@55Jlz Hi ya - Join the club (sadly!) You will find the most amazing advice & support in the BCNA forum .....
I was diagnosed on Jan 5th with a Grade 2, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (2 tumours) that were found early and small. I had a Lumpectomy with mini reconstruct on January 17th. (My surgeon isolated the nipple & did all the other 'removals' from under the skin, including the nodes - so only the one scar! I was AMAZED!!) There will always be pain re the node removal in particular - but I found the actual tumour removal site 'healed & was less painful' than the node area! Weird!!
Before surgery, I had a Sentinel Node Biopsy to identify WHICH nodes 'drained' from the tumours - that way they only take out the ones CLOSEST to the tumours, instead of taking them all out. (Less chance of Lymphedema further down the track.) I was lucky - my 3 nodes & all the tumour samples came back 'clear' - but because it is an aggressive cancer, I will be doing 4 weeks of radiation starting Feb 28th which should finish by the end of March.
So ..... basically - from date of diagnosis to end of 'main' treatment will be 3 months!!!
I MAY be trying Tamoxifen as well after the radiation finishes - but it is not 'compulsory' for me (for up to 5 years) as I am 10 years+ after menopause - my hormones may not be as active as yours .....
You will be guided by your surgeon & his team - take your phone with you & record the conversation (or take a close friend who may be able to take notes & ask good questions that you may not think of.....) - cos I promise you - you will NOT remember most of what is said!!! Most professionals are fine to be recorded! My sister in law came with me & was a real GOD SEND!!
It is fine to be upset - it is fine NOT to tell EVERYBODY YOU KNOW .... even some family members! Some friends may find it hard to accept that you have cancer - some may not know how to respond. That is normal
Just remember - Cancer is a 'word' - NOT a 'sentence'!!
You can do this! xxx
