Losing hair

Thanks Mary60 I will try the Dermaveen shampoo xoxo

Ok so it says you do have some DCIS but what your diagnosis is, is IDC (infiltrating ductal caricinoma) 7-15mm, Grade 3 but it doesnt mention your Stage? You are ER+ and so that is where the hormone tablets come in after treatment. I was also grade 3 but stage 2, but the grade determined Chemo. You will go on after Chemo I imagine and have Herceptin? due to Her2. 

So you meet with the Surgeon? what about the Oncologist? as the Oncologist is the one who will discuss the treatment not the Surgeon. My Surgeon referred me after lumpectomy and results to an Oncologist who took it from there. They will explain your diagnosis and their recommendation for treatment for it. Doesnt matter if you dont quite think of things to ask, you can always email after the fact a list of questions you have. My Oncologist was more than happy to answer them. So try not to worry too much, take it a step at a time. xx M

My histopathology from my 5 core biopsies prior to surgery says:  Conclusion
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast, Grade 3(T3, P3, M2), arising in association with a component of high grade intraduct carcinoma. 7-15mm in greatest dimensions.

Microscopic Description:
No perineural pr lymphovascular invasion is identified. Immunoperoxidase stains show focal positive staining for ER (80%, 1-2+), negative stainng for PR and strong positive staining for HER2 (3+).

When people ask what type of cancer I have I am not sure if I'm saying the right thing .... ductal cell carcinoma? I see there is DCIS but not sure if that's me? But other notes say ' there is a component of high grade intraductal carcinoma in situ with comedo necrosis and focal calcification.'

Next Friday I meet the surgeon again and apparently he will have talked to the multidisciplinary team about my next step. Previously he said the protocol was lumpectomy, chemo, rad and hormones - chemo for a year. I don't know what to expect from this meeting as they pretty much tell you what will be next and then I need to start asking questions. But apart from questions I've 'borrowed' from the Journey Book I don't know what I don't l know!  Feeling swamped with info.

@viking1 I thought the hormone tablets were only for ER+, Her2 is very different, do you have ER as well? I have heard of women been through menopause and then go through chemo and suffer hot flushes again and some have also said of hormone tabs too causing probs. I personally dont know as I was pre menopause when I hit Chemo eventhough Id been on tamoxifen for 4yrs. So menopause was savage through chemo, then I was put on Arimidex now am on Aromasin lol. Everyones different you really have to see you go personally really, its the only way you'd know. x Melinda

@melclarity If you've already been though menopause but have to take hormone tablets for the Her2 positive do you go through another lot of symptoms? Grrr!

Omg what a great link @Mrs_H!!! just need my kaftan and I can stroll on the beach with Richard Burton a la Liz Taylor ☺

Thanks ladies and Mrs_H! I am thinking that because wool irritates and makes me itchy, I might need something like soft cotton or bamboo wool for beanies.  Cotton jersey sounds great... will follow link. I also like the Dermaveen oatmeal shampoo idea ... have used it in the bath before - the bodywash. If anyone suffers eczma or psoriasis (sp?) I can recommend Carolines Creams at the chemist. They are expensive but go a long way, no nasties. My dad is bald and was suffering from a scaly itchy scalp and the shampoo fixed it. You can also get a head cream. When I was working in education a lot of mums were relying on the creams for their poor kids who end up making things worse by scratching.

EBay also has a good range of headwear too. I've ordered various different chemo headwear.

@viking1 I use these https://www.hathouse.com.au/the-sleep-hat I have the cotton jersey one. I love it and use it all the time, day or night. It's just enough to add some warmth without too many layers. I actually want to buy some more colours. Jen.

Sorry Lisa, that was for @viking1 haha!! and yes I agree chemo threw me into a SAVAGE menopause, and the beanie would be off and on all night long...18 months later still get the flushes what a COW! uuugh!!! xx Melinda