I have recently been diagnosed with bc and have a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal booked for a few weeks time. After that will have a course of radiotherapy and hormone treatment.
I’m feeling a bit silly as I know very little about my cancer - I’ve been told it is stage one. I have no idea what size it is - it was very apparent on the mammogram though.
Re my pre- op, I never had an ECG - should I have had one? It wasn’t offered or discussed.
I’m guessing my consultant will know more after the opening - I am worried it may have spread.
I feel a bit in the dark are there questions I should be asking now?
hi Lizzie,
First of all, welcome to the forum.
Your bc diagnosis sounds similar to mine. My bc was stage one, which means there has been no evidence of spread to the nodes - which is good.
Tumours are also graded from 1-3, with 1 being the least aggressive. Mine was graded 2 - intermediate.
Once the tumour & sentinel node is removed at op, it is sent for lab examination & the final results come back about 2 weeks later, when you see the surgeon again.
Radiotherapy & hormone treatment are fairly standard & was also part of my treatment plan.
It might be an idea to ask your breast care nurse to go through things with you, also do look at the main website here, where all aspects of treatment are explained.
Don’t worry about the ecg, it may still be done & you are monitored throughout the op anyway, it maybe an idea to ask though.
ann x
Morning Lizzie. Sorry to hear you are going through all this too. Like you I was recently diagnosed with bc (aged 40), last week I had lumpectomy and sentinel node removed. I didn’t have an ECG either as part of my pre-op just height, weight, bp, swabs, bloods and questionnaire. I have been finding out bits about my bc as I have gone along - I now know it is hormone positive, I only found out the size on a letter that was sent to my docs and I received a copy and it was 17x18mm. I have learnt so much about bc since diagnosis from reading on this website and a couple of other reputable websites. The forums are a godsend when you are feeling quite alone in this and you realise there are so many others going through what you are going through. The op was really ok, I had it done as a day case and whilst I was quite sore afterwards i have been ok. Have you been told whether bc is hormone receptive or not? Sending you my best wishes. Lou xx
Just wanted to welcome you to the site and this lovely forum, you will get soo much help and support from the ladies, as ann has said there is a load of information on the main website page which you may find useful… Just do not google generally because it will potentially scare the pants off you, there is a lot of misinformation out there, stick to here or the MacMillan website.
I did not find out the size of my tumour until after the op, but like you mine was Grade 1, hormone receptor positive. I was told at my results apt that it was 17mm in size My consultant and onocologist both told me that it was very slow growing, they got clear margins around the lump and it had not spread to the lymph nodes. I too had radiotherapy and am on hormone blocker tablets for the next 5 years.
Never feel silly, and bear in mind none of us knew much about our cancer we were first diagnosed, it has been mostly from the forum and the subsequent meetings with my bcn, consultant and oncologist that I have found out more about it. You will become an expert on your particular cancer as you go through treatment!! As ann said, perhaps give your bcn a call on Tuesday she will be able and very willing to go through what you have already been told, ask any questions you have about your treatment plan and never feel that you can not do so.
As Helena says, Lizzie, I was also told ‘chemotherapy unlikely,’ but it is raised pending final results from
op.
As you say, there is absolutely no reason not to be positive
x
I’m not quite sure to be honest. I need to look at the scar and I’m still in pain. I can’t touch across my shoulder blade or upper back and they think they might have hit a nerve during the biopsy. And I cant decide if I want to take tamoxifen or not due to the side effects especially weight gain!!!
Hi Tracey,
Just to say that side effects from tamoxifen are not a given, many of us are fine on tamox, or at least find any side effects manageable.
Those having problems will, quite understandably report it. It is a well tried, tested & effective drug.
As ever, the only way to find out how it will be, is to try it.
I was anxious before starting it, but as it turns out, my weight has remained stable & side effects have not been a problem.
take care
ann x
My older pregnant daughter and 14 year old daughter will wait in hospital for me!
I am the one that cares for everyone! I find it difficult to be the one who needs caring for!
Everything is positive! I am grade 2 er+ her2- and ultrasound showed no lymph node involvement! My lump was 3cm but my consultant/surgeon said there were no shocks or surprises when I had my WLE/ SNB! Just hoping it’s all clear!
Sending you both love and luck for tomorrow. Once your treatment plan is in place you’ll feel a little more settled and can focus on each step along the way.xx
Helena
Yes I am having nodes removed in the next op! Macmillan nurse thinks they may be negative as there were just microspots although it sounds worse when they say it’s gone into the vascular!
I am still at stage 2 but because the lump was 3cm and attached to the skin this may have contributed to the spots on sentinel node! The ultrasound didn’t show LN involvement! x
Debbie
They did mention possibly doing an onco score! It’s just the waiting!!! x
Debbie!
Apparently some NHS authorities would just be using chemo or radiotherapy for the rogue micro spots so at least I am being looked after! I think because I have had lumpectomy and not mastectomy I will have chemo and radio!
