Results today. Back to surgery. They missed the nodes??

Hi Kazza,

Receiving pathology results is so difficult.  It's extremely frustrating having to go back for further surgery.  After my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, I had a larger initial tumour than was expected with DCIS in tissue margins, need another re-excision (with more cells in margins) so I opted for a mastectomy (surgery #3) as I really didn't have much boob to start with.  In my case, it was the best decision as a second tumour was found hiding in another part of my breast, these mucinous tumours don't show up well in mammograms. My sentinel node biopsy was successful, however 2 out of 5 nodes had micromets (cells) in them.  It's a shame your nodes were missed.  I've gone with the advice from my oncologists, according to the pathology, chemo for me is the best treatment.  I was given a choice of going straight to a hormone treatment, but after asking what gave me the better prevention of recurrence, I've opted for chemo followed by hormone treament to be decided on later.  Whatever treatment you're offered will be based on your pathology and type of tumour.  My treatment is based on 40mm tumour, hormone receptor positive.  Of course the list of side effects is as long as my arm, started yesterday, and so far so good. Taking one treatment at a time.  

All the best with fighting the infection, it's so painful. After surgery # 2, I had to have iv antibiotics for mastectomy. 

Take someone in with you with your questions, when you see your oncologist or surgeon.  That always helps.  Make sure your support person is aware of what your concerns are so they can ask your questions if you happen to forget.  That has happened to me.

Take care now and rest up

Karen xx

Thanks Amanda

I too have a lot of concern, stress about chemo. I am the type of person that never likes to vomit, lol. Which no one ever does, but I do everything to avoid it. I will sit up in bed all night and not move if it means I don't vomit if I have an upset stomach, lol. Where as someone else may just be sick then feel better.

Always been like that. I'm 51, not real healthy, bit overweight, 80 Kilo's instead of 66 Kilo's, but I am working on it. Good to hear that it was manageable for you. Always great to hear others stories.

They are wanting me to talk to the chemo team, so thinking they are going to advise it. Will know more after next surgery. Just going to try and eat well and rest lots so I am strong for next op. Could be anytime in next week or more. Should get a call in next day or so.

Thanks for the reply.xx

Hi Karen

I have just finished 12 weeks of TC chemo followed by 6 weeks of radiotherapy. I too had IDC Stage 2a. I had a 9mm tumour removed and a macro metastasis in my sentinel node hence the chemo. I had an axillary dissection also which was luckily all clear!

I was more scared about having to have the chemotherapy than either of the operations but I came through it really well and it was quite manageable. I am 43 years old and made sure I ate lots of healthy food and kept up a bit of exercise all the way through. I know that I have done everything I can to prevent it returning. Take one decision at a time as it really is the only way and be guided by your team of doctors. 

Amanda x

Hi:):) I had IDC stage 2, and I had mastectomy,and chemo.If I hadn't had a mastectomy,and just a lumpectomy,then I would have had to have   radiotherapy . I chose a mastectomy and chemo based on the info my doctor told me. Even though many ladies have IDC,they are still all different.My cancer was very deep,and directly behind my nipple.My surgeon said to me that a mastectomy was ' a very good choice'.I am 18 months past treatment and have never felt as well as I do now.Be guided by your doctor,not other people.Cheers Robyn.xxx

How frustrating for you Kazza, I hope that your next surgery goes well and that your surgeon finds the nodes this time. It is hard to recover, especially with infection there and that it all goes well for you. Tracey B ??