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Glen19's avatar
Glen19
Member
8 years ago

Feeling overwhelmed

This is my first post - here is a summary of my story.  I was first diagnosed with DCIS in my LEFT breast in 2011 and again in 2015 with removal of the affected area both times.  The second time there was not enough margin so it was back into surgery again and then officially classed as a partial mastectomy.  In mid-June this year I went for my annual mammograms which showed invasive cancer in my RIGHT breast.  As it had developed quite a bit my Surgeon said I would need to have a total mastectomy.  I had more tests including an MRI which showed that there was more DCIS in my LEFT breast (which was already approximately 30% depleted).  After consultations with my surgeon and much thought I decided to have both breasts removed - there didn't seem to be much point in saving what would remain of the left breast as the DCIS would likely recur, not to mention the possibility of invasive cancer developing.  I had my surgery on 11th July and also had 2 lymph nodes removed from each side.  When the pathology results came back they showed cancer in one lymph node on the right side, so back in on 20th July to have more lymph nodes taken on that side.  Thankfully they were clear which I was very happy about but now I have to have some Chemo in case there are any remaining cancer cells anywhere.  I am slowly recovering from the surgery and am managing to stay positive but still feeling fairly sore and a bit shell-shocked from it all.  I am nervous about the Chemo too, my initial appointment is on Wednesday 2nd August.  I would really appreciate any words of encouragement........   
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    I found chemo hard but totally doable and know if I ever had to, I'd do it again. Quite understandable you feeling nervous about chemo.

    I too had a bilateral mastectomy and also reconstruction. It certainly is a challenging time adjusting to all that has happened and the unknowns. Know we are here for you. Kath x
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    What an arduous path you have been on! Feeling nervous about chemo is perfectly normal and sensible, but it's almost impossible to predict how any individual will react until you start. Tiredness and nausea are the most frequent side effects but even those can vary a lot, between individuals and between various chemotherapy types. If you can take someone with you for your first appointment, that can be very helpful. They can take notes and prompt questions that you may not think of as the first discussion can be somewhat daunting. Remember that if your oncologist reels off a lot of side effects, you are not necessarily going to get all, or even many of them. You will need a few weeks, depending on what treatment you have and how often, to work out what impact it is having on your day to day life (hopefully it is devastating any cancer cells irrespective of how you feel, that's the whole point). I only had one positive lymph node too (single mastectomy though and 17 nodes removed - they looked decidedly suss but were just aggravated) and while I did have some side effects, including a couple of long lasting ones, I had no nausea or fatigue, worked through treatment and have never regretted having chemo. Ask about cold cap treatment, it may save your hair, but most of us have muddled through the bald phase somehow and enjoyed a new look at the end of it! It will sound like an eternity of treatment at the start but each one is one less, and you will be halfway through sooner than you imagine. Very best wishes.