Hi, 2 days ago I had a lumpectomy of 3 lumps and a sentinel node. The lumps were found 2 weeks ago. I went to the GP with some mild sensitivity under my arm. It was very subtle, but it hurt a bit if I pressed into the skin. Neither of us could feel any lumps but she sent me for a contrast mammo and u/s to check. Took a month to get in for the tests. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of unpleasant pokings and proddings. Biopsy showed ER and PR positive, HER negative. 1 lump invasive ductal, 1 lump invasive ductal mucinous and 1 lump not able to be biopsied. They could see it on mri but not on ultrasound. Lymph node lump benign.all lumps between 1.5 and 4cm dimensions.Surgery was day, did not stay overnight because of no beds because of backlog due to lockdowns.So I’m at home, pain isn’t too bad and I can walk around with my breast cushion under my arm. I’m taking antibiotics and Panadol every 6 hours. I have taken one oxycodone but it gave me a massive headache. Monday I find out whether they got clear margins or not. Fingers crossed.

@Halla Yes, ring your surgeon. When you read those reports, its easy to misinterpret things & fear the worse. The jargon they use is hard to understand at first so please dont jump to conclusions. Like @Afraser said, clear margins is a good sign. We all worry about remaining cancer cells that dont get picked up or are left behind after surgery. Its natural but please be guided be your surgeon & medical team & trust their advice. Having said that, if you are worried, speak to your GP or a breast care nurse, as a second opinion doesnt hurt. Its your body & sometimes we do have to take charge! I found my McGrath breast care nurse invaluable. I asked her every question that came into my head & she was wonderful. Good luck & let us know how you get on. love & strength xx

Hi @Halla just wondering how you went with your decision? I have had two lumpectomies and am considering a mastectomy. I had one small 0.8mm tumor and a 6cm of DCIS in my left boob. Right boob is clear currently. It’s all such a whirlwind!!

Hello @Halla 🙂. Sorry you’re here, but happy the surgery is done and the node is clear 🎉. Really hoping the margins are clear so you don’t need more surgery 🤞. I also had three lumps, two were biopsied and third one was also too small. But I had another in the other breast too. Largest was 1.5cm, same type as yours. The MRI showed a lot more changes so I had a nipple sparing DMX with expanders inserted for further reconstruction. Skipped chemo, did radiation. Hope you don’t need further treatment. This is mentally and emotionally very draining as well, so keep in touch here if you need support in any way ♥️

Youch that sounds like a big surgery FLclover! When did you have that? Have you recovered yet? Have you had your reconstruction yet? Yes I’m really hoping I don’t have to have more surgery too, but time will tell...at this stage my right breast is clear on the MRI

Hi @Halla Fingers crossed you have clear margins, I stayed overnight at the hospital after the lumpectomy but did not have much pain afterwards. Good luck with your treatment.

Hi everyone from Halla, my story so far

39 Replies

Potter_21
Member
5 years ago
Halla, my next steps are to meet with the radio oncologist & medical oncologist in about 3 weeks time. I will be having radiotherapy & tablets. My surgeon said it will be up to the medical oncologist to decide whether I need chemo. If so she thinks it would be just a precautionary thing as all margins & nodes where clear.
Halla
Member
5 years ago
That’s so wonderful, and very reassuring to hear @Anne65! May I ask what the genetic testing revealed? And how come no meds? I didn’t realise that was a possibility!
Anne65
Member
5 years ago
@Halla So glad you have had great results following your surgery & with clear margins. Such a relief for you. I too, had a lumpectomy with clear margins, genetic testing & rad so a very similar path to you. I have been blessed with so much good fortune & good results all along the way & I am so very grateful. Three years on, I am now fully recovered, no medication & living the life I did pre-cancer. I pray that you have the same. Love & hugs xxxxx PS I LOVED my breast cushion too. I used it for months after my surgery & it went with me everywhere. <3
Halla
Member
5 years ago
What are the next steps for you @Potter_21?
Potter_21
Member
5 years ago
I totally get what you're saying Halla.
Halla
Member
5 years ago
Excellent news @Potter_21! Are you feeling relieved?

TBH I’m still feeling pretty anxious about the future 😬
Potter_21
Member
5 years ago
Great news Halla! My margins were clear as were my lymph nodes. So also great news!
Halla
Member
5 years ago
Thank you so much @ChezaH
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago
Hi Halla All the best for your recovery
Halla
Member
5 years ago
Thank you Locksley, sentinel node and all margins clear! A lot of tumours removed though and one LCIS so now I will do genetic testing before radiation.

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Hi everyone from Halla, my story so far

39 Replies

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