Hi everyone, I’m new here, just recovering from my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which was a week ago. I’m still sore & bruised ( who knew skin could turn so many colours?) but coping well I think.
When I was diagnosed just over a month ago, I was about to turn 40, I had a busy life, full time job, kids, etc, and then this bomb exploded in the middle of it all. Bizarrely my first reaction was not to fall apart, but to get organised. I worried about work (which seems ridiculous, now) and spent lots of time organising stand ins and cancelling commitments, and I hired a cleaner and gardnener. THEN I fell apart a bit. I delayed my surgery for 2 weeks so that we could go ahead with a family trip to New York to celebrate my birthday, I think that was the best decision I’ve ever made. We had such a good time and left the cancer far behind for a long weekend.
The kids and husband have been great and my family and friends have been such an amazing support, there is a silver lining in all of this, which is that everyone has said such lovely things and I have realised what a lucky person I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.
We are in a tough bit now, waiting to hear if lymph nodes are clear and planning next stage of treatment. We are thinking if paying for the oncotype dx test if lymph is clear, (i know the tumour is oestrogen sensitive and grade 1 - so prognosis is good). If anyone has any opinions/ experience of that test and its results I’d be grateful to hear them.
It’s been great reading the pages here, despite great support there is no substitutto for talking to people who are going through the same thing I think.
jackiebee x
Hi Jackiebee
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site. If there is anything you need to ask there’s alway someone around to help, plus our helpline team are just that free phone call away for added support , 0808 800 6000.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi I don’t know anything about that test but after reading your post I would like to say what an inspiration you are and I wish you all the best for your next stage of treatment… Emma x
hi jackiebee
just to say hi, i dont know anything about that test either, but you seem quite a strong person, if you can stay that positive (well a lot of the time anyway) you will hopefully be able to march on to recovery very well.
kindest regards,
angie xx
Hi Jackiebee
I am new to the site too. I was diagnosed on 5th April (imprinted on my brain is that date!!) and I go for my lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy tomorrow (gulp).
My initial diagnosis is very good-grade 1 invasive with no sign of anything in my lymph nodes so I am optimistic about tomorrow. Ive been told that I need the surgery then radiohterapy which i believe is the norm but not sure.
I went into lets get organised mode too and worried about work and finances but my employers have been brilliant about it all.
Hardest part was telling my mum who had BC 25 years ago. Very upsetting but I think Ive convinced her I have caught it early. My children have taken the news OK I think-hard to tell with a 13 year old and my youngest is 6 so doesn’t understand whats going on. A bit worried about how I will cope as I have no husband or partner so the house will be a tip!!
Let me know how your results are and I have everything crossed for you!
Hi Jackiebee
Glad you’ve got through the surgery and are on the road to recovery. I’m due in on Friday for mine 
I don’t know anything about the test however, I did come across this on the BCC website: breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/about-breast-cancer/oncotype-dx
Best wishes,
Martha
Thanks for all your responses, how wonderful it is to instantly connect with so many people in a similar situation. Emz76- thank you for your lovely comment. And Angiepops, I do think staying positive is so important isn’t it- though sometimes it is easier than others of course. Annamae, it sounds like our conditions are very similar, I do hope all goes well for you today. It is so hard with the kids isn’t it- mine are 13 and 9, the eldest has been more affected than the youngest because she understands much more I suppose. And MarthaSOS - good luck on Friday. I found the first few days after surgery sore but not as bad as I expected. Hope the same is true for all of you x
Jackie
Hi Jackiebee
I was told about the Oncotype dx test and my private health insurance would cover the cost but the Oncologist said it wasn’t worth it for me as it doesn’t always give more info than they already have which was the case for me. So I’d check with your oncologist if its worth it before offering to pay as I believe its around 2000 - great if it does give them more info but not worth it in all cases.
Good luck with the next stage of your treatment
Kate
x
Thanks Kate. I will certainly wait and see what they/we know already- my understanding is that if it has already spread to lymph nodes then chemo will go ahead anyway, so the test wont give me much more info, but if it hasn’t then it might help with the decision whether or not to have chemo. Though in some ways I’d feel better (psychologically- I’m sure not physically!) if chemo does go ahead- in a kind of belt and braces philosophy…
Had my results back yesterday, no spread to lymph so I am over the moon, and clear margins too.
im going ahead with the oncotype dx test on the advice of the surgeon and BCN, to be sure next stage of treatment decisions are as tailored as they can be.
Thanks for all the support ladies.
Wow that’s great news chick!! If you don’t mind me asking what is that test your having Hun? Bit clueless!! Hug for you emma xx
Hi Jackie
Thats great news about your results. Im hoping that because our diagnosis are so similar I will get same news!!
I tried to send you a message but can’t seem to figure out what to do!! I am currently waiting for my appointment for the results of the lumpectomy and SNB and trying not to think about the what ifs etc.
Welcome to the breast cancer treadmill 
I am due my lumpectomy and sentinel lode biopsy this coming weds 8/5/13 bag already packed and nerves kicking in have waited 4 and a half long weeks but anxious to get this show on the road at last!!!
Yay, congrats Jackie - I am so pleased with your results. I’ve got until the 15th to wait for mine lol.
Loobyb - I’ve just had my WLE & SNB on Friday. It’s over in no time at all (1 hour) and you’ll be back on the ward having a cup of tea/coffee and a sandwich.
Good luck & let us know how you get on.
Best wishes,
Martha
Emma- the test is a genetic assay on the tumour that they removed which gives a ‘recurrence’ score to help determine whether chemotherapy is necessary - it’s good for women who have oestrogen positive, node negative, HER2 negative tumours, which are sometimes treated with radiotherapy and sometimes also chemo- the test just gives a bit more scientific evidence to help the decision for treatment but it is not (yet) availble on the NHS. I understand it is likely to be fairly soon.
Loobyb- I hope all goes well for you. It is almost 2 weeks since my lumpectomy- recovery has been not as bad as I thought though am still on some painkillers and taking time to get back to normal- but it does feel so much better knowing the cancer is gone.
Thanks Martha- hope all is positive for you on the 15th, and hope you are recovering well.
YW Jackie - Oh so do I lol
Recovering well. It was quite funny really. I was expecting my left boob to look totally deformed but in actual fact, it looks amazing.
My left bood was always a little larger than my right and hung just a bit lower. Although it is swollen, it is a perfect shape and is now level with my right. I’m thinking of asking my surgeon to tweak the right one a little lol.
I’m doing all my exercises, but I’m also being pampering by my OH - He’s been absolutely amazing.
I’ll keep you posted,
Martha xx