Hi. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. After mri it was confirmed WLE with removal of lymph node for testing. If clear just rads and tamoxifen. So I would count myself lucky if that was the case. However yesterday I met with my BCN fot pre surgery chat and she just mentioned in passing that if they find the lymph nodes are affected it will be chemo. The consultant said previously chemo is unlikely which was a relief but now I am worried again as this is the one thing I don’t want. I’d rather take my chances. I had a second ultrasound on the lymph nodes last week they couldn’t see anything.
I’m also worried what the future holds. Not whether I’ll beat it as I’m sure I will but what my state of health will be long term as I’ve always been healthy and I’m worried I won’t be well enough to work full time (can’t afford to go pt).
Hi Rebecca, it’s so hard at this stage when all you want is a clear answer as to what is going to happen, They can be about 75 % certain about nodes prior to testing after surgery so often get it right, try not to jump the gun at this point, I know how awful the waiting is but as I found I drove myself almost demented for weeks for no reason as I did only need rads in the end, it’s an awful strain mentally but you will cope whatever happens , just focus on one step at a time for now Xx Jo
Thank you jo. It’s just the way she just mentioned it in passing like chemo was like just taking an aspirin or something! You have reassured me though. Xx
I’m in a similar position…diagnosed on Friday wle and radiotherapy…They mentioned sending sample off to USA to check chance if reoccurrence if high then I will have to have chemo…They tend not to think much of chemo nowadays seems a lot better…I’m awaiting op on the 24th november
Thank you ruby for your good wishes. I thought exactly same - I was just going for a chat about the op and aftercare of the wound and she throws that into the equation! I think despite the best intentions they deal with it every day and forget how scary it is when you are newly diagnosed. I am just going to cling on to the fact the ultrasound was clear and the consultant said chemo was 'unlikely '. X
Thank you I just panicked. I had my first counselling session today which has helped and am learning to live with what I know not what might happen. Xx
Thank you charys that makes sense. Before this nightmare began I thought you were told you had cancer and that was it but it’s a constant waiting game to find out results certainly at the moment but I suppose they are just being as thorough as they can to give you the best chance. Xx
Be assured you can cope…you’re stronger than you ever knew possible.Since my original bc diagnosis who went on to find I had kidney cancer too and one week ago had lumpectomy, removal of lymph glands where it had spread and removal of whole kidney.I’ve always been a big cry baby and if I can do it anyone can! x
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