Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Kat   I was node and margin clear and underwent the oncotype DX test. My readings were very high so chemo was recommended, although I was not given the percentage rate - will ask at my next appt   Everyone will have their own view as to whether to have chemo, but my approach was to throw everything at it and then move forward in the future. I had my first chemo 10 days ago and felt a strange sense of relief knowing control was back and was doing everything to kick it to the side   The standard answer for the hair is that it will grow back, and it is true. I have my wigs and hats ready but am going to try the rock chick approach when my hair does drop. My son is an adult, but I told my grandson that my special medicine will give me a shiny head. His reply? " Coooool". That's kids for you!   Keep strong xxx     ... View more

Hi, I started my chemo on 22 Sept and have also given thought to stopping, but the days are getting better and have decided to deal with it by adopting a "just one more" approach rather than lump the remaining five together (if you followme!!)   I cannot sleep for more than two hours at a time and spoke to my GP who has prescribed something to help me get some rest   I am going to ask if they put stroppy juice in my chemo because boy I am stroppy!!!   Keep going Bev, we can do it together xxxx  Big hugs ... View more

Hi All   I had my first session today and although the treatment went very smoothly, they keep saying I should consider a PICC line. I am a little unsure as to why as there were no issues with the cannula - any advice for me?   Kind regards to all ... View more

Hi Julie   I had my lumpectomy 6 weeks ago and was in a right mess before I went in! Suprisingly, afterwards, I felt a massive relief knowing it had gone and the support from members here was superb.    My first oncology appt is tomorrow as chemo is needed, but I am pulling my information from this site and not googling anymore!!   I agree with you completely that the waiting is awful, but they work as quickly as is possible to get back to you - I kept checking the phone was connected!!!   Keep strong and postitive but wobble away when needed!!!   xxx     ... View more

Well results are back. Had a phone call last week so say levels were high so chemo is needed. Off to Oncologist on Monday for full update   x ... View more

Hi Sheena   Lovely to hear from you   HER2 was negative after FISH testing, so sample now being sent to US   They estimate 2 weeks before the results are back - will let you know    xx   ... View more

Excuse my ignorance, but would an alert be needed if only two nodes were removed?   Regards ... View more

Results are in... Lymph nodes clear, clear margins so options discussed. Due to previous conversations, was fully prepared for chemo dates, but no!   The HER2 retest is still outstanding (previous was borderline) and depending on that, the plan may change   If HER2 positive - then straight to chemo, but if it is negative, then sample to sent to the USA for oncotype DX testing. This will take around 2 weeks so there is a possibility that chemo may not be required. They are stressing MAY NOT and that I should manage my expectations,    What a shock, had no knowledge of this option, but I am so optimistic   x ... View more

Hi   Same here - waiting also   Diagnosed 9/7, had my lumpectomy and nodes removed 23.7 and although I have been told chemo is planned (grade 3) I will not know until my results are through. I have been given an appt date of 6.8.15 so I am fortunate in knowing when my next milestone will be. You are so right, once things start moving, you can plan.    To keep busy until my appt, I have that many lunch appts booked with friends, I will be as large as a barge by then!   xxx ... View more

Jill, you were right, I was back in my bed the same day!   The surgery went well, they took 2 nodes and apart from being sore, I did not feel too bad.   Back in 2 weeks for the results. The following day I felt brilliant but now I do not want to speak to anyone - a total mood swing.    Nerves I suppose   x ... View more

Thank you so much for posting your kind comments   I have had my nuclear injection today and surgery is tomorrow. Everything has been explained over and over, They are taking four nodes, results in 2 weeks and chemo is scheduled for the end of august (if clear to go)   I am keeping quite calm but my nerves are shot when I am in the clinic. Eavesdropping is something I need to stop. When listening to others talk about needle clots and other issues, I could be sick in a bucket!!   My sensible brain tells me everyone is different, my stupid brain says,,, where's the bucket ... View more

Hi Sheena   Thank you for your good wishes   The additional mass is confirmed as an extension of the original tumour but the Consultant is confident that a lumpectomy will be successful, so surgery is confirmed for next week and they will be removing a third of the breast. It is so strange that knowing this has lifted a massive weight off my shoulders and although nothing can be done about the waiting process, it sure is torture. Now the journey starts x ... View more

Well, my results are in... have been called back to clinic tomorrow.    Mass gone from 1.6 to 3.3 following the MRI. Lymph nodes negative, so back to discuss options   Think my head is going to explode! ... View more

Hi Sharnie   I am so pleased everything is going well for you, and hopefully I will follow your path   My scan was today and I will hear tomorrow if more biopsies are needed and perhaps will hear about the lymph node needle biopsy too. You are so right on the waiting game,   Did you have chemo, or go straight to radiotherapy?   Best wishes ... View more

Thank you for your warm welcome   I thought it would be a good idea to go straight back to work today and know feel it wasn't.   Someone stole my patience, tolerance and ability to talk without a lip wobble on the way into the office!! ... View more