Forum Discussion

Kyleer's avatar
Kyleer
Member
10 years ago

New to this

hi, so I have no idea if I am posting correctly, I guess I will soon find out.  So my story I was diagnosed on the 3/12/15 with breast cancer and had a left masectomy on the 8/1/16, so it's been pretty quick. I don't know a huge amount other than the lump was 10cm yes cm and my breast was not probably not much bigger so it was the only option. I had been told it is, excuse my ignorance as I didn't listen properly, the E+ and the is it P + type so I think my understanding is it is treatable with tablets. The surgeon who gave me this info was strange to say the least.  He said I wouldn't need radiation and when I asked about chemo he said it was up to the oncology team, so that hasn't put my mind at ease. Apparently it wasn't in my sentinel node but there were a few cells in another node but they said I didn't have to have the rest of my lymph nodes removed which I know is a bonus. So I suppose my question is has anyone else been in the same situation and if so do you think I will have to have chemo. Also any info on how long it has taken you to get back to "normal" as far as the pain side of things and how long before you went back to work.

i hope I am posting in the right section and look forward to any replies.

kylee

pain
work

7 Replies

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kylee,

    Welcome to the Online Network. My name is Ann-Marie and I am the Online Community Coordinator at BCNA.

    You have posted from "my blog" into the main feed and every member will be able to read and reply to your post, so yes your post landed in the right section :)

    Within the Online Network we also have different groups  These may be private or public. If you decide to join a group it will appear under the big "pink post" button. When you write a post you can choose where the post goes. If you want  to write your post and have it seen in the group you click on "the group" and If you want it to appear on the main feed you click "my blog".

    You may also want to read this.

    I hope this helps you out. If you have any questions please just ask away.

    ~ Ann-Marie

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kylee what I have learned since being diagnosed is that there are a number of different factors that determine whether a person needs chemo. Some therapies, like targeted therapy for HER2 positive breast cancer (the type of BC I have), work better if they are given in combination with chemo. Chemo can be used in all stages of breast cancer. A woman's age, menopause and the grade (how fast the cancer cells appear to be dividing) also factor into the decision of whether chemo is needed or not. The oncologist will have a look at all of this and discuss your options with you. Have you ordered the My Journey kit from BCNA yet? That has heaps of good info in it. Wishing you all the best.

    Nadine

  • Rosemaryc's avatar
    Rosemaryc
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kylee

    i was diagnosed a year ago (how times fly) with HERS2 and ER- and PR-. I had chemo and Herceptin before surgery because my tumour was "messy". After chemo, the pathology test showed ER and PR + and off I go for radiation and tamoxifen. So I guess it is hard to tell what we should and shouldn't have until the test at each stage of treatment.

    Each one of us have different treatment and so best to listen to your oncologist. My oncologist is the one who plans what treatment I receive. 

    Good luck and all the best in your treatment. 

    Rosemary

     

     

     

     

  • Kyleer's avatar
    Kyleer
    Member
    10 years ago

    thanks nicoletta for your reply the breast nurse from my hospital is on holidays til mid next week so hopefully I will be able to speak to her so that I can get more info about everything 

  • Kyleer's avatar
    Kyleer
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Tracy I am trying to navigate this site so I can read up and learn as much as I can and yes I will ask, I think it's just all too much too quick and too hard to digest as well but Thankyou and good luck with you as well

  • Nicoletta's avatar
    Nicoletta
    Member
    10 years ago

    Seems to me there are plenty of surgeons out there who are just DUDS at communicating. I found the first surgeon I saw a was a bit like that, then I asked for a second opinion and found a wonderful female surgeon at westmead, though really it was all thanks to the fabulous breast nurse at my local regional hospital, who is really the source of all my info and support, so if you have one, I would just ring her. But I too have been told it will be up to the radiotherapy team, so I am waiting to meet with them. I have armed myself by reading some studies pertaining to my type of tumor so that I can ask some questions etc. good luck to you

  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kylee, 

    like you im newly diagnosed too ... A whirwind is an underrstatement. 

    I have found this site a great support and information portal.. 

    But this is your life, your body, ASK those Drs questions! Even if you think they are silly! Clear understanding is paramount in recovery and treatment understanding.... Good luck.

    love and light for healing and beautiful days

    -tracy

    stay strong|breathe|believe