New to this so not sure if i'm in the right place. Diagnosed in October, have had 2 surgeries. Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and 2 weeks ago axiliary dissection. Have seen the medical oncologist and know I will have hormone therapy as oestrogen + also radiation therapy still waiting for appointment. Oncologist says my choice to have Chemo but not recommended as only 1% advantage for survival. My head says listen and follow medical advise but my gut is saying go for it, need to give an answer by next week. So confused.

HI @jomaree sorry you have need to join the forum. It is very normal to feel confused, angry and sad all mixed up together when we get a BC diagnosis. I am sure others will come and post replies to your post soon. I will put a list up for you here. I always say go with your gut.... I am now 6 years since diagnosis and cancer free. Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. How to post on the main forum – use this link to get to the main forum and begin a new post. https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/post/discussion Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread Breast Care Nurses https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx My Journey online tool and other resources. My Journey Online Tool resources https://myjourney.org.au/hp/step5 https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays. How to understand your pathology reports https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

Hi @jomaree,Welcome lovely. You are definitely in the right place for support and fantastic advice. It is very confusing at the beginning, so many things to decide and a whole other language to get your head around.Most of us call it the rollercoaster as it is the best word to describe your feelings and emotions. I too had lumpectomy,axillary clearance, rads and I did do chemo as the rotten thing was already through 5 of the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. The increased benefit for me was 11%. Even then I ummed and aahhed about it. Chemo is a hard slog. It is very hard on your body. There are side effects that vary from person to person and some hang around for years.Be guided by your team. They see enough of this to know whether or not the benefits of the treatment are worth the risk.All the best lovely.xoxoxo

thankyou just need some guidance from those who have gone before me, your input will help me make my decision xx

Hi there. Looks like you have duplicate posts. I have commented on the other one.

It's a tricky one @jomaree ..... I was lucky & not recommended chemo at all as no cancer cells were found in my lymph nodes (I had sentinel node test with 2 removed) ..... tho I did have 4 weeks radiation & am now on Hormone tablets. (I only get the 1% benefit from taking them - to reduce/prevent the production of oestrogen in my body as my tumours were fed by oestrogen.) Can we assume that your nodes were clear (no cancer cells identified in them in your pathology report?) Whilst not a guarantee of a recurrence - it is considered a bonus to have them 'clear'.So I am taking the hormone tablets - altho the original ones prescribed fro me gave me nasty side effects. After 6 weeks, I changed to Exemestane (which suits me much better.) All the best for your treatment - just look after YOU at this point in time .... DON'T rely on Dr Google for your answers on whether to have chemo or not - speak with your Oncologist and GP and other health professionals (your surgeon & Breast Care Nurse) for the most reliable information. Then make the decision that you are comfortable with.Take care & I hope you have lots of family & friends to surround you with love & laughter over Xmas & New Year xx

newly diagnosed | BCNA Online Network

11 Replies

SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
HI @jomaree
sorry you have need to join the forum. It is very normal to feel confused, angry and sad all mixed up together when we get a BC diagnosis.
I am sure others will come and post replies to your post soon.

I will put a list up for you here.
I always say go with your gut....

I am now 6 years since diagnosis and cancer free.

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.

It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.

How to post on the main forum – use this link to get to the main forum and begin a new post. https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/post/discussion

Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx

My Journey online tool and other resources.

My Journey Online Tool resources
https://myjourney.org.au/hp/step5

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.

How to understand your pathology reports

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

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newly diagnosed

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