I am 43 and was diagnosed with invasive ER/PR positive (Her negative) breast cancer on 14th September. The biopsy suggests grade 1.
I got my letter through from my consultant today about the current treatment plan for me which is a lumpectomy on 31st October and then a decision about onward treatment following the results of that. They have indicated at least radiotherapy and endocrine treatment but a decision on chemo hasn’t been made as yet. I am a bit alarmed though that I was initially told (after ultrasound) that they thought the lesion was 10mm by 11mm but an MRI shows 22mm by 12mm. The consultant said this was “good” news as it confirmed what they thought but I am now nervous that this, whilst still not huge, is double what I had thought…and is this not getting a bit big for lumpectomy? I am only a C cup. What is going to be left of my poor boob?! How can I be sure they have got it all?
They also initially told me they were hopeful I might avoid chemo but the line now seems to be wait and see. I obviously will do what is needed but I am now worrying that they told me potentially no chemo so as not to overstress me at diagnosis but they are now preparing me for that?
I was shaking when I read the letter , even though I felt pretty positive when I was told this information in person a week ago (with the exception of the lesion measurement). I have been for a long walk with family this afternoon which helped. I hate how my anxiety spikes when I have to face up to the reality of this. Keeping busy and distracted has been my best coping mechanism so far but all feels like getting very real now. X
Please don’t worry, the experts know what they’re doing. My tumour was 30mm lower quadrant. I’m 34c cup and honestly you wouldn’t even notice apart from a small scar. In fact it is a little bit larger than the other breast now due to radio therapy!
Wishing you lots of luck and positive thoughts
Big hug
Sparkle03
Hi Blue80
I really feel for you, this is all so very scary and I’m certain your mind will be darting from one area of thought to another with nothing but fear and worry on the horizon.
But…. As Sparkle103 says please don’t worry, your breast team are going to look after you through every step of the way.
I’m also a C cup and my lumpectomy pathology results actually revealed a 55mm DCIS intermediate Grade 2 plus a couple of low grade smaller micro invasive tumours (from the biopsy ultrasound etc etc, we expected a 22mm DCIS)……but they took everything away during the operation (testing throughout to ensure clear margins were obtained), and also did oncoplastic surgery at the same time….I’m grateful for that.
My left breast is definitely a little smaller but my cancer has hopefully all gone and just in case… I’m taking Letrozole plus in due course I will have Radiotherapy.
I’m sure your BCN will be able to talk you through things and the wonderful contributors to these threads will give you so much support too…. You are definitely not alone on this pathway.
I wish you all the best for the 31st, take care and let us know how you get on xx
Thank you. I feel like I need to get a grip. I have generally been doing ok but seeing it all in black and white is stark. I think I will speak to one of the nurses on Monday. Do you know how much they need around the cancer to get a clear margin? Also been told they need to take a ‘generous’ amount as the tumour is ‘dendritic’ so a bit spiky/with tentacles! I wish the op was tomorrow. I just want it out and over. I hope you are doing ok. Was your treatment recent? I am trying to go by the 'one step at a time ’ rule but occasionally I fall into flapping
Thank you. I know it might end up being bigger still which is worrying but at least there is only 10 more days (hopefully) to go until it is removed. Sounds like a recent thing for you too so hope you are doing ok. Do you mind me asking if they have they said when your radiotherapy will start? Have you had to have any chemo or has that not been needed? I was getting my head around the fact that I might need it but hoping that I don’t…just a waiting game now. Sounds like if it isn’t in my lymph nodes then I possibly won’t but if it is then I probably will. I wish I knew but I suppose I just need to focus on the operation and worry about that later x
Hi there,
Yes it’s recent for me too… routine mammogram July, recall and biopsy Aug, lumpectomy 1.9.23 and results 11.10.23… thankfully no lymph nodes involved and no chemotherapy required… phew!
I’m told that because the tumour was bigger than expected I need time to heal fully, they initially said December but my Bcn said this week that apparently they are down on the number of Radiographers required so it could be January and the Oncologist will decide if it’s 5 or 15 sessions… fingers crossed that it is 5 ha ha.
I’m keeping everything crossed for you and hope all goes as well as it possibly can! You’re in excellent hands. Keep strong
Hi. I was diagnosed from routine mammogram on the 13th September with a grade 2 lump. I had a lumpectomy & slnb on the 12th Oct for a lump that was 25mm on mammogram but 17mm on ultrasound. I haven’t had pathology results yet 8th November, for official sizing. When I asked the surgeon who was operating she said they were measured in different ways and it would probably come out somewhere in between. I am also er/pr+ HER2 -. I have initially been told I will need hormone tablets for 5-10years and 5 sessions of radiotherapy, but they didn’t know about chemo yet. The waiting for that operation is a worrying time but it will soon come round, I remember when I had a 4 week wait and now I can’t believe the operation was done over a week ago. Be kind to yourself this week, I focused on getting a lot of jobs sorted that I had kept putting off and batch cooking, so I could concentrate on my recovery for the next few weeks. Good luck for your operation next week & let us know how you are doing.
Thank you. The wait for the MRI has slowed things a little for me but was told this was due to the density of my breast tissue and they wanted to be as sure as possible that just one mass. I suppose it is positive that they seem to think that is the case. The waiting is the worst isn’t it! Hope you aren’t feeling too sore? Any post op tips? Good luck with your results in November
Hi im recovering from a lumpectomy . I had 2 lumps both 15mm in size with 33mm space between in my outer and inner quadrant. Two weeks on I have a very pert left boob which is alot smaller than my right one, but im promised a new reduced one after all my treatment. I was worried and even up to the operation, I was convinced that it wouldnt look right. It does look right!!!
Im now awaiting chemo and radiotherapy as Itchy was a rather naughty boy who was HER2 + and decided to spread his love to my lymph glands:roll_eyes:.
The wait and aniexty is normal. All i can say is a good surgeon will talk and draw you through everything. And they wont offer breast conserving surgery if they didnt think it was possible.
Sending hugs and positive thoughts.
Itchy and Scratchy found through the National Screening Programme July 23.
Thank you for your message. I am loving the itchy and scratchy names! Glad they have both now been evicted and really hope your treatment means they have been kicked out for good! Lots of love xxx
Hi, I would say listen to your body after the operation and try not to stress over the small things. I’ve been using a kallysleep maternity pillow and that has helped me stay comfy in bed, I had a small cushion under my arm for the first few nights. Not really had any pain just some tightness and soreness but nothing I needed painkillers for and doing the exercises help if it starts to stiffen up. Do what you feel you can but don’t forget you will have just had an operation so don’t over do it. Get fresh air and walks in as well if possible, to help the mind. It’s not been anywhere near as bad as my head had conjured up in the waiting for it. Take care
I agree with the other ladies don’t worry! Mine was 50mm. I have two small scars and yes it is slightly smaller than the other one but it’s not noticeable at all. I was lucky enough not to have chemo but had radiotherapy. On medication for 1 more year.
Good luck and stay positive if you need to talk to someone talk to your breast care nurse mine were brilliant.
You certainly don’t need to get a grip! It’s a very frightening time and a huge shock! Just take things at your own pace. I guarantee once your surgery and if any treatment starts you will feel a whole lot more in control.
It’s actually two years this month I was diagnosed, am now on medication for a few more years and living my best life - and so will you be x
I have my surgery tomorrow wire guided lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node. This is the 3rd time i have had breast cancer and although i know it wasnt as bad as i imagined last time i still cant stop the awful anxiety kicking in.
The recovery for me last time was quick followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy and then anastrole unfortunately for me the anastrozle didnt do its job as it is er+ again. The whole thing is very scarey but i am sure the breast surgeon knows what is the best for you x
Hi,
I am 42 and was diagnosed with grade 2, early stage Hormone positive, Her2 negative about 4 weeks ago.
I am due to have my lumpectomy on 30th October. My tumour is between 2.5 and 3.5 cm and they seem to think it will be ok with this surgery. I am the same as yourself and wonder how deformed my breast might look, but trying not to worry too much about it.
I know i will definitely get radiotherapy after, not sure about chemo, need to wait 2-3 weeks for results after surgery as they are removing 2 lymph nodes with the lump to see if it has spread or not.
I totally get how you are feeling and know you are not alone!
I hope your surgery goes well, as i hope mine does too. X
Please dont worry- although I also did before my lumpectomy!! I am also 34c and was initially told it was 24mm at biopsy but after surgery they called it golf ball sized!! Still waiting for results from surgery. Boob has healed incredibly well 4 weeks on and I only a very small indentation. Not noticeable from the front. The worst bit by far is the waiting, waiting waiting!!! Surgery result has just been delayed by 2 weeks as pathology results not back yet so it will be 6 weeks after surgery to find out if spread to lymph nodes or not. Best of luck with your surgery X
So sorry you are having to wait so long. The waiting is awful isn’t it. I am on countdown to the operation…but then it will be countdown to results! I really hope you get yours quickly. Thank you for replying and hope this is all just a bad memory for both if us soon! Xxx
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