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Does any one else have a regional recurrence?

After 14 years of being cancer-free (original diagnosis in 2007), cancer returned in mid 2020. Luckily discovered early and via scan, was only in a lymph node. Now on both Fulvestrant and Ibrance. Responding well (Doc has even said NED), but honestly, I am having a VERY, VERY hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I must now take these Meds forever ......

Any one else have a Regional Recurrence??

  1. Hi MizT. I am so sorry that you have had a recurrence diagnosis. I can only imagine what a blow that must have been to have been cancer-free for 14 years but that is great that you are responding so well to your treatment.
    I hope that others will chime in as I know that we have a number of community members who have shared with us their recurrence stories so I am sharing a link to that search here - https://advancedbreastcancer.net/search?s=regional%20recurrance. I hope that some of this information will be helpful to you! Warmly, Patty (Team Member)

    1. I too, had a recurrence after a 13 year “hiatus”. Went to the doctor for a dizzy spell and fall at work, he ordered a CT, and found multiple areas in my frontal lobe. 5 days in the hospital and multiple scans with one bronchoscope thrown in for fun, it was back with a vengeance. I am also on Fulvestrant, Ibrance, and Xgevia. No talk so stopping medications, and it’s been almost 3 years. I am willing to continue the medications as long as they are stopping the growth of my areas. Good luck to you! If you need/want to talk, find me on Facebook, Lorianne Dixon. Be well!

      1. Thanks for sharing...this makes me feel so much better! I need more years - praying for more years!

      2. .. Thanks … this helps me to keep going!

    2. I also have a recurrence (although I really don't believe they got it all after the chest reconstruction). All of the margins were good and the parts of my clavicle, two ribs, and sternum did not show any cancer. However, within a year, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. I have been on fulvestrant, which they say is no longer working on its own, based on the latest scans. They want me to start Ibrance. I meet with my oncologist Friday in regard to that. I didn't want to do that as I tried Verzenio and had unacceptable side effects. I've been convinced to "at least try it." I'm glad to read that has had success on it for three years. From what I've read, the combination of Fulvestrant and Ibrance provides an extra 6-8 months on average. Wondering what others have experienced.

      1. Hi , I hate to hear you are dealing with recurrence. I was also diagnosed 2 years ago with recurrence about 4 years after my reconstruction surgeries. I undoubtedly feel your pain. If you are feeling up to if let us know how your appointment went.

        Here is a link to information on targeted therapy that may help:
        https://advancedbreastcancer.net/treatment/targeted-therapy

        Best, Mallory (Team Member)

    3. Yes, and I am still wrapping my mind around it. I am going to Duke and when he said being on treatment would be indefinitely...I was like "??" Why can't it be like Stage III? I have cried...I have studied more in depth...and I am praying like crazy and I have many people praying for me. I am trusting in God as he can move Mountains - this mountain seems very BIG! My original diagnosis was 12/2019 right before the Covid outbreak. I have been a year out of treatment and it is back in some lymph nodes. I feel better than ever! It is so hard to believe!

      1. Hi I am glad you are feeling so well. I am glad you have found us in the online community. It is hard to wrap our heads around for sure but we are here for you!
        Keep us updated on how you are doing!

        Best, Mallory (Team Member)

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