Hi everyone hope you’re all OK!
I had a lumpectomy on 16th December and results went to the MDT meeting on Thursday. BCN gave them to me over the phone and said my consultant will give them to me officially on Monday (tomorrow) and then refer me to oncology. So it’s a grade 3, 13mm IDC no spread to lymph nodes. She said they decided to not send it off for oncotype test as they think because of my age (34) there would be a benefit of chemo. I’ll have radiotherapy and hormone tablets too. I was really gutted when they said chemo would be likely BUT over the past few days have come round to it and will get on with it if it’s the best course of treatment for me HOWEVER I’ve just been reading on here that often the surgeons and oncologists have a difference of opinions and now my heads in a spin that I’ve come round to the idea and when I get referred the oncologist may not agree with me needing it! I think my fear is if I don’t have it and I get a recurrence, I’ve read on here a few stories where patients have been given the choice if they want to have it… (I know we don’t have to take any treatments but I just want to be told which is the absolute best way forward and not have to make any decisions 
).
Also, if I do have to go with chemo I’ve seen some people on here having certain ones weekly, every 2 weeks and every 3 weeks. Dependent on which chemo it is can you ask for them to be closer together if safe or is it just dependent on what your hospitals protocol is? I would like to get it all done and dusted as soon as possible I’m sure like most people!
Any tips on natural looking wigs? Did it change your appearance drastically? I only ask as I’ve only so far told 3 people and would rather not tell anybody and just crack on with it, has anybody managed to keep it quiet?
Hope you’re all doing well 
1 Like
Hi @katie91
The MDT comprises of a group of professionals with expertise in great cancer - the Consultant Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiologists and Breast Care Nurses. They collectively discuss individual cases and treatment plan.
I think the treatment regimen depends on our cancer and I imagine there may be consideration about how well we are to start with. There are guidelines about prescribing that they follow so it should be standardised across the country.
Though I’m middle aged I like to think that I was reactively healthy. I was not overweight, no other illnesses aside from inflammatory arthritis and active (though not as fit as I’d like to have been). My treatment regime included 2 chemo drugs and 2 targeted therapies. 6 cycles, 3 weeks apart. It wasn’t kind at times but it was doable. The effects were cumulative so by the last one I felt crap, but it was okay. I soon forgot about it seems like a blur now.
Wigs - I bought two that were nothing like my original hair. As the weather got warm I abandoned them, stuck to cotton caps and when it was really hot I embraced my baldness. It was liberating!
As for telling people, I’m very open. Told my colleagues at work as I was not myself and frequently tearful during the investigative stage. From being called for second stage screening (after my routine mammogram) to getting results was just over 3 weeks. Told close family and friends when I had diagnosis. My treatment plan changed as more results were available. Updating people was a lot but got easier the more times I said it. My family is small and I have a close circle of friends I shared with. I’m not one for sharing about it on social media. Wanted to get on with it quietly with as little fuss as possible.
Hope appointment goes well x
3 Likes
Hello there @katie91 - I seem to be lurking on all the threads you find. 
Just back from my consultants today and yet again our stories are similar! Seems like my DCIS which had two pesky lumps which have been upped to a grade 3, they took 7 lymph nodes and found 1 to be cancerous. Despite my “young vibes” (teenage children roll eyes at this point!) I am 51 and post early menopause at 38 so my biopsy is being sent off for oconotpe scoring. Think I am looking at chemo - which has floored me a little. Was hoping lumpectomy and radio when first discovered, now post a therapeutic mammoplasty they need to go back for a clearer margin so surgery on 26th Jan and then probably chemo. Oh BUM! However I do not want to do this “journey” again so I guess we plod on.
3 Likes
Little update, the oncologist has agreed to the oncotype test which ai’m really happy about and glad to know the benefit of chemo will be fulky analysed by the test!!
1 Like
Hey @joodles! Ahhhh sorry to hear they didn’t quite get it all in your 1st surgery!! Thats not what anybody wants but I’m sure they’ll get in there on 26th Jan and whip the rest out for you. Is it any different when they go back in like less invasive so less recovery time? At least you kind of know what to expect though as crappy as it is!! Its never a smooth road this journey is it 
how are you feeling about it all?
I’m getting myself prepped for chemo anyway! Ive just posted asking for positive stories about chemo and aside from the hairloss (which I’ve found some amazing wigs and eyebrow products for) they found it fairly straight forward so it’s given me lots of hope!!
Like you though I was just hoping for surgery and radio with hormone blockers. My oncotype test was officially agreed by the oncologist today because I’m a “grey area” so our results should be back around the same time I think! Keep me posted when you get yours 
xx
2 Likes
Hey @katie91 re my additional scrape surgery as we are calling it! Apparently the surgeon will just open up my nipple scar partially to be able to scrape the margin area that is too slim which is annoying as it has healed really well!! Ah well.
1 Like
How did you get this test as i am boderline too do i have to wait till my ongologist appointment comes through
Katie is great.
Hi Im Sam and at the start of this journey too.
Had right boob removed and full node remival 2 from 14 positive. Im grade one and floored when surgeon said chemo. But im waiting for appointment at another hispital to see an ongologist to discuse
2 Likes
Ahhh hopefully it will heal up nicely again for you as annoying as it is!! Xx
Hi Sam, I’m Jane. 51, slightly worried that the initial early DCIS has proved to be trickier than hoped as now my biopsy has shown grade 3 not grade 2 and had 1 lymph node out of 7 positive for cancer. Fear the Chemo is going to happen. Stay in touch - I am sure we can do this, we may wobble but we won’t fall down! One day, hour, moment at a time.
2 Likes
@joodles I am sure they will have it all under control for you.
I too wobble every day and struggle with my anxiety.
When is your next appointent x
1 Like
@joodles my next appointment is next Wednesday when i get my deffo treatment plan.
Please lets keep in touch.
We can do this. (Thats what im telling myself whilst on sofa feeling sorry for myself)
I have a work meeting tomorrow which is playing on my mind.
Did you say you are having an onco test. I really need to ask about this as I had an NPI score which was boderline xx
1 Like
@joodles ive just looked at my last letter after your commemt my tumor is grade 1 but DCIS says high grade!!! So i am in the same boat as you xx
1 Like
@sammy75 No next appointment yet as have surgery 26/1 to increase my margins - they will advise after that I presume. At the moment just a waiting game.
1 Like
@joodles its the waiting thats a killer isnt it.
I know we shoildnt google but feel I havent been told everything and havent been brave enough as been so scared to read the letters, but today I have after your comment.
We got this 
I really hope surgery goes will for you. Did you have a tumor as well!
1 Like