Forum Discussion

Cara_maree's avatar
5 years ago

Altered staging

Hi. I’m 39 mother of 4 boys and was initially diagnosed with stage 2. I recently had a lumpectomy and auxiliary clearance and margins were not clear and found it had spread to a number of lymph nodes (11/15 removed). Based on pathology from tumour, my diagnosis was changed to Stage 3. I start chemo in 2 weeks, initially x2 weekly and will have a total of 16 treatments, followed by Radiation, then mastectomy, and then hormone treatment. .I was initially positive about my prognosis, but now not so much. Anyone else been in similar situation? Any advice welcomed.
  • Hi @Cara_maree, welcome to this forum of support and understanding on what you are facing and going through, we here understand.

    First of all YOU CAN DO THIS , be positive. You can kick this cancer shit to the curb.
    I have just recently finished all my treatment late last year, so it’s very fresh in my mind.

    Most people I have spoken with throughout my journey , we all had the same outcome once we had our results come back from pathology after surgery including myself, things weren’t exactly what we were told at first.
    Nothing is really correct until those results come back after being under the microscope.
    Think positive, now the specialists know what they are dealing with you will get the best treatment.

    Do things that make you happy and to also take your mind of things, be around positive people, I attended a meditation and mindfulness class when I was first diagnosed and was very beneficial to me, threw myself into housework, dancing and singing whilst doing so, prepare some meals and freeze ready for when you start treatment.

    When you are feeling overwhelmed take in deep breaths hold for 5 and exhale for 5, bring yourself back to the here and now, gradually build up as you are able to, listen to relaxation music especially at night time before sleep, lavender drops on the corners of your pillow. Having a good night sleep you will find that you can cope throughout the day better.
    One day at a time.
    If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
    We are all here for you.

    Sending virtual hugs and sending positive vibes your way... x
  • Hi @Cara_maree if you can manage 4 boys I reckon you can cope with just about anything!! I have 2 boys and they do my head in 🤣 I found a stage 4 diagnosis must easier to cope with. All the best ❤️
  • Thank you all for your kind words and great advice.  I think I am over the initial shock and really just want to get this treatment started.  I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m up for the fight xx
  • Hi. I’m 39 mother of 4 boys and was initially diagnosed with stage 2. I recently had a lumpectomy and auxiliary clearance and margins were not clear and found it had spread to a number of lymph nodes (11/15 removed). Based on pathology from tumour, my diagnosis was changed to Stage 3. I start chemo in 2 weeks, initially x2 weekly and will have a total of 16 treatments, followed by Radiation, then mastectomy, and then hormone treatment. .I was initially positive about my prognosis, but now not so much. Anyone else been in similar situation? Any advice welcomed.
    Hi Cara, sorry this is happening to you. I was 34 when diagnosed and early stage 3 however when I started seeing a different oncologist she told me I was actually 3C and so close to it spreading to other parts of my body. It was a shock but that was a little over 6 years ago and whilst the treatment will be intense and long there is a lot of hope. You will need a lot of help with your gorgeous kids though so learn to take it all. And definitely connect on here and call the BCNA helpline if needed x 
  • Hi @Cara_maree

    When I had my cancer diagnosis, I found it very distressing specially because it was described as aggressive being HER2+.  I had a lot of negative thoughts constantly going through my head.  While I am not medically qualified, I can describe my experience.
    i contacted Cancer council asking if they could connect me with someone who had been through BC and was now doing well.  Hearing positive stories helped me a lot.
    i spoke to a psychologist who was able to help me develop coping strategies.  You are entitled to 5 visits with an allied health professional, you need your GP to make a chronic disease management plan.
    https://www.bcna.org.au/media/2844/bcna-fact-sheet-chronic-disease-management-plan.pdf

    Even if you have stage 3 your treatment is treating the disease and as the oncologist told me BC is curable and we are working towards curing the disease.
    When I start worrying about the future, I tell myself that no one knows how long they will live, nor do they know what the future holds.  The same is true for me, I need to just live each day as it comes.
    My friend gave me a book called ‘Survive and Thrive’ by Jo Spicer.  This book describes the experience of cancer survivors. I don’t like reading about cancer but this book has some inspiring stories.

    Best of luck with your treatment and take care.
  • @Cara_maree you are about to enter a phase of your life in which you'll be juggling meeting your needs and those of family and life in general. I suggest you phone a BCNA cancer nurse and have a chat. I cannot recommend them too strongly, they have a way of making you feel secure, safe, and capable of dealing with whatever comes your way! Stay in touch as some wonderful help will come your way on this forum. Hugs!
  • I am in a similar situation - thought I was stage two but after having lumpectomy and sentinel nodes out then found I needed a mastectomy and had 8/11 nodes affected. Very scary stuff. I have no advice - I don’t feel very positive either 😣 but we can’t change it, just have to go forward with fingers and toes crossed. I am almost to the end of chemo, rads and tamoxifen to follow. All loads of fun. Not. Hang in there, you’re not alone in all of this xx