Had my op to remove lump and 4 nodes last Tuesday. Everything went well. I feel well. But after my follow up appointment this morning have been told that one of the nodes showed signs of cancer cells, so my mind Is spinning. From assuming that I will only need radiotherapy (just got my head around actually having bc and having to have radio), I now have an appointment on Wednesday with my oncologist. What a morning, what a rollercoaster! I know this is just the beginning.
anyone else just had a first meeting with an oncologist?
Hi,
I am in a similar position. From being told a lumpectomy then radiotherapy, it changed to madtectony, then after sentinel node was removed and cancer found that went onto include a possibility of chemo. The remaining nodes were removed at time of mx and all clear. Meet with oncologist next Wednesday to discuss. I’m hoping that the risk outweighs the benefits.
So sorry to read that the outcome after the op has not been as good as you hoped. However, unfortunately, this happens to many of us. Only the pathology results, post operation, can really reveal the true nature of the diagnosis.
Your oncologist is likely to go through those results with you and then advise of the best treatment option for you. They should explain your results and also tell you your prognosis for the next 5 and 10 years. they should discuss with you, what difference in percentage terms the suggested treatment makes to your prognosis.
The final decision as to follow up treatment is always yours - so ask as many questions as you may have.
Should chemo be on the agenda, please do not fear it. OK, it is not pleasant and some have more severe side effects than others. However, much will depend on your general state of health, underlying issues and age. Some cope better than others. I was able to work through the first 2 treatments full time and then worked 11 days out of the 21 day cycle, as fatigue and compromised imune system are cumulative effects. Now - 29 days post my last chemo treatment - I am fully back at work - with radiotherapy treatment starting on the 6th October.
So, whatever the treatment options will be offered to you - they will be the best for you personally to stay well and healthy.
Hi Suebond88, I am in exactly the same position. Had the op to remove lump two weeks ago and one node as it was clear. Told originally as it was early stage and small lump would only need radiotherapy. Unfortunately told today that I have triple positive receptors and the treatment for this is chemotherapy and herceptin followed by radiotherapy. I am absolutely devastated and in shock. Said that my meeting with the oncologist won’t be until end of November. Lot to take in on one day having just got over the cancer diagnosis.
Thank you for your advice- am trying to get my head around everything, but I know it will take a while. I was so set on just having radio and on going to Australia in November (my daughter and baby grandson are there), to honest it was the knowledge that I won’t be going now that upset me more than anything else.
Am not looking forward to the chemo obviously but am determined to get through it so I can go next year?
Has anyone tried the cold cap?