Have just got back from receiving results from WLE & SNB and I received good news and bads news. The good news the 9mm lump has been removed and clear margins and was only a grade 1 the bad news after only 2 nodes being removed one had the tiniest cancer cell in it. So tiny there was a meeting with the doctors and much deliberation as what to do next. Evidently even these tiny cells are measured and depending on what size they are, treatment is based on that. Well mine was just slightly over the recommended size and I am therefore having to have a partial axillary clearance on 7th October and then more than likely chemo, then rads and then 5 years of tamoxifen. As you can imagine I am absolutely gutted and scared. I know I will get through it all (I have to) but I am just so stunned and shocked at the moment.
Hello Sunshine1
Well of course you’re shocked and gutted, why wouldn’t you be? But do hold onto the good news of low grade and only the teeniest bit of spread. Partial axilary clearance will take out any other possible microscopic spread, and if they then decide to advise chemo, rads and Tamxofien it’ll mean you’ve done absolutely everyhting to beat this thing (they may suggest Tam either way if you’re ER or PR positive). The next few weeks will be worrying, of course they will, but hopefully there will be more good news after the partial clearance.
Big hug… now go and treat yourself, you deserve it.
Hi Sunshine
Lovely people on here who are great at supporting people through this stuff. Sorry that you’re joining our ‘club’ though.
I’m not in any way a medical professional, but based on what you’ve said here (some info missing of course), the calculators suggest that 96 out of 100 people in your position would have a very good outcome. Not bad odds, if so.
Thank you RevCat and Ann your words have certainly helped eased the shock.
Yesterday I was all over the place, not really knowing what I was doing. Today although the reality has set in, the shock has subsided somewhat!!! Really now all I want to do is get on with things so they will come to an end. It just seems to be one long waiting game.
sunshine,
I know it’s a total shock when something is found that you didn’t expect. Following a clear SNB (4 nodes removed), I had two grade 1 tumours removed during mx.
Originally my treatment plan was to have mx followed by 5 years hormone tablets. The pathology from mx came back with one node removed found to contain a micromet of cancer, so I have an appointment with oncologist next monday. I have been told I will probably have chemo and rads followed by tamoxifen. They are not doing a clearance with me due to the mx surgery and they don’t think it will benefit me.
I really didn’t expect this, especially as my SNB was clear, and I really wish I could wake up in six months when the treatment was complete! I am just taking it one day at a time, but it has knocked me for six; however I realise the treatment they have planned for me will give me a future hopefully clear of this crap disease