Hi Every1, I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. All I have been told is that I have invasive breast cancer and its feeding of my hormones. I’ve to go on this tuesday for pre op assessment not sure what that entails if any1 can enlighten me. Doctor recommends a lumpectomy and some lymph nodes away and then will find out if i need chemo along with radiotheraphy. Thanks Doreen xx
Hi Doreen
Basically, it will be a general health check to see if you are up to surgery. Heart check, weight, height, what other meds you are on - if any, that sort of thing. Take a list of meds and any other details of other health problems you might have. I too have Ductal Invasive, MX and SNB on 12th December 2012. Tumour 3cm, Grade 3, three lymph nodes removed, one with cancer cells in. I’m just over half way through chemo and they want me to have rads too. Will be on a hormone tablet for 5 years as cancer is ER+ and PR+. Good luck with surgery.
Poemsgalore xx
Thanks for that, I am a foster carer and have a 16mth old baby girl who we have had since birth. We were planning to adopt, and now I have been diagnosed with this so gutted as now I don’t know if adoption will now be a option because of health. Poemsglalore hope chemo hasn’t been too bad for you, I am hoping I won’t need this will find out after op. My niece also was diagnosed and is on her last dose of chemo now then she will get her operation and then radiotheraphy such a shame she has twin boys aged 7.
Doreen xx
Hi Dee-dee,
Sorry you find yourself here, but welcome! You will find that you get drip-fed information, partly because they won’t know the full picture until after you have had your surgery and they take a proper look at what is in there, and partly I think to avoid overloading you. Some prefer it that way, and others like myself want to know every little detail. I feel it gives me a measure of control, though maybe I kid myself!
Either way, it is often a good idea to ask for copies of any reports that have been done, so you have time to read and digest, then you have a better understanding of what is concerned if/when treatment decisions must be made. Personally I am not good at listening and processing information. One tends to fixate on one phrase, and miss the next half dozen sentences!
Hope all goes well for you in your surgery, and it turns out to be the best news it can be! xxx
Thanks morwenna, I’m like you want to know every detail lol, hope you are keeping well yourself.
Doreen xx
Well I guess I am in a similar situation to Poems Galore, just over halfway through chemo; I have ten more weekly treatments to go
… but I just shoveled about 2 foot of snow off the path to our front door, so I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself! 
Morwenna, that’s something I wouldn’t even attempt WITHOUT chemo. Well done. xxx
Well, it was very light fluffy snow, and we have a plastic shovel, which is much lighter than the big metal one …
I also was interested to see if it provoked a reactive swelling in my chest or arm, as I have been a bit bothered by that and am going to the lymphedema clinic next week for assessment. However, I seem to be ok! 
I go in on the 3rd May for op, people have been saying don’t too much with my left arm like lifting baby too much or something as this could activate the lump maybe cause it to swell more or something is this right?, Hope yous are both keeping ok xx
Good luck for your op…Emma x
Hi Deedee
I thought I’d pop in and say hello.
I also have IDC Grade 3 which I have also been told is hormone responsive level 5. I am also due my lumpectomy on 3rd May, so it looks like we will be starting our journey together 
I wish you all the very best of luck for the 3rd and please keep us posted - Feel free to PM me any time.
Cyber hugs
Martha xx
Hi Martha, I haven’t been told what grade or level or anything, hopefully find out more after op. Good luck on your op too.
Big hugs back
Doreen xx
Deedee, you will find out size, grade and if nodes are affected after surgery. Staging is a bit more difficult, you will need a copy of your path report where it might possibly be included. Make sure you ask for it after surgery, when you go for your results.
Good luck to all of you.
pg xx
Hi Doreen
It was my onc that told me about the grade, size and hormone thing however, after being on this forum for a while, I now know that absolutely nothing is certain until after the op.
Good luck with your op Doreen - I’ll let everyone know how I get on with mine on Friday.
PG - Thank you for your kind words, you are an inspiration to me in this forum (along with others). Good luck with your treatment
Love & hugs
Martha xx
Hi all, I got my op done on the 3rd of May was kept in overnight due to sickness and got out next morning. I have even cut down on my painkillers as I felt great. I got wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy I go back on the 16th for my results for my treatment plan. The only thing I know Doctor said I might need chemo as it is quite a fast growing one, so fingers crossed I don’t and it will be just radiotherapy and the hormone tablets. Thanks everyone.
Doreenxxx
Hi Doreen
I am so pleased you are back home. I was done on the 3rd also and I feel amazing.
I go back on the 15th for my results. Like you I was told rads and no mention of chemo however, my bcn told me to expect talks around chemo, so I’m more than prepared now.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Take care
Martha
DeeDee
I have just one more session of chemo to go and I’m finished. I have to say that it wasn’t as hard as I expected. May I suggest that you read some of the posts in the individual chemo threads, I’m a February Valentine and there is a thread for March, April and now May. Read a few of the posts to find out what kind of problems others have had to help prepare you in case you need it yourself. If that is the case, there is also a sticky thread at the top of the chemo posts full of helpful hints and suggestions. And you will be given a talk before chemo begins by one of the chemo nurses, to explain everything to you. Hopefully you will not need it. But it’s always good to be prepared for these things.
Martha, I too was told Rads and hormone tablet afterwards. Chemo was suggested as my tumour was Grade 3 and 3cm with nodes affected. Well, one node actually. I’m glad I decided to go with it though as I have found out there is vascular invasion which chemo should deal with for me. I’m not having radiotherapy, my oncologist agrees with me that it wouldn’t be a good idea with my lung condition. But if more nodes appear to be affected eventually I could have ANC. But I’m definitely having Anastrazole (Arimidex) as tumour was 100% ER positive and 70% PR positive. So that’s a no brainer really. Good luck to all of you, whatever treatment you need to have.
Sending you all (((BIG HUGS))) for the future.
Poemsgalore xxx
Hi PG
You are one brave lady, I can tell you
I’m getting rads and more than likely Amoxifen and after speaking with my BCN today I really think chemo is on the cards (but no formal discussion yet). Role on the 15th for my results and a proper plan. I think you’ve made the right decision to not have rads if you have a lung condition - You have to do what is best for you in the long run.
I’ve also gone through all the chemo threads (lots of reading and laughter) and I’ve now got a post-it pad full of hints and tips so I think I’m relatively prepared although I do think I’ll be nervous. I’m Grade 3 and I’m just waiting on the rest of the info coming through from the path report.
Lovable soft HUGS
Martha xx
Martha, we are ALL brave ladies on here, and you have certainly been a big help to others as I’ve been reading your posts to them. It’s a lovely feeling to think we can help one another along our journey.
Take care
PG xx
You are correct PG, every lady on here is brave and I have felt very honoured to ‘virtually’ meet such wonderful people.
I remember when I first came here. I felt alone, scared and in a total flat spin - If it wasn’t for you and the rest of the ladies here, I really don’t know where I would have ended up.
Now, as you say, I’m a little further on in my journey (with a lot more the come) and a lot more positive
Take care
Martha xx