Early stage breast cancer

Hi Keet, glad to hear that your lump has been successfully removed and that the cancer had not spread to your lymph nodes - that is already a very positive step forward :-) Your treatment will depend on your pathology results and it is good to be prepared with lots of questions for your specialists (I always took a written list and my hubby!) so I could remember what I wanted to ask and he could also absorb or what was being said. I found the My Journey Kit from BCNA really useful for research before my appointments as it also helps you to think about the type of questions you might need to ask. It's also great that you are here on this site as there are many women who have travelled a similar path and are happy to tell you about their experiences.

l was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 2 hormone positive & HER2 positive breast cancer, with 1 lymph node involvement back in 2012 at the age of 48yrs. After having an initial lumpectomy which didn't obtain clear margins I needed to have a mastectomy. Several weeks after my mastectomy I started my treatment plan which included; 6 chemo sessions (taxotere & carboplatin) over 5 months, 25 radiation therapy sessions (5 weeks) and 12 months of Herceptin (immune therapy for the HER2+), which was given at the same time and in the same way as the chemo. Keep in mind that this treatment plan was based on my pathology, so yours may well differ. In relation to HER2 + cancers, although they were more difficult to treat in the past, we are lucky that we now have access to targeted therapies such as Herceptin which have been successful in improving survival rates and lowering the risk of recurrence.

I am now 2 years on from the end of that treatment (still on hormone tablets) and feel well and have just returned recently from a long awaited overseas trip. The best advice that others gave me was to try not to think about all that you may go through, but focus on dealing with each step / day as it comes. Best wishes, Jane xx     

Thank you.. Yeah I have to admit Google isn't good, plus it doesn't actually tell you everything.. I thought stages e all I had to think about, had no idea what this her2 positive thing is.. I know it's an aggressive form, so having a mri scan as well to make sure it hasn't spread further.. Not sure what this er and pr positive is either and if it's good or bad to have with the her2 pos.. 

Haha, yes your daughter is right about the leg hair, good out look!! I was saying that too, but more on waxing, atleast I'll save on that.. I guess we need to look at the positive instead of the negative sometimes.. It's happening so need to fight through it.. 

I'm lucky I have very strong support from family, friends and work!! I heard of someone being made redundant and I just think that's a cruel thing to do!!! They're apparently keeping their heads up too.. It's amazing how strong we can or have to be when we need to.. Of course, I've had a cpl bad days, it happens, but I don't want it to rule my life or take control like it has already.. 

Hi,

I was awake last night too.  I should've got up, cranked up the laptop to talk. 

I had a mastectomy 2 weeks ago after 2 other surgeries were unsuccessful to clear myself of the dreaded cells.  I was hoping for a lumpectomy, but it wasn't to be. It was a mucinous tumour, larger and irregular than expected with DCIS in tissue margins.  Pathology on full breast tissue showed a 2nd mucinous tumour hiding.  Micromets in 2 of 5 nodes.  Mine is hormone receptor positive but HER neg. My oncology appt is next Tues. 

It's so good you've had the lump out with clear tissue margins and clear nodes.  That's the best news. 

Don't go on dr google.  That was my best advice from my surgeon and advice I've given my 16 year old daughter.  She's since read the whole bc info guide (from my journey kit) and proudly told me that when I have chemo I won't have to worry about shaving my legs! I guess there's an upside!

Take someone with you during the appt so that they can write down info for you.  Esp answers to questions that you have.  All the best with the appt Monday, mine's on Tuesday!

Be kind to yourself,

Karen xx

Hi, sounds like what I was diagnosed with, 2nd degree but the cancer had spread to 2 lymph nodes and because of that I started chemo after surgery. I'm half way threw now, just 3 more sessions to go and one is today .... Yep it's 3am in the morning cause I can't sleep as the doc has me on steroids with causes sleep problems, ah the joys of side effects. Anyway after chemo there's radiotherapy but I'm not sure at this stage for how long, will find out late June. Don't read Google as there is so much misinformation out there and it will only worry you more. Just now that every person is different and every treatment is different, trust in your oncologist and GP. Thoughts and prayers are with you and be kind to yourself, be a little selfish.