Got my results from my WLE last Thursday, Originaly told nodes would probably be clear followed up by some radio as only grade 1. Out of 8 nodes 3 cancerous. Now awaiting CT scan and going crazy. Also means another op for total node clearance, chemo and radio.
How can a grade 1 cancer be in my lymph nodes. Does it mean I definitely have cancer elsewhere? Has any body else had this and if so what was the outcome?
Hi Linda,
Grade 1 can spread, it has the capability too its just not as aggressive and therefore as quick too. I too was grade 1 and out of 9 lymph nodes 1 was found to have micro metastases that probably a few years ago would have meant a negative lymph node result as it wouldn’t have been picked up.
It doesnt mean you have cancer anywhere else, nor does it mean you don’t, though unlikely. I am having chemo now in order to reduce the risk that any more of the little blighters got through from my breast and are making homes elsewhere.
Unfortunately BC follows no rules. There are many women here who have had grade 3s with no lymph node involvement and gone on to develop secondaries or to have NED down the line, just as there are women with grade 1s, no lymph node involvement and now suffering secondaries or equally NED down the line.
Sorry to say, its your BC and will do as it pleases!
Any other advice and help you want, just ask, in the meantime hugs and love and best of luck for your the remainder of your treatment,
xxxxx (((((((((((()))))))))))))) xxxxxx
Hi Ostrich,
Thanks for your reply and good wishes to you as well with the rest of your treatment.x
Let us know how you go with your CT scan and what the plan is for the rest of your treatment. I didn’t get offered a CT scan so chemo is a stab in the dark for me (but most likely nothing there with ickle micro metastases) but do remember scans will only show up tumours over I think 5mm so get all the information you can and make your decision as to treatment once known. Any idea when your scan will be and how long the results will take?
xx
I have been advised that my CT scan will be within 2 weeks of last Thursday, so just waiting on the hospital letter. I did ring the hospital Friday and was told it was being “vetted” so hopefully hear tomorrow or Wednesday.
I then have to ring up for an appointment to see my consultant for 5 working days after that for results. So will let you know and thanks for the advice on asking questions. I dont think that I’ll have much choice in the treatment as I have already been told that I shall be having all the nodes out asap after the result followed by chemo & rads. I guess if they find something else, it could all change again. Will keep You posted x
Hi lindalo,
I too thought grade 1 was slow growing and didn’t spread but i had a grade 1 with 5 out of 9 nodes involved. I’ve had 3 epi, 3 tax and 3 cmf along with radiotheraphy. As others say cancer has no rules. I also asked if the nodes effected were 1 to 5 or random and sods law for me they were random. chemo is doable and you have to do whats best for you.
take care
Sukes
Good luck, lindalo. My BC was Grade 3 but no lymph nodes, it just has a mind of its own this b***** diesease so who knows what my prognosis is.
Let us know how you get on
Louise
Back on here after a horrid few weeks.
My CT scan thankfully did not show up any tumours but Consulant said it didnt mean that the cancer cells had not travelled… so had the clearance last week. They removed a further 21 nodes 2 of which had cancer…so that was 5 / 29 in total. Apart from feeling really low (just cant stop crying). My husband is fed up with me being so negative… am still sore from the 2nd op and feel so useless as am right handed and its my right hand side that is affected. On top of that, the hospital have lost my referal letter to onc (or maybe didnt do it in first place) so they re sent that yesterday. More waiting for chemo.
With xmas next, i am dreading the day, Any body got any tips on getting a grip and holding it together for 2 days?
Hi Lindalo
No wonder you are feeling really low, look what you have been through, i feel so desperately sorry for you, it is hell when you get down, I suffered terribly with that horrid ‘down’ feeling, i was always in tears from September to March then after a surgery to remove my ovary my back went and that really tipped me over the edge! I remember my husband took me to the doctors and i sobbed and sobbed and when he said it would getter better with time i totally freaked! Went totally hysterical and he gave me prozac!!!
Not suggesting you resort to pills but it is all so very soon for you, the shock, the diagnosis, the treatment, the worry, this is what we all feel like so you are not one on your own. You do have to give yourself time i agree but the whole negative positive debate still rages on, i personally could slap anyone who tells me to keep positive!
As for Christmas just take it easy and do not push yourself, let everyone else do the work and just chill, they have not been through what you have and perhaps need reminding of this. You WILL have a good couple of days but you must not overdo it, easy to say i know. I do wish you a very happy couple of days and wish you all the best for the future.
Much love
Suzy
Thanks Suzy for your lovely response and good wishes x
Hello Lindaloo
Sorry your’e feeling so low. I understand very well as I was diagnosed on 15th December two years ago and had my surgery on 20th. I didn’t have my results until after Christmas so had to live with the uncertainty all over Christmas and it was very difficult and very frightening.
I’m right handed too and my BC was on the right. However, I was taught exercises the day after my clearance and did them every day for many months. I’m sure they helped. Were you shown the exercises?
Sorry your husband isn’t being more supportive. Doesn’t he understand what you’re been through? I agree with Suzy - let other people do the work over Christmas. I hope your appointment comes through quickly as you’ll feel better once you start treatment. I certainly did and many people find the same - once they are actually doing something about the cancer.
Take care and let us know how you get on.
Best wishes
Anthi x