I am off to meet the Consultant again tomorrow morning at 8.30am to discuss the lumpectomy next Tuesday and to discuss anything I need to ask and to make sure I am fully up to speed on what is going on. Now this is the part I need some advice on please ladies.
To date all I have been told is that it is cancer (yes got that!)the lump is 3cm and the nodes appear to be clear. That is all I know and I still feel a bit out in the dark. You all discuss Grade and the hormone receptive bit but I am so confused. Can any of you give me guidance on what I need to ask tomorrow so I can at least feel a little bit more relaxed about what is happening to me. I feel so out in the dark and wonder if this could be why I am struggling to accept the cancer diagnosis and struggling with the rollercoaster of emotions.
Oh and sorry for the short notice!
Thank you so much
Tracy xx
Hi Miniminx,
Take someone with you as you will not remember all you have been told. Get them to write things down. Most of the questions you are asking will not have answers until histology results are through. You should have a breast care nurse in attendance when you see the consultant. She will be able to answer lots of your questions.
Try to stay calm if you can possibly manage it. We are here to help. Lots of knowledge on here as we have all been there before you.
Cyber hug on the way.
E
Hi Tracy
It’s a lot to take in but it does get easier. Some of the stuff you find out can be sacrey tho. The grade is an indication of how active the cancer is; it goes from grade 1 to grade 3, with 3 being the most active. Stage is how far its progressed. Hormone sensitive cancers are caused by your hormones, namely oestrogen and progesterone. Those who are hormone sensitive are normally given tamoxifen. There is something else called HER2. If you are positive for this, the tumour is more active but you can have herceptin. If you are triple negative, you are negative for the above 3 and herceptin and tamoxifen wont help.
This is the sort of thing the Docs will know once they have a sample of the tumour, but if you’ve had a biopsy then they may know already. Its good if its not in the lymph nodes.
I had grade 3 and it was in one lymph node. I’m a year on from finishing treatment, so it is possible.
Julia xx
Hi Tracy, am going to send you a PM! L