Hi all, I had my surgery (lumpectomy) in August 2. One sentinel node was removed and also 2cm tumour - I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in July. I have been experiencing never ending anxiety, I cried like a river since I was diagnosed, Im only 34yo with no family history of Breast cancer. My GP prescribed me diazepam but I try not to take it as Im afraid to be dependent on the tablets. I have an appointment tomorrow with my specialist to discuss the result of sentinel node biopsy and also the treatment that I require. I am very scared for tomorrow.

Hey @AA.I'm nobody's angel when it comes to either pain relief or sedation when needed. Some stuff is just too hard to bear. There is a big difference between habitual use and treating an acute condition for a short period of time. I'll take a sedative on days that I know I'm going to be doing a lot of waiting, will be shuffled around hospitals, jabbed, starved and shoved into machines. I generally try to keep a clear head if I'm having appointments with specialists.The qualifier is your own confidence in your capacity to just take them when you need them. It's a shame sometimes that you have to stress about this stuff on top of everything else.Good luck. Marg xxx

Hi, I have my surgery coming up this week for the same thing as you. I was diagnosed with IDC but very early stage and yes have stressed a lot. I'm 52, a bit older than you but have gone through and still going through the same emotional roller coaster. Things came to a head yesterday with my blood pressure sky rocketing and I thought I have to do something. So I did some Pilates stretches and breathing then got my iPod found some quiet music and lay down, told my brain in no uncertain terms to switch off, and stayed there till I calmed down. I have a relaxation massage booked for tomorrow and plan to keep on with the music and stretches. I don't know whether you have children but this would be a good time for family to help so you can get some time to meditate, employ any relaxation techniques, have someone give you a massage what ever you think will work. Take a deep breath. We're here for you. Xx

Waiting for results is the hardest part. I don't think I slept the entire time more than an hour waiting for mine. I'd take that Diazepam tonight. You need some rest so you can take in all being explained tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. Write down questions you might need answers to so you don't forget to ask. Kath x

I don't have kids yet. I am praying and hoping that I still have good chance of surviving.

The fact they did a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy I believe is a good sign as they think it may not have spread. Having good information helps -can't recommend highly enough the BCNA My Journey kit in particular I liked th questions it suggested I ask doctors as the shock made it hard to think straight. . There's also a lot of resources on this site for you to read now that may help . Also it's important to have people in your corner - hope you have family and friends you can share with .There are many extraordinary women who will support you on this site - have a look around and read earlier posts too - you are not alone . There is even a group here especially for younger women .You could try some herbal tea - Celestial Seasonings has a good one called Sleepytime available in the supermarkets but might be best to have the diazepam tonight so you sleep well .Take someone with you tomorrow if you can as a spare pair of ears , also take something to write down what you are told. As hard as it is remember many women have and are going thru this and are still living happy lives - life is not ending .Sending you big hugs .

Very worried waiting for Sentinel node Biopsy

19 Replies

melclarity
Member
8 years ago
I have to agree with @Zoffiel it is a good choice for the surgery...the rest aaaagh you just muddle through it, your life becomes in limbo for months but I think once I accepted that I could deal with a day at a time and not worry about next week or next month, it was in a way easier.

Something you'll hear alot from everyone is the surprise in support, you honestly will get it from people you know less or not as long...the ones you think you can count on, ummm nope...just the way it works but it really sorts out I believe the truth in people. I lost a couple of lifelong friends that hurt incredibly, but now?? dont even think about it, I just think about the wonderful people who didn't flinch and stepped up in any little way in kindness. That really was humbling.

xx Melinda
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
There is a reason no-one wants this disease, it is an absolute pain in the arse. And other parts of the body we usually don't give much consideration to.
Axillary clearances are not something you do just for the hell of it, but they really are the best way of establishing what is going on and preventing spread from that area if something is lurking in the background. Wise choice AA.
Good luck with the rest of it. It will seem like cancer is your whole world for a couple of months, then the pressure will ease off a bit. You'll start to learn the language and figure out who is who in your own little cancer zoo which helps immensely . Most of it is more stressful than painful and the bits that hurt pass relatively quickly.
Be kind to yourself when you can, take any chance you get to give yourself a treat and shut anything or anybody who gives you the shits out of your life for a while if it is possible. Deal with the consequences of that (less than you imagine in most cases) later on. There will be people who you may not know that well who will surprise you with their kindness and empathy. Let them help you. Marg xxx
socoda
Member
8 years ago
@AA, so sorry to hear you have to go back in for more surgery. Can totally understand wanting to get rid of all the cells. I reckon use the time in between to rest, relax and spoil yourself silly. Xx Cath
AA
Member
8 years ago
@primek - yes still chemo and radiotherapy as cancer cell is aggresive, I booked for axillary clearance on August 25. I was very depressed to know positive sentinel node but still feel a bit relieved hearing from my specialist that I have good chance of survival.
primek
Member
8 years ago
Oh bugger on more surgery but always better to go on and have more and remove as much as you can and feel confident you have dobe all you can. So still chemo then? I guess radio will be determined after rest removed. If less than 3 nodes they don't always recommend it. Do you have your next surgery date yet?
AA
Member
8 years ago
Thank you all for being very supportive. I very much appreaciate your messages.
AA
Member
8 years ago
My sentinel node is positive, very small (microscopic) amount of cancer cells. The specialist gave me an option of leaving all my lymph nodes and have all the treatment chemo and radiotherapy ( as it is aggressive ). I opted To have axillary clearance as I don't want any cancer cells in my body. She said That the tumour was removed as the margin is clear. Specialist was very positive and assured that I am going to survive. I forgot to mention that my BC is hormone receptor positive ( oestrogen and progesterone ), HER non modified.
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
8 years ago
Hello @AA, thinking of you today and hope your appointment has gone well xx
Isaidso
Member
8 years ago
@AA wishing you well for your appointment. Xxx
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Hey @AA, just wishing you the best of luck with your appointment. Deep breath. Sending you a big hug Xx