Someone to chat with

I found my lump in my left breast last October & was given the same choice as you. It was a tough couple of days while I made this decision. I was 47 and found that I wasn't ready to have the full breast off. Late November I had surgery & a 2cm lump was removed with extra margin to be tested. The surgeon removed 2 sentinal nodes & 7 lymph glands for testing. The lump was Grade 2 cancer & the lymph nodes came back clear. After testing of the lump, I was told it was HER2+ & that I would need chemotherapy, herceptin, radiotherapy & hormontherapy. I have just had round 4 of chemo & am doing pretty well. If I had the choice again, I don't know if I would have made the same decision. The surgeon has done a fantastic job of the surgery & it's healing well & is very similar size & shape to my other breast. So that's not the problem, it's the wondering if it's going to come back in that same breast & what will be the side affects of all the treatments further down the track? 

It's such a tough decision to make, so take your time.

Wendyxoxo

Hi Debbie,

These are awful decisions to make -collect all the info and personal stories but ultimately go with what sits right for you.I had lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation in 2003 at the age of 47.I was presented with the same choices and at the time I wasn't ready to lose a breast.However,last year cancer came back in the same breast,same spot.I was in the unlucky 8%who get cancer back despite radiation.I had no choice this time but to have a mastectomy followed by chemo.I accepted losing the breast this time and I don't know if that's my age(55)or what.After radiation my breast was never the same- always a discomfort and alot smaller than the other. But at least it filled the bra and even had abit of cleavage.It was just for show .With a mastectomy,it's harder to look down and see nothing where your boob used to be.You can't wear any low necklines but the prothesis is really good.I'm reluctant to have a reconstruction at the moment cos I can't stand another op.(4 in last 3yrs)and I am paranoid cancer might come back along the scarline.So am watching it.Down the track I may change my mind I probably don't have much elasticity in my skin because of the radiation.

So you see,either way has it's pitfalls and advantages.I would say this though- chemo was by far the worst treatment.If I could have avoided that then I may have had a mastectomy 7yrs ago.But you just can't predict ahead.Good luck with your decision.

                        Tonya xx

Hi Debbie,

These are awful decisions to make -collect all the info and personal stories but ultimately go with what sits right for you.I had lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation in 2003 at the age of 47.I was presented with the same choices and at the time I wasn't ready to lose a breast.However,last year cancer came back in the same breast,same spot.I was in the unlucky 8%who get cancer back despite radiation.I had no choice this time but to have a mastectomy followed by chemo.I accepted losing the breast this time and I don't know if that's my age(55)or what.After radiation my breast was never the same- always a discomfort and alot smaller than the other. But at least it filled the bra and even had abit of cleavage.It was just for show .With a mastectomy,it's harder to look down and see nothing where your boob used to be.You can't wear any low necklines but the prothesis is really good.I'm reluctant to have a reconstruction at the moment cos I can't stand another op.(4 in last 3yrs)and I am paranoid cancer might come back along the scarline.So am watching it.Down the track I may change my mind I probably don't have much elasticity in my skin because of the radiation.

So you see,either way has it's pitfalls and advantages.I would say this though- chemo was by far the worst treatment.If I could have avoided that then I may have had a mastectomy 7yrs ago.But you just can't predict ahead.Good luck with your decision.

                        Tonya xx

Well my day finally arrived , met my surgeon yesterday. After being a basket case all week , I was so suprised that I was so strong and had this inner strength  to deal with it.

Well so far my results are looking better. Not  2  lumps but 1, it is bigger 3cm - 4cm at this stage and my  Dr said he is 85% sure not in my lymph gland, but will know more once he has done the operation. Now I have 2 choices , this is were I would like some feed back. 

(1) Have the breast off and all lymph gland and nodes removed.

(2) Have lump and margin around it removed, then tested for cancer. Dye put into lymph area and see what needs to be removed.

Anyone that has had to make this decision I really would like your input.

My gut feeling is to have my breast off,the gland and nodes removed. The big day is next Wednesday.

Thanks once again ladies for all your support .  

Debbie. xxxx

 Thanks only have to travel half hr , if that live in Newcastle  N.S.W.  Will let you know what happens with the surgeon .  Debbie

hi Debbie, just wanted to welcome you to the group, nobody wants to be a member of, but which we are so lucky to have, all the ladies on here have been through the journey, as a patient or carer, and we have ladies who have just been diagnosed like yourself, through to ladies who have been clear for several years, so from this we have a wealth of information and support, so we all know how scary it is when you are first diagnosed (my 1st question was :am i going to die, and my surgeon replied, this is a like threatning disease, but it's not necessary a life sentence, and although i was worried sick, i clung to his statement, once you see the specialist and get a plan happening, you start to feel a bit more in control, i did read one of the ladies telling your about the free my journey kit which can be ordered from this site, i know you are probably inundated with information, but this pack, has been done with the help of people who have gone through bc, and also has useful information for you family and friends, in a language we can understand, so please make sure you order it. Also if possible, always have someone with you to ALL appointments, as i felt while i was sitting in the hospital, i thought i knew what was being said, but on leaving there, i couldnt remember a thing, so always good to have an extra pair of ears with you. We will all be thinking of you, feel free to add me to your contacts list, and stay in touch.... Take Care Moira X

just wanted to say good luck tommorrow, do you live in a rural area, do you have far to travel for your chemo, please let us know how you get on, we will be thinking of you. Moira X

 Trying not to think about it , but very hard, feeling really scared . Fear of the unknown.

 Trying not to think about it , but very hard, feeling really scared . Fear of the unknown.

 Thinking of you , hope all goes well. Debbie