Hello
I was diagnosed with Grade 3C last October and had 13 out of 15 lymph nodes infected. I had had a mammogram in July which was clear, so as you can imagine the news was a huge shock to me and my family. I had mastectomy with implant reconstruction in October 2013, followed by chemo (FEC-T). 6 weeks after the chemo finished in April, and just as I was due to start the radiotherapy, I felt a minute lump in my neck above the collarbone. The biopsy confirmed that the cancer was back after only 6 weeks. I then had a CT scan which showed that I had further enlarged lymph nodes in other armpit and left groin, these were also biopsied and confirmed as Secondary cancer. I have now finished the radiotherapy for the original area and neck together with one single blast to the groin but nothing to the other armpit. Has anyone else been through similar with the secondary lymph node involvement and could you let me know what course of treatment was suggested. My Oncologist now just looks really serious when we meet and says the cancer cannot be cured and I can only have a limited number chemo cycles. I am strong, determined and wlll fight this not just for me but for my 4 amazing kids and my wonderfully kind, patient and supportive partner. Thank you I would really love to hear from you x
Hi Sue…so sorry to hear your news. I know how devastated you and your famiky must be. I was dx last month with secondaries in lung with 2 nodes…paratracheal and hilar. My primary was 9 yrs ago and I had another primary in tge same spot 5 yrs ago. I start my chemo…Capecetabine…in 10 days time. Ive been told 3 cycles to take me up to mid august then they’ll scan again to check if responding. !My onc sounded a little bit more optimistic I think than yours! Some just dont have a way with words do they??
He told me that there are a lot of options to try and new drugs to treat metastases are coming out all the time. My bc nurse says a lot of oncologists are treating it more like a chronic disease now as ladies are living longer and managing it succesfully with treatment. There are plenty on here who are living proof of that. Im sure you will be fine, There are probably a lot of lovely ladies on here in similar situation to you and they’ll be along to give you advice and support too, as they have with me.
Sending you a big hug ((((()))))
Love bev xxxx
Hi,sue,so sorry you are joining us. I can’t offer you any advice. Do you know what the status of secondaries are? If it’s hormonal,Her+ etc? there are a lot of treatments out there and some ladies have been on cap chemo for years.
Unfortunately SBC can’t be cured but it can often be controlled for many years we have a lovely lady on here into her 11th year.
We are a very friendly bunch so please feel free to jump into an ongoing thread ( a lot of us hang around the bone /lung mets& specific treatment threads) ask us anything we will always try to help.
Huge hugs,Helen xxxxxx
Hi SunshineSue
As well as the support you are receiving here you might find it useful to have a look at the information page on secondaries. It gives details of the publications and information as well as the services and support availlable. If you would like to have a look just use the link below:-
breastcancercare.org.uk/secondaries?utm_source=Homepage&%3Butm_medium=help_you&%3Butm_campaign=secondaries
Also if you would like to talk anything through do give the helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with someone who will offer you emotional support as well as practical information. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Sue. My situation sounds v similar to yours. I was diagnosed with a recurrence in lymph nodes in my neck and chest wall in January this year. I have just completed 6 cycles of GemTaxol chemo and then had a scan. Saw onc today for results and lymph nodes have resolved - amazing!! It’s the best possible news. Onc had expected to follow up with radiotherapy but doesn’t feel I need it a present so is keeping it in reserve. So I will continue on maintenance herceptin and he’ll scan again in three months.
Onc is always v positive. I’m sorry your experience with your onc is not the same. He said it was good that my cancer has a predilection for my lymph nodes as it is keeping it away from my major organs! I thought this was a good way of looking at it.
I hope my experience is useful - do ask any questions. Take care. Love Steph xxxxx
Hi Sue, I’m sorry to hear that you have had to move house - I hope that you are settled now.
I’m pleased that you are gaining a second opinion. It’s so important to be confident in the medical team responsible for your treatment.
My cancer is HER2+ so I am on herceptin not hormone treatment. My oncologist has said if the herceptin doesn’t stop any progression he will start me on kadkyla which is a new treatment for HER2 + cancers. I’m seeing him again in October following a three month scan.
I hope that you feel happier having been seen at the Royal Marssen and have a treatment plan in place.
Take care and look after yourself. Love Steph xxx