Not a good day today. I had a lumpectomy on Monday and went back to see the surgeon today only to find out that one of the margins was not great enough so am now scheduled for another surgery on the 5th January. Was so hoping that at least this part of the treatment was over as I have already had 6 months of chemo. Still have to have radiation as well but thought the worst of the treatment would be done. I just want my life back - I am so sick of the constant doctors appointments and it always feels like one step forward 10 steps back again. So not a very Merry Christmas for me. Sorry I know I am feeling sorry for myself but sometimes it just gets too much.

Yep, sometimes it does feel like too much. Most of us have felt that way at some time or another, especially when something extra comes along. You are very much allowed to feel sorry for yourself and sometimes letting that emotion out on here really helps. Hope your next surgery gives a better result and also that you don't have to wait too long for it. Sending hugs. Deanne xxx

Hi Suzy - moan away that is what we are here for to read your venting and help you through! Yes it is a so and so but hey they are being diligent and making sure every skerrick is gone, or at least that is what the plan is and the finish off treatment ensures that is the case! I do hope that you do have a good Christmas knowing that you are on your way to those words we all long to hear, you are all clear!Take care! Sending you a virtual hug xx

SuzyG, unfortunately I know how you feel, i've finished almost 6 months of chemo & didn't get clear margins, i have just had my second lumpectomy and now waiting to find out if that operation was successful. Still have radiation and up to 10 years of hormonal treatment. Yes it's totally overwhelming. I've found exercise to be the only thing that helps me cope, i've had two lumpectomies in the space of one week but somehow still she managed to go for a walk.All the best & sorry that your going through this.

Hi @SuzyG - no need to ever apologise for feeling sorry for yourself. Everyone who has been through this knows it is a case of "baby steps" and willing ourselves to get over the next hurdle. It is about ticking off the treatment/surgery items on your bc cancer list. I totally get where you are coming from - I had a lumpectomy in 2003 and when I went back to see my surgeon there weren't clear margins so I had to have a partial mastectomy with auxilliary node clearance. It can be so overwhelming when you feel like this is never going to end and that 2017 was really going to be the beginning of a new year - emotionally and from a cancer perspective.Take time to process all of it - cry, scream, yell, vent all you need. As difficult as it is, be Scarlett O'Hara and think about your surgery on the 4th January. For now, focus on the festive season with your family and friends. Merry Christmas and best wishes to you xxx

Hi Suzy, I feel your frustration at going back for more surgery. My closest margin was 3mm, because nodes were clear surgeon didn't go back in. Now each new lump leaves me thinking, I wonder if that was too close. Believe me, the worst of your treatment IS over. If you've done 6 months of chemo, the hard yards are done, it all gets easier after that. Well done for persevering this far. Maybe over the Christmas break, you could just take some time out? No doctors visits, no appointments, no treatment. . . . maybe plan some looking after you time? You deserve it <3

Wondering if this will ever be over

SuzyG
Member
9 years ago
Thanks ladies for the info - good to hear and I will try not to worry about the side affects. Just have to take it one day at a time I guess and see what happens next.
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
Hi SusyG
I've been on Femara for nearly four years. It has had an impact on my bone density, luckily mine was very good before I started but no other side effect that we (medicos or me) are aware of. One more year to go!
primek
Member
9 years ago
I had tingling in my hands due to bra compression on nerves plus some bulging neck discs (all related to heavy boobs....probkem now solved) . This was years before cancer diagnosis. I still need to be careful with posture, backpacks, shoulder bags and neck position so it could well be related to your position on the rads table. Hope things improve soon. Kath x
Glemmis
Member
9 years ago
Hi SuzyG, I finished 4 x AC & 12 Taxol three weeks ago & about to start 25 rounds of radiotherapy on Monday. I have already started on Femara (last Monday) & so far I don't feel any different. My bone density test was a bit low for my spine but everywhere else was good. I do weight bearing exercise to try & minimise further bone loss. Don't worry too much about side affects, not everyone has them & your exercise plan will help if you do.
SuzyG
Member
9 years ago
Hi again ladies. Thought I'd let you know that the tingling in the fingers has resolved itself. They seem to think it was caused by the Taxol even though I had my last dose 30th November. Only have 7 more radiation treatments to go and it is going very well. I am pretty red and tender but have been walking 4kms per day and swimming 1km 3 times per week so trying to stay as fit as I can. I do get tired but doesn't everyone after a few glasses of red. LOL. I can now see light at the end of this and can't wait to be finished with the radiation. My next question to you all is - does anyone have experience with Letrozole (Femara). That is what I go onto next. I have already started taking Vitamin D even though they said my levels were good but the bone density showed that my bones are thinning before I even start this drug. That worries me as well as the talk of aching joints. Any thoughts or info would be appreciated.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Hey Suzy!!! That sounds like a plan, great! yes speak to your Oncologist they will be able to shed some light hopefully! so annoying! Im doing ok! ummm sort of LOL I was going to pop a post up eeeeeek might do so now...rather than hijack this thread LOL x
SuzyG
Member
9 years ago
Thanks Mel have been wondering how you are doing. Thanks for the info - I see the oncologist week after next so will mention it to her as well. So how are you going?
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Hey Suzy! I had rads at first diagnosis, definitely didnt have tingling in fingers at all. That is a definite sign of neuropathy from Taxol and it can come a long time after finishing. Im 14 months post chemo and saw my Oncologist last week and said I had weird tingling in my feet and itchy! he said TAXOL even this far along as its the nerves regenerating, it has settled to be honest. It does sound to be nerve and yes you are right could even be the way you are laying on the bed and youre pinching a nerve somewhere in your back. Radiation I wouldnt think would cause it however. Hope it settles. Hugs Melinda xo
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
Ah, good you only had a slight reaction from Taxol, but sorry can't advise about the radiation as I never had any. Bit mysterious so monitoring sounds the way to go. Hope it clears up very soon.
SuzyG
Member
9 years ago
Hi Afraser thanks for the post but I finished the Taxol at the end of November and only had slight tingling in my thumbs. I am now having radiation and they are thinking that it could be just from the way I have to lay on the bed with my arms over my head. They are going to monitor it and I may have to see physio. Its weird though as I exercise everyday and swim 3 times per week so not sure what is going on.