Hi all July 2021 starters, I've had the results of my mastectomy - all tumour removed, margins clear and none in the 3 lymph nodes the surgeon removed. BUT - there was no evidence that the chemo had effect on the tumour/cyst! I am obviously very upset about this (hairless, vision changes and digestive problems for nothing). I know there is no guarantee with chemo but it could have at least done something to it, but then again, I only did 3 cycles and felt the tumour grow (from 5cm at start to 6,5cm) so that's why I refused the next 3 cycles with a different drug plus my body had that gut feeling that removal was the best option. My scar is now about 38cm long, a bit lumpy but has healed well. I am though bothered by seroma. Four drainages so far = 1500mls. I am going for another drainage today - gone from a flat chest to an A/B cup and it's really sore and annoying. Unfortunately there is only one BCN that can drain it where I live (far north of Scotland) so once I had to go to A&E and the surgical consultant had to do it (hadn't done one for years) and left a bruise. Tomorrow I start Phesgo injections. Anyone else had/have these? I am worried about it but think the options of getting nothing and risking more cancer elsewhere outweighs the side-effects? I am not sure. Also starting on Tamoxifen - now I sailed trouble-free through my menopause so hoping this will not cause too much of a problem with me. I am also feeling low but I think this is the norm considering all the trauma my body and mind has gone through. Not getting all the support/help at home my son and husband promised me hasn't helped and I am frustrated and disappointed with them and also with me for thinking they would understand. People think I am now clear of cancer and will revert back to normal asap - I wish I could share my tummy/bowel upsets and seroma pain with them! My BCN has given me good advice and told me not to expect to heal as fast as I wish, my body needs time to repair but maybe come Spring I'll feel OK. Great, just in time for the start of our lambing - busiest time of the year! Anyways, I wish you all well on this unwanted journey we are all on. Kaisa
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