The Meeting Place for Survivors: SJ

SJ, I have had a recurrence 4 times and on Herceptin now(was on Taxol, Prejeta, and Herceptin---now just Herceptin)
It's hard to tell people about the 4 times recurrence because I don't want to scare anyone . I know recurrence is always on our minds but a good friend told me that if I told about my experience it would help others.

1st time had a lumpectomy with 3 lymph nodes removed(Lymph nodes not cancer) and it was hormonal.*I found it-there was a lump came up after I had a mammogram 6-7 months earlier which was clear but it has to be so big before it will show up.

2nd time Mammogram found it-- which this time I had a totally mastectomy with implants- --with 3 more lymph nodes removed(lymph nodes were clear) and this was hormonal as well. On my left side where I had the cancer, the implant kept moving under my armpit-plastic surgeon said to wear a bra 24/7- YUK! So I switched plastic surgeons.

3rd time a small bump came up on my skin on the outside. Had a problem with Oncologist surgeon and Oncologist not wanting to biopsy then I got 2 more and I insisted(abt 5-6 months later) and it was Cancer-Triple Negative this time. Had implants taken out(was having trouble again with them)

4th time I had a lump come up and it was removed, not cancer. About an inch or 2 from it another lump came up..not cancer. Told the Oncologist surgeon to connect the two scars and look real good to see if there is any cancer anywhere and he didn't. Well I got a lump right between the two and it was Cancer---HER2+.

1st 3 times were on my left side this time on my right.

This Oncologist(my last one passed away) and the Oncologist surgeon said it would benefit me to stay on Herceptin. But I know with research tomorrow might be something new where I won't have to go every 3 weeks.

Now, I sure Pray I haven't scared anyone...but always check yourself and recheck because the difference could be stage 1 to stage 4 is my motto. And if the Oncologist or surgeon does not listen to you...you are paying them, they are not paying you get another doctor

Hugs & Prayers, Ruby