Hi ladies, it’s been last summer since I posted on BCC forum (I started a private fb page and have a lovely group of mixed primary and secondary ladies, very supportive). I feel today though that I can’t really get the right help there and am hoping for your advice.
I was diagnosed double whammy last April, with secondary mets in liver. I went straight on to chemotherapy, having a course of docetaxol in conjunction with Herceptin and Perjeta as HER2+. My CT scan after Docetaxol and again in late November showed no signs of the disease, yippee!!. I have been having 3 weekly H&P, with one period where I went 4 weeks between (in February). I got CT scan results this morning at 12 weekly clinic appointment and have been told that although my liver mets are still nowhere to be seen, and my lungs/thorax is clear, I have a recurrence in left axilla (2 nodes, 14mm and 12mm). I had an exam, and the registrar couldn’t find anything (deja vu, as I had no symptoms pre diagnosis). I have slight pain in both breasts, in the areas beneath the skin where my underwire bra sits, for the past month, but again on exam she couldn’t find anything…Registrar was not sure how to progress, as there is a good chance they will stop giving me herceptin and perjeta (cost is too high if there is progression apparently) so she’s seeking advice from a senior doctor and asked that I come back in 3 weeks. Meanwhile, continue with the H&P treatment.
Now, my point or question FINALLY?? What should I be asking for at this meeting? I don’t know what to expect. I was reminded that there isn’t a lot of different treatments; I can’t remember what she said I might be moved on to. I’m scared that the H&P is “gold standard” and I will be on a downward path already, within a year…The last registrar I saw in December was delighted to tell me I would be around for a long time, and that I was responding very well to treatment.
So, can anyone else tell me what happens next? Should I ask for a more detailed scan, like an MRI to check the liver? Should I consider radiotherapy for the nodes?
Sorry about the length of this…I don’t have a special someone to share the burden or help with the decisions. Thanks xx Sheila