So unsure
It's scary and it has moved so fast. I was called back for 'Further Assessment' in mid april...I actually can't remember the date. I know I had the core needle biopsy on 22nd April, a couple of days a...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for your support in reply to my first post....I've been reading a lot of posts but have not had the courage to post.
so an update. My recovery from the GA second time around was much easier and I was most grateful for that. My specialist took 25 nodes and gratefully they were clear. However I needed to spend 8 days in hospital before it drained well and since I've been impacted by severe cording, and fluid build up in the armpit - this has been drained 3 times. I'm seeing a Lymphedema Physio who has been very supportive and I've worked hard on my exercises and it is somewhat improving. Then on to the medical oncologist where I behaved like a spoilt brat in that appointment. Basically I said I did not want chemo treatment, had a weep, and was told to go away for a week and think about it. The weep helped as it dissolved the renewed grief I was experiencing at the loss of my sister to breast cancer in 2003. Yep over 20 years ago...and it still hurts. It has been difficult separating her cancer from my own, and truly accepting that the science has moved on. Nevertheless the disruption to my life and my family is real, and I wish it could all pass me by.
By the time the week passed and I was back in the appointment I was clear I would proceed with treatment.. my oncologist was very empathetic - (thus far) - and I feel empowered that it has been my decision.
So I have signed up to a short course of chemo, 3 months or 4 cycles of 21 days each. I asked to delay the start as my grandchildren are very dependent on me - (they live with us ) - and the school holidays are starting soon.
So 15/7 I begin chemo, then 3 weeks of Radio, then hormonal therapy.
It has taken me some time to believe that I deserve to have a longer life then I was prepared to accept - (the women in my family have died young before 65 yrs) . I'm 67 yrs and feel I have enough runs on the board to risk no treatment. The turning point was the option now is to beat it, or at least put it to bed for a good few years but if I wait until it metastases' they can only hold it at bay. That is my understanding.
I have an 'Early Breast Cancer, lobular and ductal invasive, Stage 2, with cancer present in 3 lymph nodes. Its hormonal positive.
I truly hope I can find the courage to get threw this ...reading the personal stories on this site has inspired me.
So thank-you,
so an update. My recovery from the GA second time around was much easier and I was most grateful for that. My specialist took 25 nodes and gratefully they were clear. However I needed to spend 8 days in hospital before it drained well and since I've been impacted by severe cording, and fluid build up in the armpit - this has been drained 3 times. I'm seeing a Lymphedema Physio who has been very supportive and I've worked hard on my exercises and it is somewhat improving. Then on to the medical oncologist where I behaved like a spoilt brat in that appointment. Basically I said I did not want chemo treatment, had a weep, and was told to go away for a week and think about it. The weep helped as it dissolved the renewed grief I was experiencing at the loss of my sister to breast cancer in 2003. Yep over 20 years ago...and it still hurts. It has been difficult separating her cancer from my own, and truly accepting that the science has moved on. Nevertheless the disruption to my life and my family is real, and I wish it could all pass me by.
By the time the week passed and I was back in the appointment I was clear I would proceed with treatment.. my oncologist was very empathetic - (thus far) - and I feel empowered that it has been my decision.
So I have signed up to a short course of chemo, 3 months or 4 cycles of 21 days each. I asked to delay the start as my grandchildren are very dependent on me - (they live with us ) - and the school holidays are starting soon.
So 15/7 I begin chemo, then 3 weeks of Radio, then hormonal therapy.
It has taken me some time to believe that I deserve to have a longer life then I was prepared to accept - (the women in my family have died young before 65 yrs) . I'm 67 yrs and feel I have enough runs on the board to risk no treatment. The turning point was the option now is to beat it, or at least put it to bed for a good few years but if I wait until it metastases' they can only hold it at bay. That is my understanding.
I have an 'Early Breast Cancer, lobular and ductal invasive, Stage 2, with cancer present in 3 lymph nodes. Its hormonal positive.
I truly hope I can find the courage to get threw this ...reading the personal stories on this site has inspired me.
So thank-you,