I was diagnosed in the beginning of February with invasive ductal breast cancer, the plan at the time due to the size of the lump was to have a mastectomy, and likely chemo and radiotherapy followed by medication for 5-7 years.
The did the op on the 11th March and the lump was 3cm with an additional 1cm of DCIS and removed 2 sentinel loads, one was positive. I went back in on 8th April for axillary clearance and went back for the results yesterday. They took 19 nodes (so 21 total) and in those they took out it was in 11. So 12 had cancer in total out of 21. They said to me at the time the number doesn’t matter so much as as soon as there are 4 or more it triggers a scan referral (although I find this hard to believe)
They have referred me for a CT scan next week.
I really need some positive news from people. I have tried to be positive, all the way through and each time I feel it is a real knock. I fear I am going to go and they say it has spread. There is a constant underlying sadness I feel, I have 4 children from 8-16, and thinking of them just makes me feel so upset.
I can’t give you any hope as im a little behind you in my treatment. I’m due to have my second operation to get clear margins (I have invasive ductal carcinoma with dcis 37mm). I also need full axillary clearance. However, you are certainly not alone as I’m the same, terrified that it has spread throughout my body. I seem to have aches and pains all over? so of course I’m fearing the worst. The chances are that it won’t have spread any further and there are so many people who even when cancers have spread, can be successfully treated and live many years. I’m sorry I can’t reassure you but I can certainly empathise. There are so many treatments these days and I’m sure you will be just fine. Take care, much love x
A scan will show. Talk to the specialist nurse as I found them very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask what how etc. Take care one day at a time big hugs xxx
It’s so hard. I feel like I have coped well so far, but this is another level now. I just want to meet or hear from anyone who can tell me something positive, but then the more I try to read, the more information I find I may not want to know! x
I stupidly looked on google AI shouldn’t of done that as it didn’t help. This forum also has speak to nurses they can help. What I have learnt with my c I have had ct scans ,pet scans. They are covering all areas to test make sure everything is covered. You can do this, stay strong , xxx
Hello, i wanted to reply as my diagnosis is similar and i am hoping i can help you a little.I have searched this website and others in need of answers and i truly feel that although some information is beneficial, some is upsetting.I was diagnosed in march after a routine mammogram a few weeks before.I thought someone had hit me with a sledgehammer when i was told.I dont know where you are based but for me the biopsy that revealed the diagnosis was done a week after the mammogram and they then also knew there was some lymph node involvement.The surgeon told me mascectomy and removal of all nodes.My tumors (2 of them) cover a large area.Surgery is due to be carried out soon but CT scan of organs and bone scan were carried out first.I convinced myself there was spread too.I dont yet have the bone result but the CT of organs was clear.I too am going out of my mind with worry.I have 2 older children and they are all i can think about.Every ache and pain is a fear sending me into a dark place.Please feel free to message me if i can help i will be happy to
No! absolutlely not.I dont know where you are based? calling patients with the news isnt the procedure.I have my views on this too as there shouldnt be a need for a patient to go to hell and back waiting for appointments if the results are positive.I had my CT result last tuesday, it was good news but i was in bits.
Sounds really stressful and sending you a big hug. My little positivity story on this is via my mum 30 years ago who had a similar lump size & multiple lymph node involvement. 30 years later she is doing great - currently on holiday with my dad! She reckons she’s healthier than many of her peers. It was a really tough year of treatment (not going to lie!) and after that 5 years of her worrying any little thing was cancer coming back (although during the same period she changed jobs, bought a new house, took loads of holidays and took up cycling!).
I’m now going through my own treatment for breast cancer - a slightly earlier stage than you and I’m further along in treatment (post op, chemo and now midway through radio!). I’ve found the hospital often throws in the odd CT scan or MrI scan to make sure the treatment is precise/check up on progress. If’s all part of the targeted treatment prigramm. Either way breast cancer treatment is incredibly effective
I read on MacMillan, you only have to get through what’s in front of you this week and I’ve found that really helpful
Oh - and fear and crying and worrying obout your kids all seems to be part of the way through cancer land! It’s all about showing up and getting through it,
Hi there. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I was diagnosed with a very similar case in October last year. I had surgery in early December to remove a 3 cm ductal carcinoma and told they’d found cancer cells in one lymph node out of 5 removed 2 weeks later. I didn’t need a ct but was started on Chemo at the end of Jan. When I started in this journey I really felt like I wouldn’t get through it, but with the support of friends and the breast care nurses, I am now just 5 weeks from the end of my chemo. I think someone else said in their reply that they found dealing with just the week ahead of them, helped them get through. This has been my approach, I think about each day or week and what I need to do to get though. Being 5 weeks from the end of chemo I can now look a little bit further ahead but still do not think/worry about the radiotherapy I need or the 5 year hormone treatment. That still feels overwhelming and I’ll deal with it when it arrives. The strength we find to go through this is truly astounding and you will meet some amazing people along the way. I still have moments of anger or sadness and I cry or write in a journal, knit or find some other calming activity. I have so many knitted hats now to cover my bald head and am starting to look forward to my hair returning. I wish you all the best with your upcoming journey.
I’m a year out, had (have?) lobular so different but also 10 of 39 nodes positive. Scans were negative. (I guess they did mine for same reason also had chemo for same reason) I think you should try to be positive. Easier said than done but I don’t think that positive nodes necessarily means it has spread. Good luck. I know it’s hard to go through all this.
I have had 10 positive lymph nodes and a clear CT. Stay positive
I also have 2 kids 9 and 11 yrs and the hardest part of all this is looking at them and wondering will i see them grow up and how they will feel about it all(they dont know yet). Stay strong girl.
It’s so hard - my mind spirals and goes into some dark places. I think I am mentally preparing myself as each time I go there is more negative news. We have told our children, but been quite factual, but my littlest was sad yesterday and that was tough. Not sure if it was the right call or not really. x
It is hard, especially the long waiting times when your imagination kicks in with the worst scenarios. I was diagnosed in IDC in Feb and in May I will have a mastectomy.
Think positively, you have IDC which is slow growing, you are in the system so support is there. Enjoy each day as. It comes and try not to worry about the next day . Worry changes nothing other than increasing your cortisone levels. Attend a Pilates class, enjoy a hobby, spend time with friends.
I hope that the CT scan results give you reassurance and you are able to find a way to calm your thoughts. Wishing you well xxx
