I am currently recovering from a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Was advised yesterday that the tumour was a mixed ductal and metaplastic cancer, grade 3 only 7mm. I thought that I would be given hormone treatment but today been told that due to my age (40) and the grade of cancer and that it is not hormone receptive that I am to see oncology about chemo. I feel totally devasted, it is like being told I have breast cancer again. I am so scared as to why this is being offered and wondered if anyone out there can give me any re-assurance about the chemo and this type of cancer.
Thanks to anyone who is able to reply
Hi, I can’t offer you any expertise on this particular area, but wanted to respond generally.I’m sorry you find yourself waiting for information, again. It is the hardest thing, feeling that you are in the dark, waiting to hear possible further bad news.
But chemo is not necessarily doom and gloom. It is another treatment, that will give you an increased chance of no future recurrences. You have got rid of the cancer, this is moping up. There is no such thing as a ‘good’ cancer, they are just treated in different ways. From what other women have said on threads, it is particularly difficult, when you thought things were going to one way, and then are told that actually, you need further surgery, chemo, radio etc etc. Especially when you are already recovering from surgery!
I can’t tell you not to worry- we all do! But I hope you get the information you need, and with it some reassurance soon,
Tracey xx
Hi
I wish I could help and give you all the aanswers you so desperately want to hear but i am new to all this as well . My diagnosis is also different to yours as it is a grade 2, stage 1 but still only small 10 mm but i am waiting for my Herceptin result which depending on whether that is positive or negative will change my treatment plan currently from radiotharapy to chemo and herceptin which i am dreading.
I do hope you find the answers you need i am sure somebody will reply very soon and will be able to help.
Lv Melx
Hello there, I am new to this site, following 1st routine mammogram at 52, I had WLE and Sentinel node removed Dec 22, results Grade 3 invasive ductal 27mm, 12mm DCIS, 39mm total, E+ P+, node clear, but margins not clear so mastectomy on 9th Feb, with saline implant. CT and bone scan clear.
Appointment cancelled last week at last minute, not all results ready. Yesterday BC nurse rang to tell me the result of HER2 was positive and as that is all they were waiting for and she said I needn’t go today as being referred to Oncologist. That came as a bit of a shock and I went quiet, she said is that OK, I said no, I would like to speak to BC consultant and find out any other results from the surgery. So I guess that she confirmed what I was dreading over the phone, not the best way to hear, but just have to pick myself up and continue the wait, I know they are all doing their best. I feel fine in myself, just so many more questions need answering.
I am also waiting for my herceptin results and will be told this over the phone. I dread it every time the phone rings as i think i will burst out crying if it is positive as it means the cancer is so much more agressive and a complete change in my treatment plan.Mine is being re tested so i have convinced myself it will come back positive.
lv Melx
hi,
not sure if my cancer was the same as yours but I was also told I would need chemo after initially being told I would not and this was partly due to my age… take heart at 40 you are considered young ( or so my onc said) so they tend to throw everything at you!!! Had my last chemo on 09/02/11 and although it wasn’t always easy or pleasant it is do able
You are strong and can do this.
check out under treatment chemotherapy there is a thread called top tips: its brilliant I followed it and it really helped. PM me if you want to chat.
hugs
Shelly H