A new tumor was found during my mastectomy. It is in the armpit and couldn't be removed because the surgeons feel there are a lot of "critical structures" in the armpit that could result in my inability to use my arm. So, after talking with the surgeon, it seems i would need more chemo, more scans...but after talking with my oncologist (note: i have gone thru chemo and radiation already for another tumor), he doesn't seem to have any answers for me. i don't feel confident in my doctor and am looking for someone else. Why didn't they find this tumor before? I ended chemo in april and asked for a scan and was told that we would wait until my 3 month follow up. Why wait? How come the chemo drugs didn't work on this tumor? i feel lost and alone and i absolutely don't know what else to do.
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Sharla, could be the lump was even bigger prior to chemo, and the chemo shrunk it somewhat - but not enough. Did they at least biopsy this lump, so you know it's a cancerous tumor? It sounds like you'd benefit by a second opinion here; I've never known an oncologist to just kind of give up. Please check this list of Comprehensive Cancer Centers; these are the 40 best cancer treatment facilities in the U.S., as designaged by the government. See if there's one near enough for you to access; you'd be sure to get good care there. Stay in touch here - we can help. You don't have to be alone, so long as you can reach out to the women here on this site. Good luck - PJH
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