Thank you for thinking of me today when I got my results. The good news was that the lump was taken out with a good margin, but the bad news is that 10 lymph nodes were taken and traces of cancer are in 3 of them, which hadn’t been expected at all. I started at Stage 0 and now I’ve gone up to Stage 2. I probably won’t have the rest of the nodes removed because most of them removed were clear, but I’m now borderline for chemo (apparently 1/2 cancerous nodes, no chemo, 4 nodes, chemo needed) and also I’ll have radiotherapy. I’d expected that, but not the chemo. I’ve also got to have body and bone scans-my friend who’s a nurse said that’s routine procedure? Is that correct? The consultant said they don’t expect to find anything, but they said that about my lymph nodes! I’m worrying about having those done, but I suppose that’s normal?! Thank you all for your support xx
Ps I forgot to say I’ve got to wait 3 weeks before they decide whether I’m having another op to remove nodes and/or need to have chemo because I’ve got have the scans first.
On the plus side, when my YD got upset, the consultant told her I’d be fine and attending her children’s birthday parties! (she’s 23 and hasn’t got any yet!) xx
Not the news you wanted Jen,but still sounds like something they can sort out. Just may be a longer job .lBummer that you have to wait 3 weeks til you know what happens next .
Hi Jencat
Sorry that you’re results are not quite as good as expected, but they’ve got the lump out, with clear margins and also the affected nodes are out. Which is good, right?
Having to have chemo is abit of a shock, however, all the ladies on here will tell you that it’s not as bad as you think. It is very doable.
My BC was slightly different to yours in that the reason for chemo was because it was grade 3. This may seem strange, but I was happy to have it, because I wanted everything thrown at it, to give me the best possible chance. I had the body and ct scan too, before chemo, because I had a fairly large lump. They said it was routine. And it came back clear.
There is no rush to start chemo. 3 weeks won’t make any difference. Use the time to rest up and recover from surgery.
Hope this helps xx
Hi Jencat,
Goodness, it seems quite a few of you have had some surprises with the final results.
Although it doesn’t feel like it, it’s good you are having the scans & that’s quite usual, it’s just to get the treatment plan sorted out.
It’s all a bit of a shock at the mo, but it will get sorted out.
hugs
ann x
Will get better-but you are allowed a good cry and a " why me" day !!!
What Can I say ? Just thinking of you and wishing Rosie and Jencat all the best with your treatment and a great future …same good wishes for all the lovely ladies here xxxx
Ps ,said this on another thread this week but it is very unusual for BC to have spread when you are first diagnosed ,less than 5% of women.
Jencat
I am sorry it is not the news you wanted or were expecting, but you will get through this and will be out the other side before too long and we will be with you every step of the way giving you whatver help and support you need
xxx
Hi Jencat and Rosie
Sorry to hear things are more complicated. XXXXX
Jencat
We have similar diagnosis so let’s fight this together with the support of the lovely ladies here!xx
Oh jencat, so sorry it wasnt the news you were expecting . good news though with clear margin and affected lymph nodes out the hardest part is the waiting though, just so much waiting involved! X
Jen if you cry when speaking to your boss so be it x if you try not to cry it will be for their benefit not yours x stop worrying about others and their reactions put yourself first xxx
Jen ,could you e mail your manager ? It’s sometimes easier to say things in writing ,very hard not to get upset otherwise .
I work in student services in a secondary school and have been advised to take 6 months off as student services is where all the ill children come for being sent home etc I get 6 months full pay and as school does not return until 5 th September I will start my 6 months from then x
Jencat, so sorry it’s not as expected. I share your concerns re work, I was hoping to work from home during treatment (I commute so office work was a no no) as I don’t get paid, but had occupational health appointment today and was told I am not and will not be fit for work till early next year! Still hoping I can get round this as not working will be financially crippling .
Chemo isn’t great and none of us would choose it but we can and will get through it together. Sending you a big hug. Shirley. Xx