Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, don't be nervous girls, have you joined the YBCN (Younger Breast Cancer Network) Facebook group(I know a few of you are), it's been really great, look it up and join Criona x ... View more

Hello, I'm also going down Thursday with 2 others so there should be a good few of us! My name is actually Criona, wanted to stay anonymous when I set this up when diagnosed! I'm 41, dx about 11 weeks ago, have had lumpectomy, reexcision, had chemo 1, chemo 2next Tuesday, hoping doesn't effect weekend, very little side effects from chemo 1....fun doesn't stop there more surgery after chemo and prob rads too, yeah! Looking forward to the weekend and meeting you all x ... View more

Hi Gilly,   Sorry to hear your news, I'm 8 weeks since diagnosis, have had 2 lots of surgery(lumpectomy and reexcision to try get clear margin) and need chemo due to 1 of 3 nodes being positive, chemo starting this Monday.Will need further surgery after.   That is a long wait for results of biopsy, I got mine back a week later exactly(under nhs). Whatever they decide surgery wise don't let them make you wait too long, I waited 3 weeks from diagnosis till surgery and in hindsight I wish it had been sooner as lump was bit bigger than had been measured on ultrasound and got regraded from 2 to 3. I had moved to private system due to having insurance and should have insisted it be sooner but surgeon said it will make no difference....   From the knowledge I have I don't think you have to wait 8 weeks after surgery to start chemo. Depends how you heal but I think 3/4 weeks is enough. Mine is starting 3 weeks 2 days after last surgery.   Wait and see what the results say, you may not even need chemo....every case is different....if you do I don't think working near lots of children will help as immunity will be lower.   Good luck, let us know how you get on x   ... View more

Hi Sarah,   I was diagnosed end of Aug, have had Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, 1 of 3 nodes positive so having chemo, due to start 8 cycles next Monday too ! Then further surgery is on the cards, I guess radio and tamoxifen.Everything has happened so fast, I feel I haven't reallly thought about it properly just got on with it. I'm 41 with 2 children, have you joined the YBCN fb group?    I'm planning on trying the cold cap, I have a meeting with a chemo nurse tomorrow so it will be on my list of questions. Hope you are doing ok x ... View more

Hi, this also concerns me. I had a wle and snb 2.5 weeks ago, results 10 days days ago,margin not clear and 1 out 3 nodes taken was positive.Consultant recommended re-excision to remove some tissue a get a better margin(this was done yesterday morning), followed by chemo then ANC. His reasoning for the ANC to be after chemo is because the recovery time from an ANC is longer due to potential seroma and he doesn't want to delay chemo starting(I really am unsure about chemo but I will probably go with it, I'm 41 and have 2 dependant kids). I asked would the chemo not blast anything potentially lurking in other nodes but he said there is no way of testing this and that's why a full ANC is recommended. However I will ask about just taking the next level of nodes....   Also he mentioned that another snb can't be done as once the lymphatic drainage system has been interferred with things change-this is what I understood from him anyway.   I'm going to do some research about it but as the full ANC won't be till after chemo I have a few months to look into it. Please let me know anything you find out or decide upon.   Thanks Elliex ... View more

Hi there,   I was diagnosed late August(ductal, grade 2, 17mm) and had lumpectomy and 3 nodes removed last thursday. I was on my own too when I got results and it was all a bit surreal but I stayed quite strong am staying positive with the occasional wobble!  Back to see the consutant tomorrow to have dressings removed and most likely results, bit anxious about it but there is nothing I can do to change it, praying for clear margins and clear lymph nodes.....I'm 41 with two dependant children and single. I've only posted once before but read lots of posts which is helpful, it is amazing the amount of women affected by this and remember it's very curable.   Stay in touch and feel free to ask any questions(nothing too difficult!) x       ... View more

Hi Blue-rose   I was diagnosed with the same on 26/8 and my surgery is also on 17/9 ! I have also only started looking into things in the last few days and came across this forum earlier.    I am quite a practical person and tend to get on with things, I'm trying to stay positive and not make a big deal of it(I have 2 kids). I'm putting a brave face on with friends and family as when I've been on the other side of the fence it's hard to know what to say....   It's a totally new world and I thought cancer was something that happened to other people but hey it's not...however I do know it's a lot different than being diagnosed many years ago   I have read through quite a few of the threads and thanks to all, this looks like a great place to get support and share with people going through the same.    I did call BCC a few days ago with a question and the lady I spoke to couldn't have been more helpful, patient or understanding, I could have stayed on the phone all afternoon only I had to go to work so I would definitely recommend calling with any questions. ... View more