I am aware everyone’s diagnosis is different and tbh I’m still trying to get my head around being diagnosed with BC - I had surgery WLE and node removal on 27th April after being told I had a very small lump, invasive ductual carcinoma and went back to see my surgeon yesterday for the results of lump/node. I was relieved to find out that my lymph nodes are clear but was told that my lump was much bigger than originally thought and is still with the pathologist for further examination. My surgeon has intimated that further surgery may be needed as she is not sure she took enough with clear margins. I’m quite small busted (34C) and am now thinking whether she will need to do a mastectomy. I can’t start to think about radiotherapy yet so feel a bit in limbo atm. Family/friends have been great and keep telling me I am being so strong and positive but it’s hard to keep it going all the time with all the if/buts and maybes - we are trying to keep ‘normal’ as much as possible especially as my 18 year old daughter has her A levels starting next week and now worried if I need further surgery, it will be on one of her exam days - is anyone else in this position atm?
Hi Ellish
Its a worrying time. I’m slightly further on that you. I had WLE and sentinel node removal on the 7th March after being told it was a small lump. Results came back and it was in both of my lymph nodes and the margins were not clear as the lump was bigger than they thought so had to have further surgery. Luckily got in quickly (had waited nearly 6 weeks for 1st surgery) and had a re incision and total node removal on 7th April. The thought of further surgery was scary, especially the lymph node removal due to the possibility of lymphoedema but im glad i had it done now. My scars are healing well and the only pain I have is from a bit of cording I have from the lymph node removal. Im happier knowing that they have gone back in and made sure that it is all gone.
Still need chemo and radiotherapy and then tablets for 5 years but knowing the lump has been completely removed is definitely a bonus.
As for keeping strong. That is the hardest part. There have been a few times when I have just wanted to sit down and cry, and wont do it in front of my family, even though they are being really supportive, they are worried enough about me, and I have always been the strong one. I just keep looking forward to the future, this is just a glitch in my life, in a few months time I can hopefully look back and say, well im glad thats over, now to get on with the rest of my life.
I hope your surgery goes well and your daughter does well in her exams. xx
I had mastectomy with reconstruction on the 28 th due to ductal invasive cancer I went for results of lymph nodes in fri cancer was present in one node so plan is chem radio and discuss axillay clearance.
i have developed an infection in the breast since the drain was removed so was in pain so I just said I did not want further surgery.
my dilemma is it the right decision I need to think about it also have fear of chemo I was with my partner through his treatment for advanced prostate cancer so memory’s are not good.
the lady who keeps strong and does not cry with family I was like that till yesterday when I really cried but family were there and said it’s understandable.