I had a lumpectomy on my right breast last Wednesday. I also had a polyp taken out of my left one. The lymph nodes were cancer-free and they only took one node out, which was good news. I'm feeling ok physically just a bit swollen on the right side. I am anxiously awaiting my pathology results - which I will receive when I see the surgeon this Friday. He will tell me what I have (eg type, stage etc) and what treatments are required. I am hoping it is only radiotherapy.
I had the same chemo drugs as you(2010) and I was fine till about day 3 or 4 and then I felt like roadkill from a mack truck! I just stayed in bed for a few days. I could hardly move-muscle/joint pains,BAD headache that wouldn't stop, fatigue and no appetite. Don't plan anything for those days just incase but am hoping it's not so bad for you.
Tonya xx
I had my first chemo treatment last Friday 27 Jan. I had Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide via a cannula. I've been drinking lots of water and eating well and I feel fine- no side effects so far! (except feeling a bit tired - prob as I didn't sleep well the night before the chemo). The nurse said I might not feel nausea etc for a few days- prob when the cortisone tablets and anti-nausea medication wears off. I feel like I could go into work on Tuesday If I'm still feeling fine. I just wondered when others taking similar treatments started to feel unwell & to what degree? I've also been given antibiotics to take next week, to ware off infection if my white blood cells get low.
Hi Yasmin,
I had invasive ductal 2cm tumour in July 2011 ( grade 2.) I couldn't believe i had got cancer and went through some pretty dark days worrying just like everyone else on this site. I was absolutely terrified that the Oncologists were going to tell me i needed to have chemo as part of my treatment plan, and I, like you were so scared of the side effects of loosing my hair and becoming really sick............Good news was i had a lumpectomy in August with No Chemo Yay! as margins were clear. I then had radiation treatment for 5 weeks that ended in December. Due to the tumor being hormone v+ . i am taking tamoxifen for 5yrs and Zoladex injections for 2 years. I was so releaved that i didn't need chemo but everyones treatment plan is different and if you dont feel comfortable with what your treatment plan is then please ask for a second opinion.
Yasmin it is normal for you to feel scared about breast cancer and having chemo as it is a really nasty drug. However you will get through it, It may not be easy but you will strive through it and kill off this disease forever. Us women are stronger than we think .
All the best with everything and I hope everything goes well for you on your journey Cheers Jo xx
Hi Tanya
Thank you for encouraging and positive comments. That would have been tough having a diagnosis at such a young age.
Although it is scary not knowing what to expect with the chemo- I am feeling that it is 'doable' and that I will get through this - just like you and others have.
I hope you had a lovely xmas yesterday and I wish you a healthy and happy new year.
A cure for cancer may not be that far off given advances in medical research. So I join in your new year wishes.
Love Yasmin xxx
Hi Lee
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a nice celebration yesterday. Thanks for your encouraging comments and advice. I'm sorry you had to have 2 surgeries -that would have been tough. As others on this site have said, chemo isn't 'undoable' - many like you have got through it and as you would know there are also medications eg anti-nausea ones- to assist with the side effects. Taking one day at a time is good advice too (even before starting treatments) - I'm finding it easier to accept things each day and not be overwhelmed. All the best for the new year! Hope to see you online soon Yasmin xxx
Hi Yassi
I too had a large tumour like you and mine was estrogen positive too. And also like you I got my pathology results around Christmas time. Mine was in 2007 when I was 36.
There is lots on your mind at this time I am sure and chemo is such a scary prospect from the outside, but it is definately doable and so many women on here to testify that it is a little rough, but you will come out the other side, dust yourself off and get back to where you were before you heard those chilling words "you have cancer".
Take care and have a Merry Christmas. My wish for the New year is a cure for cancer.
Love Tanya xx
Hi Yassi
I too had a large tumour like you and mine was estrogen positive too. And also like you I got my pathology results around Christmas time. Mine was in 2007 when I was 36.
There is lots on your mind at this time I am sure and chemo is such a scary prospect from the outside, but it is definately doable and so many women on here to testify that it is a little rough, but you will come out the other side, dust yourself off and get back to where you were before you heard those chilling words "you have cancer".
Take care and have a Merry Christmas. My wish for the New year is a cure for cancer.
Love Tanya xx
Hi Yassi...Merry Christmas. I know you have a lot on your mind at the moment but hopefully a little Christmas cheer with put a smile on your face in the meantime. I had 2 surgeries, chemo and radio. As you might know already there are many kinds of chemo and many combinations. You might find it a breeze. If you don't, just take one day at a time and you'll get through!...Be easy on yourself and accept as much help as you want to. Indulge yourself a bit...or a lot! You deserve to!! I'll see you online again soon. Best wishes, Lee. XXX
Hi Yassi...Merry Christmas. I know you have a lot on your mind at the moment but hopefully a little Christmas cheer with put a smile on your face in the meantime. I had 2 surgeries, chemo and radio. As you might know already there are many kinds of chemo and many combinations. You might find it a breeze. If you don't, just take one day at a time and you'll get through!...Be easy on yourself and accept as much help as you want to. Indulge yourself a bit...or a lot! You deserve to!! I'll see you online again soon. Best wishes, Lee. XXX
I saw the surgeon on Friday and got my results. It''s a ductal cancer, 42mm (quite large) Grade 2 with Oestrogen Positive receptors. The good news is the margins are clear. However, he told me that I would need to have chemotherapy,anti-osetrogen tablets and then have radiation. He is referring me to a medical oncologist who will be able to answer further questions but I am seeing him one more time in a few weeks to check the swelling has gone down. I was hoping I wouldn't have to have chemo but he said you need it to destroy any undetected cancer in the body. I will discuss this further when I see the m.o.
