Hi everyone and thanks for your messages of support yesterday and this morning.
I have just returned from the Hospital and the cancer has not spread to the lymph glands - Hurrah! It turned out to be a grade 3, fast growing tumour, rather than a grade 1, slow growing, which the biopsy originally showed. The Surgeon told me this first, so I thought it was going to be bad news! However, the tumour has been completely excised. I am seeing the Oncologist next Thursday, when I will find out about future treatment. It is likely to be radiotherapy. There is a probably only a slight chance that chemo will be of benefit, but I need to discuss this with the Oncologist next week. The cancer is also a hormone receptive type, which means I will probably take Tamoxifen to help prevent the cancer coming back. I am not looking forward to the side effects, including the menopausal symptoms and weight gain, but if it helps, that is the main thing. Anyway, I said I wouldn’t complain about anything again if the lymph glands were clear, didn’t I? I am 43, so the menopause had to come sometime. It will just be a bit sooner than I had anticipated!
Anne - Just to let you know, the scars have healed well and I am feeling fine. My arm is a bit painful, as it was very numb at first (like when you have had your mouth frozen at the dentist). I am starting to get the feeling back, hence the pain. It isn’t bad though and pain killers ease it. A few drinks are even better!
I am similar to you in that I was dx at 42 with a grade 3 tumour with neg nodes. My lump was also small and I do feel as though I was railroaded into chemo - do you mind me asking how big your lump was?
Norma - I live in Macclesfield, Cheshire and have to go to Christies in Manchester for my radiotherapy. The hospital where I had my op is less than a mile up the road, so I was very lucky in that respect. They do chemo there but not radiotherapy. I will see the Oncologist there though. I do drive but a number of friends and work colleagues have offered to give me a lift, so I am going to draw up a rota when I know the dates.
I hope you can get some help with your transport. I am sure there must be some help available to people who don’t drive.
I assume you are in Bupa, if you were treated at the Alex? I had the application form but never go around to filling it in! Still, the Surgeon at Macclesfield is very good and also an extremely nice person. I felt really comfortable with him, which I think makes a difference. He also specialises in reconstruction and has done a really neat job with the stitching! I don’t think I will be allowed to mention his name on here. You don’t get the 5* treatment that you get at the Alex, but I managed to keep my sense of humour, which helps when your in an NHS Hospital.
It is interesting what you said earlier about chemo, as our cases are so similar. I better be prepared, as the Oncologist may suggest the same treatment.
We are at a similar level too. I had no lymph nodes involved, tumour was 1.3cm and grade 2 and I will find out next wed from onchologist if I need chemo, but my surgeon reckons probably not. I will also need Tamoxifen which not looking forward to but if it helps i’ll take anything.
Thanks everyone. Yes, I am going out to eat with my husband tonight. Any excuse!
I also picked up a leaflet from the hospital about complementary therapies - aromatherapy, head massage etc. I might treat myself, as it isn’t something I would normally do.
that is fantastic news sweetie, sry its grade 3 though but gd girl for getting through it hon,
my thoughts are with you and all others that are frightened and worrying
love
cee
SNAP…also dx at 43, 12mm tumour, grade 3 no nodes involved, clear margins, lumpectomy, chemo, radio’ and tamoxifen…was dx 3 and a half years ago.
found complimentary therapies helpful had reflexology and reiki during treatment and have had acupuncture for menopausal symptoms .
All the best
karen x
Good news re you lymph nodes. Good luck for you oncologist meeting next week. My tumour is also a grade 1 from biopsy - so willhave to wait and see. I am hoping mine as not got to my lymph nodes also. I suppose I will just have to wait and see.
I am so pleased that the surgery sites are healing well. Are you still blue??? To be honest starting to get a little nervous.
I am just 40 so do not relish the idea of an early menopause - but if that is what we have to take then so be it. I also have two young children 5 and 3.
Hope your meal was good last night.
Hi Julie, fantastic news, i am on tamoxifen, it gives the symptoms of menopause, but it does not put you through it, and hey, bet we have the same onc, i live in buxton but was treated at mac too
I know how you are feeling, but it really isn’t that bad, honest. What date is your op. Sorry I have forgotten. My boob is still a bit green, rather than blue, so it looks like a bruise, but it isn’t very noticeable.
Hi Alison - I’m sure you are right it will be the same Oncologist. I am hoping he doesn’t recommend chemo as well, but we will see.
Good luck for tomorrow Anne. I know you will be fine.It will be over before you know it. My arm is still a bit sore and stiff but apart from that I feel fine.