further surgery

Hi Lesann

I was having surgery in DEC and taken out 1.5mm cancer cell, also 3 lymph nodes at the time, 1/3 had 0.34 micromet DCIS found.  I was proposed to have axillary clearance (ac) at the post surgery appointment, but they let me think about it.

I was very frastrated at the time, I search and search a lot of information, how big 0.34 micromet represent, and how's the side effect after ac.  I believed ac is a kind of permanent damaging to my body, buecause I'll lost a kind of "functional" feature myself.  However, according to the doctor proposal it should be the best option for me.  I was very confused and worry about my decision they let me think of.  So when the next appointment, I still think of alright : have to put the trust to the medical team.  U know what, while I was about to said go ahead with your proposal, the team decided of not going to do ac; but confirmed Chemo and Radio.  I confused again, and then my Surgeon in-charge immedicately came to explain to me, since Chemo would done a big job to flush all potential cancer, and mine was 1/3...and not worth to perform ac.  I felt relief (especially my own concern about the permanent damage); After that, I firstly met my Oncologist about the chemo schedule.  He is a very very kind and wonderful doctor, explained me in a techical and common way using different type of wordings.  He said from Onco point of will, 1/3 with 0.34 micromet, they count this mean = nothing.  So that's why they turn down ac surgery.

I am just finished my 6 course of chemo in June, now get ready for Radio on 21JULY.

Lesann, this is my case for sharing only.  Since everyone is different, and I am a public patient, which in fact met different medical personnel in different areas, so...I am quite alright with the plan for me now.

Take care and good luck

Rosanna