Hi

Laura R

Hi everyone,
I just want to introduce myself. My name is Laura. In April 2012 I was diagnosed with invasive ducal carcinoma and had treatment of AC for 12 weeks, radiotherapy and then Tamoxifen. I came off the Tamoxifen after 5 weeks as could not tolerate it and then argued with my doctor that I didn't need to be on it as I was triple negative anyway. I had a slightly positive progesterone count. But a lot of research seems to point to this being considered TN now. So I stuck to that. It was my choice, but it wasn't a good time! Everything has been fine since. From the moment of finishing treatment I made up my mind that getting a mastectomy would be the way I wanted to go. I had the surgery done on the 22 September (3 weeks ago) and unfortunately there were two new tiny tumours found. This time there is no doubt about them being TN. I have had a clear CT scan and bone scan and all evidence points to no lymph involvement. I am feeling very lucky! I will find out treatment on Wednesday. Have no idea whether it will be same chemo as before. Some people I talk to suggest I may get off without treatment, but I can't imagine that happening!

TonyaM

Welcome to this network but sorry you are going through this crap journey again.I gather you had a lumpectomy in 2012.I had a similar experience in that I had bc in 2003 (lumpectomy,full node clearance,radiation)and then bc again in the same breast in 2010.My cancer was oestrogen +ve so I've been on Tamoxifen for the last 4 years.I have a girlfriend who had TN twice like you and she had to have chemo again.It will depend on your pathology and your oncologist I would think.Sounds like you have caught it early again which is good news.Such a relief to get clear body/bone scans.I hope you are travelling ok since surgery- a mastectomy can take a little getting used to so blog back if you need to chat. Big hug, Tonya xx

TonyaM

Welcome to this network but sorry you are going through this crap journey again.I gather you had a lumpectomy in 2012.I had a similar experience in that I had bc in 2003 (lumpectomy,full node clearance,radiation)and then bc again in the same breast in 2010.My cancer was oestrogen +ve so I've been on Tamoxifen for the last 4 years.I have a girlfriend who had TN twice like you and she had to have chemo again.It will depend on your pathology and your oncologist I would think.Sounds like you have caught it early again which is good news.Such a relief to get clear body/bone scans.I hope you are travelling ok since surgery- a mastectomy can take a little getting used to so blog back if you need to chat. Big hug, Tonya xx

Laura R

Hi Tonya,

Thank you for your message.  I now have my treatment plan and it starts this Thursday. FEC-D for 18 weeks (6 treatments).  I feel better knowing what I have in store for me, but the waiting is taking its toll.  I am run down and exhausted. 

You are correct.  I did have a lumpectomy first time around in 2012.  I had AC for 12 weeks and then radiotherapy.  I am recovering ok from mastectomy.  I had more surgery last Friday week to get more lymph nodes as my oncologist wasn't happy with just a biopsy.  Thank goodness the pathology again came back clear.  So I just have to get through chemo again and I should be ok.  

thank you so much for your message.  It's lovely speaking to people who know what it is like.  It's like a safety net isn't it?

regards,

Laura 

Laura R

Hi Alice,

thank you so much for your message.  I will be looking at reconstruction at some stage.  It's way ahead at the moment.  Just need to get through the current chapter first and then think about what I want.  But right now I can't imagine going through life without a cleavage! 

thank you though for telling me about the group.  It's something I had not thought about. But good to know there is a support group out there.

regards,

Laura