what does all this mean
Hi everyone Probably like you all, never in a million years did I think I would hear the “c” word yet here I am! Such a scary place. I had a lumpectomy last week and removal of sentinel lymph node...
Forum Discussion
Sorry to see you here, @HunnyB .... but we'll do our best to help you thru this & give you as much support & info as you need to understand the process. I hope you are healing well following your lumpectomy.
My own BC was found 'early', was small, was removed with none found in the nodes - and after a discussion with the Oncologist, it was decided that I wouldn't 'do' chemo - but would have radiation and then Hormone tablets.
Make sure you ask for copies of EVERY TEST & RESULT that you have done! Get a big box & file everything in it (it needs to be bigger than a regular file holder due to the size of scans/xrays etc ... Store your reports there too.
Chemo is not always used in every case of BC - it depends on the pathology result (make sure you grab a copy of that too!) They will explain to you why it does not apply to you, if you ask.
Consider recording all your meetings with your health team too - just on your phone, as it is easy to forget what has been said. Write down any questions that you may have, so you can raise them at your meetings.
Try not to overthink it all until you have your discussions with all the health team. Our minds go into overdrive & we often use Dr Google (when we SHOULDN'T - as so much of it is out of date & plain WRONG!) Treatment is an ever changing and trying to second guess it - can result in a lot of unnecessary stress & pressure!
If you find yourself stressing out at all .... give the helpline a buzz here, 1800 500 258 - to chat about coping strategies.
Wishing you all the best for your meetings & ongoing treatment xx
My own BC was found 'early', was small, was removed with none found in the nodes - and after a discussion with the Oncologist, it was decided that I wouldn't 'do' chemo - but would have radiation and then Hormone tablets.
Make sure you ask for copies of EVERY TEST & RESULT that you have done! Get a big box & file everything in it (it needs to be bigger than a regular file holder due to the size of scans/xrays etc ... Store your reports there too.
Chemo is not always used in every case of BC - it depends on the pathology result (make sure you grab a copy of that too!) They will explain to you why it does not apply to you, if you ask.
Consider recording all your meetings with your health team too - just on your phone, as it is easy to forget what has been said. Write down any questions that you may have, so you can raise them at your meetings.
Try not to overthink it all until you have your discussions with all the health team. Our minds go into overdrive & we often use Dr Google (when we SHOULDN'T - as so much of it is out of date & plain WRONG!) Treatment is an ever changing and trying to second guess it - can result in a lot of unnecessary stress & pressure!
If you find yourself stressing out at all .... give the helpline a buzz here, 1800 500 258 - to chat about coping strategies.
Wishing you all the best for your meetings & ongoing treatment xx