I now have my date for my mastectomy… 24th May. I am not worried as such, just want this cancer gone, but I am absoloutely panicing incase I need chemo after! Has anyone has just the op and then tamoxifen? I know I am clutching at straws, as no one will know until the surgery has been done…I just want something to “cling” on to! xx
Hi U2
I have not had mastectomy but usually plan for treatment is outlined, even if not definate, before surgery, in UK.
I actually wanted mastectomy but surgeon insisted lumpectomy just as good for me.
I am on Tamoxifen now, surgery three weeks ago, 15 radiation sessions to start end of month eek! 
Can you call your breast care nurse or doctor, or email?
Hi there u2girlie,
Yes, plenty of people have just had surgery, radiotherapy and tamoxifen (I am presuming that as you are talking about hormone therapy you have been told your cancer is hormone driven). There are those who have just had surgery, those like myself who have had surgery and radiotherapy and no tamoxifen…there are those who have had chemo in addition to syrgery, rt and hormone therapy…there are all combinations of treatments represented here (as my surgeon said…there are people who chose to do nothing and leave it…but we know the outcome of that!!!).
Please remember that any treatment that is offered to you is always a choice. It is your body and your life and a choice can be made after hearing the recommendations of your oncologist and taking into account your own personal feelings and any other health considerations.Your oncologist will take into account a number of factors before making a recommendation, lots of stats added together which will indicate if chemo is recommended. I am not a medical person, but factors such as; stage, grade, lymph nodes affected and if there is any vascular invasion (amongst other things) will affect if you are offered chemo. They use a ‘predict’ IT tool to look at various stats to help in that decision making. There is also another option to help in decision making…something called the onco-type test, which you may be eligible for based on your biopsy results. This indicates how effective chemo could be for you. It is something to keep at the back of your mind for your meeting with the oncologist after your surgery, when you get your full results.
Now…have you already had a biopsy and a treatment plan discussed with you so far? Usually this is done based on the initial findings of the ultrasound and needle biopsy. Of course treatment plans can change after the final biopsies are done after surgery, but you will have time to find out everything you want to know, ask questions of your bcn and oncologist and make an informed decision IF chemo were to be offered. Some people are offered chemo as its recommended and decline it, some jump at the chance of ‘throwing everything they can’ at the bc, some are borderline for chemo and chose to have it or not. Sorry if this is all sounding confusing, but every person reacts differently and makes different choices.
You may find …IF you are recommended chemo that you feel differently once you find out more information and have an opportunity to address your fears with the specialists.
I hope this helps a little bit, somehow,
Charys x
Hi U2,
Yes, there are quite a few of us that did not need chemo, but as you say, the treatment plan for you can only be finalised once the results are back after surgery.
Whatever, happens it will be about getting you the best treatment plan to ‘kick its b*tt!’
ann x
Thank you everyone for replies…I am all in “noodle head” mode! I had biopsies that show oestrogen receptive, stage 1, 2 areas, 9 mm and 12mm… DCIS. Surgeon said the ultrasound shows that lymph nodes look ok. Mastectomy has to be done because there are 2 areas. I am prepared for this, and having immediate reconstruction, but I have not seen an oncologist as yet. My surgeon is lovely, and has gone into detail about the op etc, but seems to be evasive about whether ot not I will need chemo, radiotherapy, ot whatever…I have a bit of OCD so I need to know!!! I am due to go to see U2 in July, and have booked a holiday in August…I need to know!!! ARRRGGHHH!!! (sorry for my rant…its frustating)
Dont worry U2, what you’re feeling is quite normal when going through this! It’s the uncertainty whilst waiting & the mind goes into overdrive filling in the gaps.
It’s good if you have a DCIS diagnosis at the mo, but obviously, this can only be finally confirmed post surgery & the surgeon will not be able confirm until then.
It will pass…
take care
ann x