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wndsrfn's avatar
wndsrfn
Member
11 years ago

The Bitch That Bites Part II

Well, wow, where to begin today. That bitch that bites is not going down without a fight. But I am stronger than it. Today got results back from masectomy and there was still some invasive cancer cells in the breast tissue but near where the original lump was. So was informed that undertaking the masectomy was a good thing. But - and now it's a big but. Have been referred to an oncologist by my specialist to see if need chemo before taking the tamoxifen. This is just as a preventative to ensure the bc doesn't come back. Think today even the specialist was a bit disappointed as think we all thought today would be the end of this part of the journey. And I could begin the rest of the recovery adventure. To say this news hasn't been good for my mum to say the least would be joking. She has been fine but in another way has not been helpful. As I need as much positive around me not negatives. Anyway - the question. And I may have already answered it in my own head. If they say my choice to either watch and wait or nuke the bitch. What would you do. I'm not keen on needles in fact massively needle phobic. But if chemo means I have done everything in my power to stop the bitch coming back then nuke away. Then put me in the tablets. Ok - I will hopefully see the oncologist early next week. And will update you then. And I know each case different but looking forward to your opinions. To all keep up the good fight.
  • wndsrfn's avatar
    wndsrfn
    Member
    11 years ago
    Yeah - better. Had very bad day yesterday, better today. See oncologist on Wed to find out 'what next'. The breast care nurse will come with me. And I have to write out a list of questions. So will update then. But, thank you so much for your support. It's amazing the support you do get here especially from people in similar situations. And no - I had a chat with my cousin re wigs and no they will not be for me. Friends have said they will make me hats with each day of the week written on them so I know which hat to wear when. So the adventure still continues. But this part of the journey getting closer to finished. Then can get back on with my new life.
  • MLE59's avatar
    MLE59
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Wndsrfn sending you positive thoughts today for clear decision making that you are comfortable with.

    Cheers MLE59

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi, the surgeon managed to get my tumours out with clear margins and no lymph node involvement. Chemo was suggested mainly because of tragic family history, it's a really hard decision. Theoncologist told me to make the decision that would give the me the least regrets down the track. I have now finished chemo and am currently having radiation. If something should happen later I can look back and say that I did everything I could to prevent it. I wish you all the best with whatever treatment you receive, take care, 

    Hazel xx

  • wndsrfn's avatar
    wndsrfn
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Jeasica Def hormone positive ER/PR as the tamoxifen drops reoccurrence to 7%. Plus have been informed because of size of each 8mm and 10mm that they are more than likely luminal A. It just that they found extra invasive. Still stage 1 but a grade 2. So had two lots the other was Stage 1 grade 1. And the option is 4 cycles of TC that will then reduce reoccurance by a further 2-3%. Not a lot but is more. If just go with the tablets will not be able to go back to chemo if I am unable to handle the tablets. Told no wrong answer - will be the answer right for me. Very heavy decisions to make. And what ever I decide I have the support from my wonderful friends, some one very special and the rest of my family. And head can be in right place although a little sensative to comments in media re life, death and breast cancer. Hopefully that will pass. Still some think time as have till Tuesday to make mind up.
  • JessicaV's avatar
    JessicaV
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Windsfn, the sensivitivy to media re life, death and breastcancer is hard to take sometimes, but is an important part of the journey, but can actually be valuable to us. We are confronting the archetype of the body, and of death, and this sends us into a mad emotional storm, but that is a part of the process of integrating it all. I did a training course in March, and one speaker talked about her client who had breast cancer at 22 and by 45 had had  51 treatments for recurrences. She was on incredibly high-estrogent treatments for masculinization problems in her teens, which utterly screwed her and caused these many separate cancers. So different a situation from yours or mine, but just hearing those words while sitting trying to look calm and relaxed amongst the other students with this explosion of sensitivity going on in my head was a horrific experience. But my analyst explained that it is a part of the process, and while it is difficult, it moves us forward to the place where we can think in the face of this reality. The emotions we feel are because it is so important and because it matters and it keeps us focussing where we need to. Like labour pains.

    All the best with your choice-making.

  • wndsrfn's avatar
    wndsrfn
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks MLE59. I have similar options. And think will go the try one and see and then go from there. Decision time for me tomorrow.
  • wndsrfn's avatar
    wndsrfn
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks MLE59. I have similar options. And think will go the try one and see and then go from there. Decision time for me tomorrow.