Forum Discussion
Recurrence in lymph nodes
Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with TN Inflammatory BC in late Oct 2017. Treatment was 5 mths of Chemo ( 8wks fortnightly A/C, followed by 12 weeks weekly Taxol) then modified radical mastectomy (rt breast and 3 lymph nodes) which showed only a tiny amount (1.3mm) of residual disease with excellent margins. There had been evidence of activity in the lymphnodes. Surgery was followed by 5 weeks radiation and then I had what I refer to as my bonus chemo - 4 months of Capecitabine (Xeloda). That all took me to Christmas 2018.
Since then I have been feeling better each day and looking fabulous (according to my dear friends and family!). On an o/s trip in early June I noticed the onset of lymphoedema in the right arm - sad but not completely unexpected after the radiation. As soon as I got home I booked in to see my surgeon, who is wonderful and always says to see him asap if anything changes. He sent me for an ultrasound, having said he didn't expect anything sinister. Unfortunately the ultrasound shows at least three lymphnodes appear enlarged and diseased - I go back on Wednesday for a Fine Needle Biopsy, but the radiologist made it pretty clear she thinks it's not going to be good news. I have to wait until next Monday 22nd for the results and to know what I'm looking at in the way of further diagnostics/prognosis/a treatment plan etc. I know there's not much advice anyone can give at this stage, but am just having a little freak out and trying very hard to stay calm for my darling husband, so I thought you would all understand if I had a little figurative scream in this forum!!
I am searching my self for the inner strength to do this all again - in some ways easier when you know what it entails, and in some ways so much harder for the same reason.
Worried and sad, but trying to be strong.
Sally
I was diagnosed with TN Inflammatory BC in late Oct 2017. Treatment was 5 mths of Chemo ( 8wks fortnightly A/C, followed by 12 weeks weekly Taxol) then modified radical mastectomy (rt breast and 3 lymph nodes) which showed only a tiny amount (1.3mm) of residual disease with excellent margins. There had been evidence of activity in the lymphnodes. Surgery was followed by 5 weeks radiation and then I had what I refer to as my bonus chemo - 4 months of Capecitabine (Xeloda). That all took me to Christmas 2018.
Since then I have been feeling better each day and looking fabulous (according to my dear friends and family!). On an o/s trip in early June I noticed the onset of lymphoedema in the right arm - sad but not completely unexpected after the radiation. As soon as I got home I booked in to see my surgeon, who is wonderful and always says to see him asap if anything changes. He sent me for an ultrasound, having said he didn't expect anything sinister. Unfortunately the ultrasound shows at least three lymphnodes appear enlarged and diseased - I go back on Wednesday for a Fine Needle Biopsy, but the radiologist made it pretty clear she thinks it's not going to be good news. I have to wait until next Monday 22nd for the results and to know what I'm looking at in the way of further diagnostics/prognosis/a treatment plan etc. I know there's not much advice anyone can give at this stage, but am just having a little freak out and trying very hard to stay calm for my darling husband, so I thought you would all understand if I had a little figurative scream in this forum!!
I am searching my self for the inner strength to do this all again - in some ways easier when you know what it entails, and in some ways so much harder for the same reason.
Worried and sad, but trying to be strong.
Sally
68 Replies
- Hello @sallylovestosing have sent you a private message.
- Sending you love and strength @sallylovestosing! What a hard thing to hear. As so many others have said tho, take heart in the fact that so many are defying the odds.
Do whatever it is that makes you and your family happy. Take care of each other thru these tough times. Everyone on here will be thinking of you and sending positive vibes.
Lots of love xxx - Thinking of you and wishing you the best of life for as long as possible. As others have said there are many out there defying the odds and new treatment possibilities on the horizon. Sending hugs. xxx
- Big hugs coming your way to share with you and your hubby ...... all the best for your treatment xx
- That is such devastating news. I hope that you have otherwise good health and that your doctor is wrong with his time prediction and that you get much more.
- I am just so sad for you. Lots to get your head around. There are many metastatic ladies out there beating the odds and having more time than quoted. I hope this treatment works well for you and that the side effects are tolerable. Sending you much love.
Paula xxx - I so sorry Sally. That's just the shitest of shit news. Here's hoping that you defy all expectations. The biggest of big hugs, K xox
- That’s a lot to get your head around. Wishing you and your husband a great deal of calm and resolve to find your way through.
- I just wanted to say, I believe you have all that it takes within you to begin this. I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through in these moments. We are all here walking with you, but most of all fired up with love and support for you. Big breath! "You are braver than you believe. You are stronger than you seem, smarter than you think." Hugs M x
- Hi @sallylovestosing please know that you can call the BCNA Helpline to speak to a cancer nurse for support and assistance on 1800 500 258. Take care of you, we are here for you whenever you need.
