Hi everyone, am very new to this so please bear with me!! I am 29 and was diagnosed with DCIS in october, had a lumpectomy but when i got my histology results back it said that there was invasive grade 3 cancer present aswell 38mm tumour so had to have a mastectomy and full node clearance in november. Was absolutely devastated to say the least, i opted for the immediate reconstruction which even though it was a very long operation but am pleased i did now. My histology results for the mastectomy were optimistic, all of my lymph glands were clear and there was no more cancer found in the breast, so the results were a relief but was told would probably still need to have chemo cos of the grade and my age etc…Have just had my 1st appointment with my oncologist today and my head is spinning with all the info he’s given me. Will be starting FEC chemotherapy in the next couple of weeks so am pretty scared about it all. Have just come onto here really to test the water and see if anyones going through similar situations.
Hi browneyedgirl
we are holding e-hands with you. Check out other threads - there are several going, like ‘starting FEC this week’ / ‘anyone starting chemo’ threads/subjects.
You can rant & rave, tell us how things are going, what is worrying you and we all will back you, send messages and rant along with you.
I am older than you, I know others are of a similar age in these threads.
lots of e-hugs
Jan
Hi Browneyedgirl
Welcome to the forum - though sorry you have had to join us. You certainly won’t be alone here! As you will maybe have seen from some of the other threads (1st Fec or Anyone starting chemo) - there are indeed a lot of people gong through just what you are facing at the moment - all of whom will be able to give you a great deal of advice and info.
I had invasive grade 3 cancer - I was diagnosed last November, 29mm tumour, had mastectomy and full node clearance (5 of 11 nodes affected) and started Fec chemo at the end of November. I’m not going to lie - It isn’t the nicest experience in the world - BUT it is do-able - we all get through it with a varying degree of symptoms and side effects.
It is very hard to take in everything the onc says to you - if there is anything you are unsure about or didn’t understand I’m sure your breast nurse will be able to explain, or again the friends you will make on here will no doubt be very helpful. There is a useful thread giving suggestions for all the things you need on standby when having chemo - I can’t remember where it is now (may well be contained within on the threads I mentioned earlier).
Please don’t feel alone in all of this - we were all scared at the outset - I think it’s just a fear of the unknown - I am now approachine the last of 4 cycles of fec - I never thought I would get through it - but I have, thanks to the support on here.
Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on - and feel free to join us on the other threads relating to starting chemo.
take care
Margaret x
Hi there,
Waiting for it to start is the worst bit. Since I began my chemo (I’m 3/4 of the way through now) I’ve never once regretted it. I’m 36 and had clear lymph nodes too so I guess again it’s my age is part of the reason for doing the chemo. I’ve bumped the “top tips” thread for you to look at - I found some really useful info on there.
Good luck
Nicola
Hi browneyedgirl,
I agree with all that Margaret said. It is scary before you start, and I really don’t want to do it again, but it’s nowhere near as bad as you are imagining right now. I had a grade three lump, with 3/16 nodes affected. I am further on than Margaret, having finished both chemo & rads (dx Feb 07) and am now on herceptin & tamoxifen.
I wanted to post to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you will get through this. Accept all offers of help you get, and remember to take it one day at a time.
You will get bad days, but you will also get loads of good ones, and they will outnumber the bad.
Best wishes
xx
Hi Browneyed Girl
Although older than you I too am having a wobble about whether to have chemo or not I was given a choice as had 1 lymph affected I saw the onc last week and I have to go back tomorrow with my decision, everything I read on here and elsewhere seems to indicate that it is doable, and something that I must do. Like you I am petrified and was devastated when DX in Dec, the info that you get given does make your head spin, but I kind of went into What if mode and list mode, your feelings are quite “normal” given the cicumstances and your age. Keep reading the forums because there are some wonderful brave women on here who will inspire you.
Take Care
x