see what it comes back with.

Please keep us posted. I wish you well.

Sophie x

[Julie2233]

Thanks Sophie. I think it was just the shock yesterday of having the lump confirmed, What Sandra said above makes a lot of sense - wish the oncologist could have explained it so well!

The oncologist said that as the lump could be clearly felt and was about half a centimetre in size they wouldn't gain any more information from doing a mammogram. It's just a matter of seeing what happens next.

Julie x

[Hidden in reply to Julie2233]

You're welcome, Julie. I can imagine that the shock must have really shaken you. I'm sorry to hear that your oncologist wasn't able to explain things properly to you. Sometimes we just need some reassurance when we are thrown a curveball. Hopefully it's just a cyst.

Sophie ❤

[Red71]

I was told by my oncologist to continue having mammograms. He says they are much better at seeing through breast tissue than CT scans. Your experience seems to agree with that opinion. I’m sorry you have one more thing to worry about right now.

[RLN-overcomer]

My prayers are with you sister/warrior.

[Teddielottie]

I have recently had an annual mammogram on my non - affected left side ( even 2 months after my left side breast reduction) , despite having metastatic breast cancer and being on Ibrance / letrozole .

[Julie2233 in reply to Teddielottie]

There doesn't seem to be much consistency from oncologists over the need for mammograms 😕 Interesting to know that you are still having them, thanks

[Julie2233]

Thanks, that's interesting. I was told it wouldn't.