Hi Mcgee
Sounds like you have a tough decision to make, best wishes & I hope you make the right choice for you. I also hope they have given you lots of information to base your decion on
Good luck x
Hi,
I’m new to the forum but my story is so similar.
I was diagnosed at the end of May. I’m very active and practically live at the gym when I’m not at work.
My surgery was on 20th June. WLE, Sentinel Lymph Node and re-construction. I was told to take it easy and rest. The following day I had to have the drain checked and as it was so nice and sunny I decided to walk to the hospital a 4 mile round trip. Well they did say they wanted me up and moving… The following day I went back to get the drain removed and walked there and back again. I then had a week at home facing the challenges of washing your hair with one hand whilst trying not to get the surgical dressings too wet. I felt absolutely fine. After 5 days I had stopped taking the pain killers and was happily pottering round in the garden.
I’m now back at work and the mobility in my arm is improving rapidly.
I don’t require anymore surgery!
My problem is the waiting for test results… Tumour was Grade 3 ER+ HER2- Node Neg. So I’m now waiting for the results of an Oncotype DX test which will indicate how much benefit I would get from chemo.
On the plus side all the aches and pains from gym training have gone, but I so wish I could go back NOW!
Hi YorkshireTyke
I’m a Yorkshire girl as well (alright at 56, maybe not a girl!). I’ve been treated fantastically at St Luke’s breast screening service & BRI where I had the op.
Went back for my results this week - 2 small tumours grade 3 but only stage 1 & it hasn’t got to my lymph ? me. I’m ER negative but having to go back next wed for rest of the results which depending on may mean chemo before radiotherapy if endocrine therapy is not suitable.
Scar is healing really well but still bruised & lumpy around the scar
I went back to work yesterday have to admit was knackered by the end of the day (luckily I don’t work Fridays)
Still don’t feel like I have cancer but just going with the flow x
Hi McGee
Hope you are ok, just wondered how you’d got on with the surgeon?
Jude x
Hi Jude
How are you feeling after your results? Please let me know how oncotype results go on Wednesday. It still all feels surreal to me but take 1 day at a time. As a few have posted we have so much to be thankful for with our NHS and the medical staff who look at us as individuals.
Take care
Hi Jen
I’m feeling ok about it all I think - on the surface I’m chilled underneath my little legs are going ten to the dozen!
I’m reading up on Herceptin in case I’m HER2+ & chemo in case I’m not! The forums on here are fantastic for giving information on the up & downs so I’m trying to see positives on either outcome
Will update on Wednesday - hope you are keeping well
Take care x
Hi YorkshireTyke
Thanks for the link on the oncotype data - all quite interesting if I’m honest. I feel that I’ve entered a new world full of words I’ve vaguely heard of which are now mega important!
The waiting is a bit of a bind but obviously worth it if you get the best treatment for your diagnosis
I’ve been at work yesterday & today but am knackered again, had a lovely chat with my boss who had said I can basically come & go as I please if I’m tired & work from home if it helps! Obviously I don’t want to abuse it but it’s good to know it’s an option
Take care x
Seen my consultant today for the results unfortunately still waiting on HER2 results but if negative my diagnosis will be triple negative breast cancer & the next treatment will be chemo.
However if HER2 positive they can offer Herceptin but can only give alongside chemo. So either way I am having chemo just different chemo cocktail depending on results.
So got appointment to see oncologist next Wednesday - will get HER2 results then (hopefully) & chemo will start the week after
The plan is 1 strong dose + 2days of steroids every 3 weeks - 6 times, a short break, then 3 weeks of radiotherapy. If I need Herceptin 1 dose every 3 weeks for a year
Other than the Herceptin (if required), might just be finished for Christmas
Can’t bear being cold so not going for the cold cap option, but will take them up on the option of a wig on the NHS from a really good wig shop - every cloud…x
Hi Jude
Sorry your results mean chemo- how are you doing? I’m currently half way through chemo- it’s hard but doeable. The chemo monthly threads on here are a real support, place you can chat about how you’re doing, support others, make each other smile and laugh - been so valuable to me so far.
Write down all your questions before you see the oncologist- I had lots!
Let me know how you get on and your start date. Best piece of advice for me was to break chemo down - 1st in to cycles, then weeks and then days.
Take care big hugs xx
Hello Ladies
Just popping in this thread again and seeing a few recent posts.
Hi Jude
I’m sorry that you’ll be facing chemo after your recent results. At least you’ve done your reading and preparing for it and you have a tailor-made plan just for you. I felt much better (relieved even!) when I knew what was happening although i waited many weeks to hear what treatment path I would take.
Hi Yorkshire Tyke
I’m wishing you lots of good luck today for your appointment! Whatever your road you’ll be in good hands and plenty of support on here.
Thinking of you both, lovely ladies, and sending love and hugs from France to you.
Rosie xx
Hi Jen
Thanks for the message
I will defo join the chemo group on here - these forums offer great support
I’ll be honest I’ve struggled a bit the last couple of days with the chemo concept as initially it was ‘just’ an op & radiotherapy so I am having to get my head around it all
Work have been fantastic so that is a big help
Take care x
Hi Rosie
Thanks for the message
Yes I’m researching it as much as possible on the basis that it gives you a degree of control
We had talked about a holiday early October but as that won’t happen thinking of planning a fab holiday next spring
I love a plan!
Take care x
Well done Jude!! Planning a holiday is good…something to look forward to.
I was diagnosed the day before my husbands birthday and two weeks before my 60th!! I had such big plans but obviously they didn’t happen. It’s only now, 6 months on, that we are planning a few celebrations and a break to relax.
Your spring holiday will be here before you know it. ?
Take care.
Rosie
xx
Enjoy your belated celebrations & holiday Rosie x
Hiya
That’s fantastic news, I’m really pleased for you - presumably you’ll be having some hormone treatment as well?
Wishing you loads of luck with the radiotherapy!
Re holiday, would love to go somewhere like Cuba, a 2 centre hols - a week in Havana & a week at the beach. You never know…
Jude x
Hi Yorkshire tyke I had my rads done at the Bexley wing of Leeds lgi too. Amazing staff who really do care. I would suggest you take something to read whilst waiting as you don’t always get in on time. They are so very busy brought it home to me just how many people are suffering with this damn disease!!! Take some water and whichever cream you are using to apply straight after your treatment. Don’t forget to get the free parking by showing the attendant your appointment letter. Good luck with it all and ring that bell loud and proud when you have finished!!!??
Hi everyone,
I felt such a fraud after diagnosis that I became obsessed with asking for a re-test!
Was called back from my first mamogram at 52,
diagnosed 16th may Dcis and idc.
Had not worried one jot at the appointment where a biopsy was taken, how would i have cancer . I am fit and active with a good diet and no family history of breast cancer. Bit of a shock on results appointment!
3 weeks of MRI and 4 more biopsies I was relieved
to be able to chose breast conservation surgery on 27th June .
I’ve now been waiting nearly 3 weeks for results.
phoned today and was told maybe next week!
I feel I’m being given a test in patience .
If margins arn’t clear my surgeon has said he will have to take my nipple! I so want to keep my new boob as it is.
I can’t stand this waiting so have joined your conversation though I see from your more recent posts that you probably don’t feel a fraud no more xxxxxx
Hiya
If you are like me you may find, depending on your results, that it does start to sink in - the reality of been told I need chemo keeps hitting me in little waves
Also today, only a minor thing but I very rarely have anything wrong with me I’ve had to phone the breast unit & get an appointment as the lower end of my scar was inflamed, so my consultant had to squeeze some pus out - yuk!
And I have been showing off as my scar was very near & tidy
Just hoping on Wednesday that I’m not triple negative but I’ve got a feeling…
The waiting is a total bummer though
Take care x
Sorry *neat & tidy
On the subject of feeling like a fraud, last week I had to be admitted to hospital for neutropenia. I ended up on the Acute Medical Ward in a Bay with people who were clearly very very sick. I found myself feeling very fraudulent for taking up a precious bed with fever and a low WBC. I truly felt guilty. It wasn’t until the next day that the penny dropped, I am not a fraud, I have breast cancer which is scary enough, and my treatment could possibly kill me! There is a definite disconnect between how I feel, which is generally quite well, and the reality of my diagnosis. I think it may take a while to truly sink in.
Jacq