So whilst I continue to wait for my treatment plan appointment next Monday, I have had the pleasure today of seeing my gynaecologist for some usual ‘routine maintenance’ plus she’s had to remove my Nexplanon contraceptive implant because of my bc diagnosis.
At the ripe old age of 53 she has told that that I can probably look forward to my long forgotten (and never missed) monthlies to re-appear (deep joy!) if I’m not post-menopausal and then she promptly booked me in for a pelvic ultrasound as a precautionary measure to make sure they are no cancer gremlins lurking around my ovaries - more deep joy!
Anyway once I get that over with next Tuesday, I have a colonscopy to look forward to on 1st September - I really know how to have fun don’t I - once again I have been advised that this is really important as bowel cancer and BC are also linked. Fab - just something else to add to the ‘worry list’ as if there wasn’t enough on it already!
Then I can disappear up to the Lake District with my partner, sister and her partner for some serious fresh air, walking and relaxation before my BC surgery on 20th September. At least by then I will have my treatment plan thankfully.
My dearly beloved suggested today that it was like ‘rebuilding a classic car’ - cheeky git!! At least he didn’t say an old banger though…
What a total whirlwind from my diagnosis 3 weeks ago tomorrow - thank goodness for you ladies keeping us all sane and for being there no matter what time of day or night - I couldn’t do this without you.
That’s my rant over for today, thanks for listening!
Anita, I can understand you having a rant and it is a worry having these various tests, although I’m sure they’re only done as a precaution. (need to take my own advice on board as I’m worrying about my own scans)
Your holiday in the Lake District sounds lovely and it’s good to have nice to look forward to.
Thanks very much ladies for your lovely responses to my ‘rant’. I’ve just taken delivery of a lovely bunch of flowers from my OH as I am working from home today and they are beautiful.
Monday is my treatment plan day (8.30 to be precise) - it seems like it’s been a long time coming and I already feel really nervous about it (Dr has just prescribed pills for high blood pressure which I have NEVER had before!). The BCN called me earlier this week and ran through the different actions that would be taken depending on the outcome of the receptors (some involve chemo, some don’t) so I’m guessing this appointment is probably one of the most important milestones as it sets the scene for the way forward? It feels really scary to be honest. Surgery booked in for 20th Sept.
From everything I have read on this forum there is no ‘typical’ case, everyone seems to be on a journey totally specific to their situation - very complex it would appear…
Hope you all have a restful weekend - off soon for some distraction therapy and a nice massage tomorrow x
So I received my treatment plan this morning, finally. My BC receptor is strongly oestrogen based, so lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, 3 weeks rads and hormone tablets, I think they said for 5 years. The surgeon said she would ‘eat her hat’ if it transpires after the surgery that I need chemo - I did ask if she would prefer a chocolate or savoury hat :).
Surgery all booked in for 20th September as a daycase with a wire which sounds interesting but apparently it doesn’t pick up radio 4 - great sense of humour from the surgical team I am working with! Came away with lots of information to read and so much support, it was brilliant.
Then 10 days after surgery to check if margins clear from the original lumpectomy or further surgery required and then I learn if anything has been found in my lymph nodes and if there is, then what’s the next course of action. One step at a time but I least I now have a plan to work to which feels so much better than the unknown world I have been in for the last 3 weeks.
Anita I get my results on 23 rd following lumpectomy and like others have said I don’t have s dent (everything crossed for clear margins and nodes) then rads and then tablets but been told my tablets fit at least 10 years both oestrogen and progesterone positive bc in my case x good luck for op x I went away before surgery and it did me the world of good sobhave s fab time and jeep you’d sense of humour ?
Snap Anita! similar to me, I was told 10 years for tamox though.
It does feel so much better once the plan is in place. I found the whole experience quite straightforward when I knew what was going to happen & treatment started.
I almost enjoyed the day surgery experience, as I was so relieved to get it out, had a nice chat & joke with the surgeon & anaesthetic team beforehand. Oddly, I also quite enjoyed rads as well!
I was told the same about chemo & it wasn’t needed, so overall, I’ve felt quite lucky with it all.
Onwards & upwards!
ann x
Thank you ladies appointment not until 3 so I will updat you later my hubby coming but he at work until 1 so a friend is coming over this morning to distract me so I don’t drive myself mad xx