Recently diagnosed

Hi Annie,

My surgeon and oncologist agreed that the auxiliary clearance would be of no greater benefit than the Chemo/Radiation treatment.  The only reason for doing the clearance would be to confirm how many nodes are involved.  As we are choosing to treat more aggressively with 6 months chemo and radiation anyway, they felt there was no benefit to do the clearance - other than risk of lymphodema etc.  I have simply gone with their advice although may have felt better knowing the nodes were actually removed!!  I do trust them though.  

Cheers, Meg

 

hi

I have  recently had a mastectomy but no reconstruction they wouldn't do it at the same time.... Im struggling with looking at my recently removed breast. I had one positive lymph node from three so now I have to go back for more surgery to remove more lymph nodes.  Then chemotherapy and radiation.  This is all happening like an explosion.  Dam frightening but I have 3 kids who need me....

What are your reasons for not doing the clearance?  I really don't want mine taken out either but the surgeon is saying it is a must.

 

cheers annie

 

Thanks doll,

The reconstruction went well, they were able to put the implant straight in which I was pleased about. I am 10 days in so still uncomfortable but manageable. I am feeling better mentally and physically each day but feel that I may struggle until I have reassurance that I will be ok but realise no one can do that. I imagine/hope it gets easier to manage the fear. 

Its nice to chat with someone in the same boat. I hope you are doing well with your treatment. Thank you

 

Hi Meg,

I agree with Nadi.  

Taking it day to day is the most useful strategy that I have learnt from the posts here.  

I had a mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy (and reconstruction at the same time).  I was thinking that that would be the end of it.  There was no indication of lymph node involvement.  Unfortunately the pathology results meant that  chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin would be part of my treatment.  Huge shock.  I didn't have an axillary clearance either- my surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist put their heads together and recommended including the axilla in the radiation field instead of axillary clearance.  It can be overwhelming at times.  

Like Nadi, as I progress through each stage I feel more confident and less fearful. I have decided not to waste energy on the "what if's".  There are a couple of books I've found reassuring: One Piece of Advice by Yvonne Hughes (an Australian book) and Bald is Better with Earrings by Andrea Hutton.  I borrowed them from my local library.  The John Boyages book (also borrowed from the library) is another good one.

How did your reconstruction go?  Have you seen the Breast Reconstruction group on this site?

Hi Meg,

Welcome to the Online Network.

As the members have mentioned one day at a time and just keep coming here with questions. The Online Network has the most supportive members who will be there for you.

I thought you may like to know that we also have a Breast Reconstruction Group, you may be interested in joining.

~ Ann-Marie x

Hi Meg

I am sorry you are going through this but glad that you have joined this network. I guess after my diagnosis in Nov lat year what I have learnt from all the wonderful women here is that we all cope in different ways. We have good and bad days. For me the waiting times for results and before surgery, then just before chemo and now radiation were my worst times. Once I get into each stage I tend to feel much more positive and less fearful - probably because something is actually happening. I also come on here for great advice from others about anything that concerns me - that's a big part of my coping strategy. It helps me to hear from others who have gone through what I am going through and to learn first hand of what others have tried to get through side effects etc. It's also a great place to vent and to celebrate she you get through each little step with women who truly understand.

Take it one day at a time. You will get through this.

Best of luck and take care. Remember there is always somebody on  here if you need us.

Nadine

 

 

Hi Meg,

it's very overwhelming, you have all this information thrown at you at once..... You have to remember to breathe.... I had a very large invasive tumor 70mm, surgeon said it was sheet like not a pure round shape, And node involvement so had axillary clearance as well, had a second  excision because o unclear margins, lucky for that as there was still 4mm of cancer traceable, I've just started chemo and have more surgery and treatment to come... The most important thing is to remain positive! The body is an amazing thing but the mind even more so! Breathe and ask a lot of questions! Write everything down.... Ask, ask, ask! 

Wishing you all the very best for your treatments and remember you are not alone we are here too! 

-Tracy

stay strong|breathe|believe

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Hi Meg. I can't say I was similar. My only symptom was axillary tenderness, and lump there. Turned out I had a 35mm tumour, and positive nodes, so always knew I would have axilllary clearance. I had chemo before surgery, then radiotherapy. 

It's long slog, but it does end. Keep coming here with questions, someone will have an answer/suggestion. Everyone reacts differently, so ask away, and find what works for you. Don't forget to tell your treatment team about any & all side effects.

Take care, Lyn