Hi,not been on here for a while but wondered if anyone could shed some light. I’m 34 diagnosed in feb,had chemo first and had mastectomy and ANC 2 Weeks ago.Just seen surgon who informs me that my tumour was 2cm and had spread to surrounding blood vessles and to 5 lymph nodes(had 10 lymph nodes removed).My margins are clear.Will have to have radiotherapy and hormone therapy for 5 years. Not too sure if this is good or bad news?? Does this mean i have secondary cancer?? I’m told no other scans will be done unless i’m symptomatic.
Not sure how to feel or what i was expecting but feel quite deflated-don’t know if i should have asked-what are my chances of beating this horrible disease(not sure if i want to know)-my scans at the start of treatment were clear. Sorry if i’m going on a bit but my minds in a whirl!! x
No you do not have secondary cancer. The 1st place cancer spreads to is the lymph nodes ( i had 2 lymph nodes positive for cancer).Radiotherpay is common for most breast cancers. The hormone therapy is because your cancer has tested positive for either estrogen or progestrone, this is the commonest form of breast cancer. No need to worry uneccessarily.
Good luck with your treatment
Dear Maggie
Please call our helpline to talk through your concerns about your results, the line is open 9-5 weekdays and Sat 9-2 on 0808 800 6000.
BCC have published a booklet called ‘Understanding your pathology’ which may help to clarify some things for you, you can read it here:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/pathology___feb_08_0.pdf
Take care
Lucy
Just back from the hospital and the dreaded “next” appt,
After having urgent “extra” scans with Sue, we have been told everything is clear after it was all pointing to “poor” from the “path” report and consultant (overall 14cm tumour ‘split’ ,Widespread LI, and 16 positive nodes ‘60%’)
After seeing the path reports and hearing all the downbeat news, i have to say we are feeling elated now that it was defined as “all clear” and no secondary cancer after all the extra scans.
Just Chemo, radio and drugs for 5-7 years which we know could be a slog, but it feels like a great weight has been lifted off our minds after worrying if there were secondaries for the last couple of weeks/month.
Hope this is some reassurance that things can go well 
Hang on in there and good luck with everything
oh les n sue, this is fantastic news
XXX
Thanks for comments,feel a bit silly now,i always get myself in a tiz when seeing the drs and don’t listen to what they’re saying.I guess i want them to say that i’m cured.It’s always in the back of my mind that the big c has spread,even though at this point there’s no evidence of this.Any way feeling much calmer now,just got to get the radiotherapy out of the way.Good luck to everyone fighting this horrible disease x
Hi
It’s completely normal to fear it’s spread, I certainly did. However, i dont think the cure word is often used as it can always sneak back!
Julia xx