I am 44, have breast cancer for 2nd time. (both breasts now!) had lumpectomy & 3 nodes removed. results say im grade 3 & pre cancer cells in tissue around lump removed. they want me back in to remove more. but also 1of 3 nodes contained cells but it was contained whatever that means! options are: take block of nodes but risks putting me off, or have radiotherapy to armpit & hope thar gets it. dont know yet if need chemo or not as still awaiting more results. back wednesday to give my decision but i really dont know what to do. just recovered from surgery this time & last time was only 12 momths ago. feeling like ive had enough surgery but seems the only way to b sure its gone ?
It’s hard to help you but if it were me I’d want it gone. I was all for having mastectomy but was told not needed but would insist if it returned.
Wishing you well, having bc once is bad enough x
thank you Chaffinch17. i was on tamoxifen too but clearly that didnt work! just cant help thinking as this is 2nd time that i could do all this & still get it again. i was coping much better this time emotionally but this has really knocked me off my feet. not feeling so positive as i was! x
Hi Vicqui So sorry to hear you’re going through it all over again, I can imagine how you must be feeling. I haven’t been where you are as I only completed my radiotherapy in December after surgery in September for my primary BC but I read your post and just wanted to say, as I’m sure you know, there are lots of lovely ladies here to support you on this next stage of your BC journey. I know if it was me, much as the thought of further surgery and the potential risks that come with it are daunting, I would definitely be going for the surgery option. I hope that helps a little and my final piece of advice is just to take a long deep breath and take each and every day as it comes. We cannot allow the BC to take over our entire mental wellbeing, we all have our lives to live and families and friends who love us. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have days where it comes crashing back into my thoughts with the ‘what ifs’ - of course I do but I do my very best every day when I wake up to push thoughts of BC aside and live each day spending time like I spend my money - carefully and on well chosen things that are worth it! Take care Anita x
Hello Vicqui,
Sorry to read that you are going through BC again. I had 1 affected node and did not want full clearance, so had radiotherapy to the axilla. I did quite a lot of research at the time (3 years ago) and seems in the US this is the standard treatment.
I went for my annual check up a few weeks ago, all seemed OK, and the consulatant did say they rarely do full clearance these days.
Wishing you well with your future treatment.
Sue x
V sorry to hear you have another primary. I read a research article saying radiotherapy to the armpit is just as effective as node removal. Both carry a risk of lymphoedema, but not sure if radiotherapy rusk is lower. Worth asking your BCN or Onc. Know just us you feel at the thought of more surgery just as you’re coming through the first one. I had two & was devastated, but once it was done you just get on with healing again. Lots of love & a big hug for you. What bad luck getting it again xx
V if you google AMAROS trial you will find articles showing radiotherapy to armpit is just as effective x