I have an appointment at LRI on 17th April to see the Oncologist so from reading on these forums I gather I have to then have a planning meeting so doubt I will start radiotherapy before May. I was also told I will need to take tamoxifen for 5 years too but that is something I need to discuss with the Onc as not sure I am prepared to do that with all the side effects. My tumour was low grade slow growing and I had the letter that they send to your gp and it said my prognosis was excellent. I'm 64 so feel at the moment that I would prefer to do the radio and take my chances rather than going on tamoxifen.
I have been very stressed out like most of us and feel that being on tamoxifen will only add to that by me worrying about cancer of the womb or blood clots
So pleased you have finished your journey and can enjoy your life
Hi jaye Haven't got to go through radiotherapy as you but a good friend of mine has at LRI oncology and she has had 3 weeks of daily treatment for 3 min sessions . She has been fine .no pain with it just feels tired .She has got to take tamaxifen for five years but I suppose it is a small price to pay? I feel quite humbled by my results and also saddened for the others whose journey still have a long way to go. When do you start your radio? I hope you have a good support network. I have really been reassured by joining this forum as everyone who has responded have been supportive and offered lovely and kind words of advice. Enjoy a much deserved holiday when you are able to take it. Positive and healthy hugs .Podge xx
Hi LL and Helen Just returned from hospital .given all clear . No further treatment just 18 monthly mammograms for next 6 years, I asked about scanning the removed area and consultant said it was not necessary as there is no breast tissue to scan? I had ,2 lymph nodes removed again all clear got my fitting on 23rd April. Oh he did say I had made the right decision about having a mx as the main area was 50mm and some of the other microcalcifications showed dcis as well. I have asked for a copy of the pathology report and have been given the number to contact them . He did say it would incur a cost, but I am keen to read it for myself. Going to book a nice holiday now. Next part of journey is over, Love Podge xxxx
hi im due my lumpectomy on 22nd of april, i was told if the sentinel node was clear then they all will be .because if it missed the first node then the other nodes wouldnt have it x
Hi Helen I shall ask that important question today about having regular scans on the surgery site .if it is not offered I would be happy to pay privately on a yearly basis just for piece of mind. I am 3 weeks post surgery and under my arm has been very sore no swelling or redness. Bit worried about today and I have everything crossed. Next part of my journey begins. XPodge
All that you both have said, is what i understood at the hospital too. However, 4 weeks after surgery I developed a "slug" - well that is what it feels like, under my arm. It has been scanned - but even now, 5months down the line it is still there, although more of a twiglet now. the scan radiographer explained it as "a post operative reactive lymph gland". It was not infected - but it is a lump that wasnt there before, so i wondered if I should ask to have that checked at the annual check up really.
Hi Helen, When they inject the radioactive tracer into your breast it disperses into the lymphatic drainage system in the breast. The first node it hits is the sentinel lymph node before travelling to the other nodes in your armpit. Therefore if no cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph node the other nodes will be clear because the sentinel lymph node cannot be bypassed. Before the SNB technique became a standard procedure, all the nodes were removed in an axillary clearance. By removing just the sentinel lymph node to test it for cancer cells helps avoid unnecessary full axillary clearance which is a significant advantage as you have a much lower risk of developing lymphoedema. If you are still worried, I would talk it through with your BCN who will be able to help you with your concerns. Wishing you well. M x
Hi Helen If the sentinel node was removed and is all clear doesn't that mean the other nodes are automatically clear (ie the sentinel node is what would carry cancer cells to the other nodes)? Otherwise they would remove all the lymph nodes not just the sentinel. That's my understanding. You could check with your breast clinic to stop you worrying
That is what I had removed and given the all clear too. But other glands in the arm area did swell up afterwards - post operative swelling.. It would just be noce to know it is still all clear!
I was told they would mammogram the right breast so I'm presuming as all breast tissue on left side has now gone I can't get breast cancer that side? Perhaps I'm wrong. Be interested to see what they say to you on Tuesday podge. Not sure what you mean about the lymph nodes Helen. My sentinel node was removed and given the all clear meaning no invasive cancer cells were found there.
That is what i am curious about. Surely, if they have removed it all plus lymph glands, then the lymph glands shpuld be checked along with the chest wall?
Hi LL Wow that's really good .Did they say they would scan the removed area? This I am curious about as I was told it could return. In the removed area? This is one question I shall ask onTues when I go. I can understand your reaction as trips to the hospital and clinics seem to consume your day to day life. Enjoy your weekend and celebrate with your nearest and dearest . Xxxx
Hi podge. I will be called in for yearly mammograms for first five years then back to every three years I think after that. Everyone around me is so relieved but funnily enough I don't feel anything other than glad I don't have to go to hospital anymore other than to get my proper falsie in three weeks time. It's been such a ride these past few weeks not sure I've had time to really feel anything. Good luck for Tuesday sorry you're having to wait so long for the results x
Hi LL That's absolutely brilliant news so now you can move on . What have they said about further check ups ? Must say will be relieved when Tues comes and hopefully my news will be as positive. Feeling happy for you . Podge xxx
Happy mothering sunday to you all. - hope you have a lovely day. And get spoilt a bit.
Remember to do things at your body's speed - I did too much in the beginning cos I did not feel poorly. But it caught up with me.
But I am heading back to work after Easter - at present with excitement and dread in equal measure. excitiemt that life is going back to normal and dread - cos I have enjoyed the time with family and friends!
And making new friends through sites like this and local support too.
Hi LL and Helen Hope you are both still recovering well just wanted to wish you a Happy Mother's Day .I hope you have a day of being thoroughly spoilt and pampered. ENJOY ! Love and healthy hugs Podge. X
Hi Helen and podge. I am taking it easy but trying to do little things that make me happy and will help with my recovery. My friends and kids are amazing but they know I like to deal with things my own way in my own time even though my time seems faster than everyone else's! Sewing class good last night but after couple of hours my shoulder started to ache so I stopped. Have very easy day planned for today and the weekend is supposed to be warm so looking forward to just sitting in the garden with coffee and good book. Hope all good with you today podge. I'm surprised I am not in any pain just tender like I've been kicked by a horse.
Hi Helen Once again thanks for your positive vibes it certainly cheers me up. I hope you have lots of support cause we can't always be the strong ones can we? Not doing too much but had lots of friends to visit and have got a very supportive loving family so that keeps me strong . Take care and keep on posting Podge x
Hi LL So glad to hear from you it sounds as if you are recovering well.Sewing class ha that would stress me out somewhat, I am not good at sewing. Hope you have lots of support and. Remember take things slowly even though you may feel ok. Under my arm still very sore but apart from that feeling ok. Not done too much Take care Podge x
Well done both of you... keep positive. Remember DCIS is non invasive so the outcomes usually are good. I was quoted lots of statistics, but if i got concerned i rang the hospital and heard them again!!!
Hi podge. Just checked in to send you a message - great minds think alike. Glad you ok. I'm good overdid it couple of days ago so had to rest all day yesterday. Drove to park today and had lovely walk with dogs who came home yesterday but I've been on sofa ever since. So tired but want to go back to college tonight. Sewing class so very calm and relaxing. My follow up is 3rd April so sooner than yours. Be glad to get past that day trying not to think that result could go against me. Such major surgery hoping cancer all gone. I'm pleased with what I can see so far. Take care yourself x
Hi LL Hope you are feeling better now you have had your drains removed, I can't believe it's been a week since my op. My follow up appointment is 8th April results day, I am feeling ok bit tired. And under my arm pit is very sore wound is healing nicely and looks neat hope you are being looked after well. Take care and keep smiling. Love Podge xxx
I had my op at the beginning of November - so am now nearly 5 months down the line. Seems like yesterday - but I did too much and everything swelled up - well my implant area and upper arm. That knocked me emtionally then too as I had to stop everything which slowed movement and strength development completely... BUT, with ibuprofen, physio exercise, gentle exercise (courtesy of the Cancer Care Get fit dvd once i was allowed), some counselling and STOPPING when i was tired, I am getting there. Due to go back to work full time after Easter - which is 2 months later than I originally thought.
Hi Helen hope you are recovering well so nice to hear your positive comments .They really do help. First part of the journey over . Take care Healthy hugs . Podge x
Well done both of you - keep smiling and taking the pain killers when you need them. Other learnt fact - take notice of your own body and stop if you need to. Pushing does not always help post operative stuff. slow and steady wins the race I reckon - now
Hi LL Glad you are ok have been thinking about you .The girls have done good! You will feel better when they have removed your drains .Happy healing Love Podge xxx
Hiya podge. Glad everything went ok and you're happy with the result. I came home this afternoon with both drains in (long story) and I am also pleased with the result it looks nice and flat although won't get a softie till drains out on Monday. I am not in any pain and only slight discomfort when I stretch wanted to come home same day but they wouldn't let me. I always recover better on my own sofa. I'm also doing the exercises and looking forward to good nights sleep in my own bed. We did okay so far didn't we. Take it easy next few days speak soon LL x
Hi LL Just wondering how you were after you op? Mine went ok although I did have to wait all day so that was a bit nerve racking. I stayed in two nights as on the second day I felt very weak and a bit faint. It did me a favour really as they removed my drain before I came home so pleased about that. I am not in much pain at just a bit sore. The wound looks nice and tidy and I am pleased with the look of my breast with the softie in .you can't tell with my clothes over the top. I started doing the exercises after day one and do them 3 times daily, got to go back for results in 2 weeks unless there is any seroma or infection . Fingers crossed . Hope you are doing well . Take care. Podge x
I had my drain in a hospital carrier - plastic. Only advantage was it was enormous (usually used for all your clothing pre-op). My friend had a oerfume bag - Prada dont you kknow!
Hi Helen Not having reconstruction after my op getting a bit anxious just want it over and done with. Hope you are recovering well. Oh my drain comes with a hideous cotton bag, Ha !Friends at work have said they would get me a Cath Kitson one . Nice to hear vfrom you again ,x
I was in 2 nights not one - it was good to have had a chance to get used to the drain. I was not shown it before, but had seen a friend with one.
If you are haing immediate reconstruction - it is wierd after, as you "look" the same - but bandaged, and it all feels sore. Just take small steps though afterwards
Hi LL So good to hear from you.i am bearing up as we have to .Not sure how I will feel on Tues saying bye to my work colleagues and the class of children I work with. They have said I will be in overnight so all being well I will be home on Thurs, Don't like to think about what I will look like post op will deal with that one step at a time, Is your op on Friday ? I just wanted to share a quote with you a friend gave me yesterday at work it did make me shed a tear. Yes I am a strong person but every now and then I also need someone to take my hand and say everything will be ok . Will post you after my op . Take care. Thinking of you. X
Hey podge been thinking about you too and checking in here to see if you post. I had to have second pre op on Tuesday but have not been shown drain or softie yet so you're ahead of me. Best of luck for Wednesday. Let me know how you get on. Are you planning on just staying overnight? I am. Although my friends are getting concerned as I only have my eighteen year old son at home to help. He's cool with it though. And I would much rather be at home than in hospital. All in all I've been okay. I have lots of interests that give me nice things to think about. It's not easy for me to imagine my body post op so just hoping when that moment comes I'm accepting of it.
Hi LL Haven't heard from you in a while .Hope all is well. Went for pre op yesterday shown drain bottle n softie and exercises need to do .On countdown .Had a bra fitting yesterday and purchased a post surgery bra.Not as bad as I thought. Have got a couple of pairs of really nice soft comfy pjs so feeling ok .just want it over and done with now so I vcan begin my recovery .not sleeping too well as I have so much whizzing through my mind. Don't know how I will feel on Tuesday coping with 30 six year olds . Thinking about you Podge x
Hi ladies. If u want a heart shaped cushion then next do them. Been a godsend for me after Wle and slnb as I carried it under my arm resting my shoulder so it didnt stiffen and 10 days on have full use and movement. Hope all goes well for u. I get my pathology report today so will find out if I need chemo before my double mastectomy in a few months. X
Getting there - I have struggled post op - when all the support goes and have felt very vulnerable and fragile; and that gets you both physically and mentally. wierd
I think the more people you can meet the better - although, just like this website, we are all unique and are own journey. Only the hospital - if they know - can put you in touch with someone the same as you.
I was lucky enough to meet Liz - the same diagnosis, same op, same recon, same dominant arm and even same job - the difference? Age - she was older than me and now retired. Neverthless, realy useful.
the consulltant chose mine - he said he'd weigh and measure what he removed, look at the shape and work on the best match. I did leave it to him! His expression was "I'll see how you fall on the table"!!! But i knew what he meant - i think.
