Breast Cancer Care Forum

Bungula

Hi there, I am taking part in the Optima breast cancer trial after having been told right from the beginning of my treatment that I would need chemotherapy as my cancer is oestrogen and node positive. I have done a lot of research into the trial and basically ended up taking the advice of my oncologist that it was the best thing to do. I have has my results back now as I was in the testing arm of the trial and I have been told I will not or rather I'm highly unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy. I had a prostrap injection 3 weeks ago and I will start 15 sessions of radiotherapy this week and I will start Letrozole as soon as I've had the blood test to show I'm in the menopause. I would love to find other people who are in my situation who have been brave enough not to opt for the chemo anyway. It's a pretty tough decision to make to go along with science that u know is so close to being proven but not quite yet. I know I'm making the right decision with the amazing science and knowledge which is available st this time but I'd love to chat to other people in the same position as me who are on this trial. Xx

Bungula · ‎10-04-2020

hi there, It is indeed a nightmare time at the moment. My operation was reinstated after having one day of taking Tamoxifen and then being taken off the drug to have the operation. It was a rollercoaster week. My question now is has anyone got any experience of a surgical drain and how long it can stay in? Mine has been in now for 2 weeks and the drainage is still between 70ml and 100ml per day. I have been told the district nurse cannot remove the drain until I have two consecutive days of less than 40ml drainage. The way things are going I can't see this ever happening! JacT did you have your operation after? How r u doing? X

Bungula · ‎25-03-2020

thank you for the replies. I really appreciate them. It's so good to hear from people who have first hand experience. I have had some devastating news this morning, my operation has been cancelled due to lack of surgical protective equipment. The surgeon says I am very high priority and the op will be done as soon as they can. For the time being I have been put on Tamoxifen. Has anyone any experience of this drug? He has said this will protect me from the cancer growing. If anyone has positive things to say, please help me coz I'm struggling right now. Xx

Bungula · ‎23-03-2020

Hi there, I am 47 and about 4 weeks ago was diagnosed with breast cancer which has spread to my lymph nodes. I'm devastated but positive. I have my operation this Friday. With everything which is going on with covid19 I'm sure I'm not the only person who is terrified. I'd love someone to reply who's been through this operation, if they have any tips. We have many friends who are all being so supportive and encouraging but it would be great to hear from someone who has experience themselves. Thank you X

Breast Cancer Care Forum

Optima breast cancer trial

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Re: Lumpectomy and full removal of lymph nodes

Lumpectomy and full removal of lymph nodes