I have my results appointment today after second wide excision surgery and axillary node clearance. First surgery didn’t get clear margins with tumour bigger than scans had thought (69mm rather than the 55mm on scans) and found positive sentinel lymph node.
Results of the first surgery came as a real shock and I’m trying to prepare myself for results today but I don’t know what to prepare myself for.
What happens if the lymph nodes are all positive? Does that mean it’s spread even further? How bad is that? And if there’s no clear margins this time will I need another surgery to have a mastectomy? And is this all pointing to certain chemo or is there any chance I might not need it?
It’s been one of those journeys where it started out fairly simple but just seems to keep getting worse and I want to prepare myself without overly worrying or catastrophising.
Hi @rmdw so many of us have felt like you are feeling today but at least you’ll get answers today, if it’s in your nodes it doesn’t mean it’s spread elsewhere there are so many women on here with positive lymph node (me included) I think protocol is a CT scan if in 4 or more that was how it was at my hospital anyway so don’t panic if they refer you for one xx sending hugs for today
Hi, I just saw your message. I was ER positive and her negative. I had 15 cms removed and 18 lymph nodes positive removed first surgery. I had a mastectomy and anc too and 2 lymph nodes positive removed at second surgery.. I had chemotherapy and getting radiotherapy next week. I’m all clear now… so my results have been good. Do you know are you her positive/negative? Thinking of you, the last year has been tough but good results. Jox
Hi Jo thanks for replying. I had good news after the second surgery. Only the one lymph node was affected and they got clear margins. I have my oncologist appointment tomorrow when I’ll find out what happens next but I’ve been led to believe that I’ll need chemo then radiotherapy then hormone treatment. It’s HER-2 low I believe which is basically negative. It’s the chemo that I’m most worried about as I love my job, need the money and worry about the impact it’s going to have on my kids…
How did you find the chemo? How long did it last and were you able to have weeks where you could work / do normal activities?
Hi rmdw, clear margins ! Yeeeoooh !!! Great news !
Tbh I found chemo tough. I got sick. Though I’ve heard it affects everyone differently. (Take your Anti-emetics early in the morning and frequently/as prescribed throughout the day.)
This was the toughy for me. I’ve a friend and she’s different side effects. But keep crackers and porky pears handy.
my chemo was 6 sessions, one every 3 weeks. I found side effects cumulative, so unfortunately I couldn’t work.
Here, don’t forget citizens advice, CAP can help with finances. You get your house rates paid; and apply for PIP which you will get… these things have helped me through.
Have you any support with the kids? Could a relative look after them for a few nights when you are going through tough days ? On the other hand you may not even need chemo… see what they say…