Could this be a reocurrence of the cancer?
Gburgmom asked...
My mother, 77, had a mastectomy in October of 2007. She did not need chemo treatments. Now her red blood count is low and her remaining breast itches. Could this be a reocurrance of the cancer?
Expert Answer
Andrew Putnam, M.D. is a Palliative Care physician at Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale University.
Your most important action, if you are concerned that your mother's breast cancer has returned, is to make an appointment to see her oncologist and explain the symptoms. It would be unusual to have the cancer return this fast if your doctors felt that chemotherapy was not needed such a short time ago, but nevertheless it is possible. When there is a question or concern, you should ask your doctor because he or she knows your mother's case best and is available to perform any tests needed to investigate.