Testing, testing, tried this before and the system did not like me!!
Good, it works!!
Greetings to you all.
Had mastectomy for grade 2 IDC on the 7th, nodes negative. Saw Surgeon yesterday and am ER+ and PR+ awaiting HER2, he said they are leaning towards no chemo or radiotherapy propbably just Tamoxifen. Should be pleased I suppose but feels like flying without a safety net, see oncologist 2 weeks and they will discuss.
Anyone have a similar journey?
OC
Hi OC
I had WLE for Grade 1 IDC followed by rads. (nodes also neg, ER+ 8/8 max) I have been told that wle plus rads gives the same result as a mastectomy - some people have been given this choice. I was told that after surgery the chance of a recurrence in 10 yrs was about 25%, but after rads would be down to about 3%. I was given the choice whether to take Arimidex because it was explained that this reduces the recurrence by a further third - but in my case this would only be another 1% - so now down to 2%. Oncologist said this may not be worth it if I suffer from any side effects. I opted to start Arimidex - give it three months and then decide- I’m three weeks down the line and no probs so far. Normally I don’t like taking things unnecessarily - but I felt that 1% extra just could be significant - after all I was dx at first mammo - only 0.6% of those screened for the first time. It happens to someone! In other works I wanted the safety net and because my cancer was maximum ER+ then I felt it was that bit more significant to me. I am very fortunate to be in this situation. I know someone who declined the hormone therapy then got a recurrence. If I suffer badly from side effects then, yes, I think I will just take my chances.
Hope all goes well for you. Looby
I am the same as you Looby and also dx at first mammo. I have now been on tam for almost 2 years and the onc said altho it was their practice to change to arimidex I would have to weigh it up, as the side effects may not be worth it. Am going to give it a chance but if it makes me feel bad am going back on tamoxifen…
Love Laine
Hi OC
Sorry you had to join us. After biopsy in May I was told it was stage 2 so opted for WLE and sentinal node biopsy with the thought of rads and tamoxifen. Surgery revealed stage 3 ER+ PR+ but clear in the margins and nodes but Onco advised chemo, rads,the works, which was a bit of a shock. They thought this way would give me a higher % so I am now 2 sessions into chemo. I was told the chemo decision was partly made because it was stage 3 and my age (they class mid-forties as young) and I wanted to give myself the best opportunity possible. I have heard of others with stage 2 mastectomy not undergoing any further treatment apart from tamox but discuss it again with your Onco.
Good luck & I hope it works out well for you.
Hi Orangecat,
your dx is the exactly the same as mine, mastectomy for grade 2 IDC, nodes negative, ER+ and PR+ and awaiting HER2, no chemo or radiotherapy and just Tamoxifen.
I understand what you mean about flying without a net, I keep wondering if my onc is just a bit too complacent by not offering me chemo, but perhaps thats a bit of paranoia on my behalf as I always linked cancer with chemo. I will see him early september for the HER2 result.
I had the mx on the 7th July, so exactly one month ahead of you.
If both of our Oncologists are right and we don’t need chemo or rads, then I think maybe that we are very lucky. I have been on Tamoxafin for nearly 4 weeks and physically feel great.
Deb
xx
HI all,
Thanks for the advice. I shall just have to sit tight and wait and see what the Onc. team say.
Deb let me know how it goes for you.
I am glad you are feeling physically great, I had an immediate recon. and have been battling with a wound infection, but still I manage to find the funny side of this!! can’t wait for my visit to choose a prosthetic nipple!
OC x
Hi orangecat
I wish I had had an immediate recon, but I too always look on the bright side, one day soon I will hopefully have a decent set of breasts (That would be a new one for me as I have always been quite small), and a tummy tuck. I was wondering if the PS would do a face lift at the same time!!
I spoke too soon about feeling physically great, I would now like to lower it to physically OK as the flushes have started in all earnest, I was also told by my onc to have my mirena coil removed and today I had my first period in 8 years…yuk. (Also, not sure if it’s a side effect but my brain seems a bit fried, I am unable to type, I have to type in word so I can spell check all the time)
I see my onc on the first of September, so less than a week to go now.
How is your wound infection now, what type of recon did you have and are you happy with the results.
Good luck with your new nipple, do you get a choice then!!
Deb
Hi Deb,
Spending a small fortune at the chemist on dressings, but cheaper than prescription!!.
I had a tissue expanding implant placed under the muscle, and a bit of jiggery pokery on the other to get a match!! I opted for this as it was supposed to be less traumatic and a quicker recovery, but my surgery was nearly 6 hours.
They look fine, can still wear old bras which are considerably more comfortable than the post surgery one. Surgeon said they look “great” and for a chap in his late thirties to say that about my chest is fab!
I get to play with nipples at the end of Sept. and see Onc on the 3rd.
OC
Hi Deb,
How did your Onc visit go?
I am still playing the waiting game, it seems my HER2 was 2+, so they have sent it off to UCH to be reassessed. I have to wait 10 days for the definitive answer. My chest is healing slowly, surgeon suggested fresh air!! He must be joking I am well strapped in, maybe when the kids go back next week.
OC
Hi OC
I was really pleased, I am HER2 negative, the onc doesn’t even want to see me for 6 months which is great.
My family are all so pleased now I am "cured” (their words not mine).
OH is being a pain, he decided to get total back ache and can’t move so as well as starting back full time at work after a 35 mile round car drive each day, I also have to do all the household stuff and look after him so I am a bit tired at the moment, also keep getting cramp in my feet. Doc also thinks I have Carpal tunnel syndrome as my right hand has seized up, but even with all of this I don’t care, I am so very very lucky.
Did your ONC say what course of treatment you would have if you are HER2+
Its a myth that fresh air is good for you, TV and chocolate is the best option
Deb
XX