My journey is just beginning

Hi Fiona I got my results today from the pathology...3 of my senitel nodes were clear but one extra was discovered and this fourth has a miniscule of cancer. So the surgeon is meeting with her team next Monday to determine whether to do an axillary extraction or whether to go down the chemo path...or just radiotherapy and blockers which are a must....I am still feeling positive for my longevity....stage 3 was also included in the report...so not the outcome I had hoped....how are you'd travelling with the chemo? I think chemo is probably a better option than having my lymph nodes removed! Janne

Hi Janne,

Chemo has not been too bad at all. Dont be afraid! For me it was like having a bad (prolonged) flu. The specific side effects will depend on the exact chemo drugs given. I have lost my hair, and had fatigue/constipation, but no nausea or vomiting.

The reason they recommended chemo for me is that my cancer was grade 3 which is fast growing. I think they also took into account my age which is young in breast cancer terms. Nevertheless, before reaching that recommendation about my treatment they also considered an option which did not include chemo (monthly injections for three years!). Depending on your pathology, there are options!

Dont stress too much about it - just get through the surgery and after that you will all know more and be able to research and ask questions.

Fiona

Hi Fiona Thanks for replying and am pleased that your procedure went so well. I was hoping to avoid chemo but maybe not! How has that been for you? Janne

I am 42 and had a similar diagnosis back in late Nov 2012. My surgeon was very positive about it being treatable, but that I needed to allow 6 months for treatment and maybe a year to get totally back to normal. At this stage I suggest reading all the booklets and brochures available, but steer away from the internet as its too easy to start worrying about stuff that doesnt apply to you. I suggest taking someone with you to you appointment with the suregon as a second pair of ears, and also write down any questions you have beforehand as otherwise its easy to forget what you wanted to ask.

I had lump removed on 6 Dec and a sentinel node biopsy. They took out three lymph nodes and they were all cancer free. Only an overnight stay in hospital. I recovered well from the surgery with the main issue being the side effects of the anasthetcis which make you really lethargic. My scars are healing up well. At this stage the two breasts look the same size, but they say radiotherapy might cause the one with the scar to shrink a bit. Small price to pay to be cancer free I reckon! The scar under my arm is still a bit tender, but the surgeon says thats to be expected and its subject to a bit more wear and tear from clothes and bras rubbing so i guess it will relieve itself in time.

I dont know if a sentinel node biospy is done as a matter of course these days, but I would suggest asking about it. In my case, as the removed nodes were cancer free, it was a definite advantage. The alternative would have been to have an axillary clearance where they remove all the lymph nodes on the affected side 'just in case'. This has a much longer recovery and higher risk of lymphodema.

Anyway, hope the above info helps. I have just finished chemo, and have strated radiotherapy today. Hope your journey is as smooth as mine has been!

xox Fiona