New member very confused about my cancer

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Her2+ breast cancer in May 2013. I had surgery in July (and again in September as the clearance wasnt enough) to remove my lump and didnt have any lymphnodes removed as there was no sign of cancer.

 

Just before I was due to start on the Fec T treatment I had a CT scan which showed nodes that were also cancerous.

 

When I asked my onc if this was going to kill? me she replied Oh no not yet. Very flippant and really a throw away comment I thought. The nodes were between my breast, so inoperable.

 

So for the past year niavely I have been going about my usual business in between treatments thinking that I would live out my days into old age.

 

A couple of weeks ago a news report about cancer victims now living 10 years really shook me up, so on Monday when I went to see my Onc for 3 monthly meeting I asked the question, what does that mean for me?

She said that I have a number of years but probably not 10.

 

As you can imagine my world came crashing in. On tuesday I had my treatment ( Im on Herceptin, Pertuzamub and tamoxifen, I had chemo but thankfully have finished now.) I went to see my nurse specialist to try and get some answers about my situation.

 

It turns out that my secondary cancer is in my nodes in chest and neck area sort of around the esophaugs area (not in the esophagus - this is very rare apparently). I cant find any information regarding this type of secondary cancer in this area of the body, its all seems to be bones, lungs and brain.

 

I feel that I am not given the whole information unless I ask specific questions and how do I know what questions to ask?

 

Should I ask for a second opinion or for someone else to give me my results?

 

I want to be able to get some stats on people that have been in the same situation as me, I have two young girls (nearly 7 and nearly 2) I have to plan and make every day count.

 

If any one could shed some light for me I would be very grateful.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Rlh2901 and welcome to the BCC forums where you will find valuable support and shared experiences. In addition, our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you and are on hand weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2 on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call

Here’s also a link to the BCC secondary breast cancer information and support including our ‘Live chat’ which is held each Tuesday 8.30-9.30, here can can ‘chat’ in real time to other users with secondary breast cancer:

breastcancercare.org.uk/secondaries

Take care
Lucy BCC