Hi,
I’ve just been diagnosed with a G3 Medullary BC @ 32 yrs old; after having found a lump in my breast a few weeks ago. So now i’m facing sentinal node removal (if they can), genetic screening, chemotherapy, and surgery (and all that follows that!) First appointment with my oncologist on Weds. I’m in a bit of a shell shocked mode at the moment - so any advice/recommendations about what i should ask the oncologist etc? Any help…cheers
Hi fairygnomi,
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure the well informed users of this site will be along soon to offer you some much needed support.
In the meantime I have posted for you below links to some of BCC’s publications which you might find helpful. Also our helpline team are only a free phone call away if you need someone to talk to in confidence, 0808 800 6000.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Fairy, so sorry you are joining us, and sorry that your post seems to have been missed do far - the forums are very busy just now.
There are lots of ‘general’ questions that seem to apply even with diffenret kinds of breast cancer.
I had my chemo beofre surgery - it sounds as if you may be the same. You may want to ask why this way round, what chemo they have planned, what side effects to expect and any thing you can do to get through this as well as possible. You may be able to/wish to keep working - I did all the way through, it is possible for some people, depending on side effects and the nature of their work. Take a notebook and write down your questions in advance - otherwise something will go out of your mind.
Because you are so young, you may want to ask about fertility, and don’t be afraid to do so - better now than later.
I would say take things a step at a time, it is too much to deal with all at once. I had an overall plan (chemo - surgery - rads - Tamoxifen) but just focussed on each phase as it came along. Chemo is not fun, but it is doable. A lot of people find good peer support through threads on here for people starting chemo in the same month - you may like to join the new Decemebr thread Search Results | Breast Cancer Now I’m sure you would find loads of support there.
For now, I am sending you a cyber hug/
Hi Fairy
Completely agree with RevCat, take one step at a time and focus on crossing one bridge before contemplating another. I only read information on MX first, then read information about chemo and so on. You may be having chemo first to try to shrink the lump and then have a lumpectomy, but you should ask. Writing down questions is a good tip, most of my appointments didn’t happen on time, and whilst waiting I would work myself up and then forget my questions! However, the oncologist and breast cancer specialist are very thorough and seemed to be able to read my mind and answered questions before I asked them.
My mum said that I was a woman on a mission throughout making practical decisions and putting things in place to keep me busy really helped me. For example, I decorated three rooms during my treatments, I enjoyed walking around B&Q choosing paint etc. it gave me a reason to leave the house and I felt that redecorating meant I would have something nice when I went back to work! Not assuming you will want to do this but doing something you enjoy will definitely help! Oh I also took practical steps like buying T-shirts two sizes too big for after surgery when I couldn’t lift my arms high enough to put on my usual tops!
Big hugs
Little Nicky
Hi Fairy i am having my SNB on tuesday next week, Then i am having my Chemo first… to shrink my cancer because it is big. Then hopefully just the lumpectomy then.
Good luck for wed lets us know how its goes.
Sharon Xx
Hi Fairy
i had the same diagnosis 6 weeks ago. i opted for an MX and start Chemo next Thursday. my consutant told me that Grade 3 is usual for younger women (great!).
I am an emotional wreck. Can cry at any moment and often do. I’m tired, my back hurts (hoping it’s just my sense of gravity now i only have one 34F boob!!!) and I can’t say I’m looking forward to Chemo although i feel a lot better after having met my oncologist who is just lovely.
It’s hard to be positive at times but we have to be strong and bounce back.
It sounds like things are moving pretty quick for you which is good and as everyone has said, you will feel better once you know eactly what is going on.
xx
Thank you all for your lovely responses. Met my oncologist yesterday - who is lovely; and will start chemo as soon as i’ve had a fertility referral for possible egg harveting - cant believe how quick everything is moving but it is a relief
thank yo so much for the replies
xx