Hello everyone
I’ve been waiting patiently for the results of my mastectomy just over 2 weeks ago.
I was hoping it would be just DCIS as the core biopsies indicated, but unfortunately they removed a 5cm tumour, of which 2cm is grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. The four sentinel nodes biopsies were all clear, which I’m hoping means there’s no evidence of spread. The margins for the DCIS were 1.5 mm and for the invasive 15mm (which consultant said was encouraging). Because of my age (43) and the grade I’m to have chemo :(, followed by radiotherapy.
I went in today hoping for the best news, we had just moved into our dream home yesterday … it’s not the news I wanted to hear, but it doesn’t sound like the worst it could have been.
I guess it’s full steam ahead now, courage and positivity - chemo to start 6-8 weeks.
Any good reports on the cold cap ??
Xxxx
Hi Lilneez
really sorry the results weren’t as you were hoping - I think even if you prepare yourself for all possibilities its still a shock when something becomes real. As you said, if the lymph nodes were all clear then it sounds like they got it in time before it had chance to move around. I was fortunate not to need chemo or rads but I know there are a lot of supportive threads on here for those going through those treatments and have seen a number of comments that chemo wasn’t as bad for some as they had anticipated; still not saying its a walk in the park of course and everyone is different but it may be that the anticipation is one of the hardest bits?
Hope you can set it aside just a little and enjoy your new home (is there anywhere that isn’t full of boxes?! at least you’ll have plenty to do work off any nervous energy!) until the treatment starts xx
Hi Lilneenz, I’m so sorry that you didn’t get better news, but you sound very positive which is good as it makes getting through treatment easier. I didn’t have chemo, just rads, but there is a lady who posts on here (think shes called Blueash?), who did coldcap and the results looked good and she retained quite a lot of her hair. Hopefully she may see your post and can give you more information about her experience. I truly hope things go well for you as you embark on your journey. Michelle xx
Hi blue ash thank you for replying - I’m in a bit of a strange place at the moment trying to take everything in, one minute ok, the next a complete mess. My poor husband.
I really want to do the cold cap though, I have super long hair and always have, so I’m feeling so sad about maybe losing it all !! Do you recommend I get mine cut shorter, maybe to shoulders ??
I can’t believe how much hair you have it’s amazing and encouraging. It’s a great tip about the eyebrows too - did you have this done ??
How did you get on with the chemo. I’m so worried about it all.
lilneenz x
Oh thanks so much for taking the time to send all this info. I’m having a bit of a wobble tonight so it’s all really helped, Bless you. I’ll definitely look into the fasting thing and the picc line. I’m hoping I’ll be able to carry on as normally as possible. How old are you if you don’t mind me asking - I’m 43.
I just can’t believe all of this is happening. Thank you once again you’re a star x
Hey there
Thanks blue ash - you’ve been so much help.
I go back Friday to find out the hormone status - so is it the her2 that makes it aggressive ? I thought grade 3 alone was aggressive and fast growing - I think they think I’ll be oestrogen positive as this has all changed since my four rounds of IVF, but won’t know until Friday. I’ve got a 2cm lump too, but consultant really sounded positive she had got it in time.
I’m feeling more positive today, was hard yesterday and yes, I had all the thoughts about dying young…but I’m on this road now and I’ve just got to do everything I can to fight it.
Thank you so much x