Hi All
I saw the oncologist yesterday and after 5 x FEC, my tumour has only shrunk by 8mm (from 4cm). I’m bitterly disappointed and they now suggest 1 or 2 Taxotere and a mastectomy with full lymph node clearance. I’m wondering whether to ask for more Taxotere if it reduces it after the first?
The good news is my lung lesion is unchanged which presumably (they don’t seem sure!) this means it is not a lung met, but a lesion as suspected.
Anyone got any advice for me?
Cecelia. x
Cecelia
No advice really, I’m behind you had 2 FEC third next week and a scan the week after to check for shrinkage. I have resigned myself to a mastectomy being likely irrespective of how much shrinkage i get. I think that bizarre though it seems i will feel better not taking any chances.
Greta news about the lung lesion. i have one too, 2.5mm hoping mine doesn’t change.
I have heard great things about the effects of Taxotere, but given you have already had 5 FEC i don’t know how many more rounds of chemo they would want you to have. Worth asking the question i suppose.
Hope it works out what ever you decided and who would have thought you would be happy to have a nodule appear on the scan.
Take care
Lesley x
Hi Cecelia,
I am sorry to hear you have this dilema. I haven’t had the same drugs as you so I may not be qualified to offer advice but maybe other views may help you make your mind up.
I thought you might like to ask for a second opinion, however if things run like they do at my centre all the consultants work as a team and joint decisions are made.
Have you asked what the alternatives are and inn particular what you have suggested?
I personally felt that I had to trust that the oncologist has made decisions is in my best interest- having said that I would challege if I felt I had heard of alternatives.
In my centre mastectomies are the last resort, I had a lumpectomy and partial clearance first- however I have since had a total anx clearance and a mastectomy.
I felt I was prepared for the mastectomy but it has been a little more shocking than I had expected - however its early days yet (2 Weeks ago).
You will see I have used ‘howevers’ they can’t be avoided can they. I think the moderator is right to suggest you phone the helpline, they will help you focus your thoughts its what they are best at.
Take care
Thanks CB102
I want to be part of the decisions made for me and I want to be offered more chemo if that’s the way I want to go. I was originally told I would have 8 but have since been told they will stop after 6 (the 6th being to try Taxotere on Friday).
I don’t want a mastectomy unless it is the last resort and the treatment offered to me in the beginning was to reduce the lump so that I did not have to have this done. However as the FEC hasn’t worked to do that, then I guess all they cann do is try something else. It’s so much to think about.
How was the mastectomy shocking for you?
Cecelia. x
Hi Celelia,
Well, I didn’t have a particularly big breasts and after the third recurrence in the left breast I saw the boob as a ‘cancer factory’ so to speak. In the end I just wanted it off. I was offered a reconstruction at the time but refused as I didn’t want a prolonged operation and the raised risk of infection ( I had infections after previous ops).
On the day of the operation I was glad it was all over. I looked at the scar and was quite alright really. But a couple of days later I tried the bra and softie and it all feels weird. I am not repulsed by the scar or anything its just what I look like with no bra under my T Shirt.
Perhaps when I am less sore and have a proper prose-this fitted I might feel different.
I went Shopping at next today to try to find something to cheer me up. No chance its all smocks or low cut tops!
Its the little things really, including laying on my side in bed it feels lopsided, yet to find a comfortable position.
I am not unhappy just surprised by my reaction because I thought I had it all sussed.
Hope I have explained well enough
Carol
Sorry Cecelia that it has not responded as you would hope. Taxotere is s’posed to be ace though - I hope so cos I am on it too!!!
I can understand your disappointment as I was told I would need a Mastectomy from the start and I was so so upset - screaming and kicking and everything, then gradually I have come to terms with that as being a necessary procedure. Also just to add to things now they told me I am triple negative and prob have the duff gene. Because of this I have made the decision to have a double mastectomy - I don’t want to have extra risk of it coming back and I want to see my kids grow up.
My advice…definitely push for more Taxotere if that is what you want. Also try and think of it as survival option, at the end of the day I am not happy to lose my boobs (quite like them actually) but would rather be here without them…funny that over time you come to terms with these things.
Lots of love and hugs
Ali
x
Hi Cecelia,
Good news about your lung lesion.The choice I had when I was first diagnosed was WLE or mastectomy, we don’t get the choice of chemo first here. My lump was 3cm but managed to get away with WLE, unfortunately liver secondaries have been found since so on chemo now. I am in the same position as Bestie, if I had had to have a mastectomy I would have had it if it meant me spending more time with my family. The Breast cancer nurses are a great support, can you have a chat with one?They might be able to help you make a decision.
Good luck
Allie
Hi All
Thanks for your supportive messages, they really have helped me to see the bigger picture.
I will discuss what options there are with my nurse and onc, but have a feeling it’s more chemo or mastectomy soon-ish or more chemo and mastectomy anyway. I’m getting more used to the idea of a mastectomy, I want this thing gone and given as little chance as possible for it to return. I do want a reconstruction though, I have the tiniest boobs but I wan them there nonetheless!
Thanks again, you have all really helped.
Cecelia. x