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
- All the best for your oncology today. <3
- Dear @sallylovestosing, thinking of you
from jennyss in Western NSW - Thoughts are with you and your family, I can't even imagine what you must be going through not what you wanted to hear. Big Hug from North Queensland. Let us know how you go with your oncologist and know we are all here for you. xox
- No words. I'm glad you have a very early oncology appointment so not too much waiting.
- I think everyone else has said it all
Thinking of you - Well bugger!! I am so sorry it is not the news you wanted. I like your heading into battle analogy. Hang in there and know we are all heading on to the battle field with you.
Paula xxxx - Well that's just shit. We're with you all the way Sally. As everyone has said, take it one step at a time. Yes, you're in for treatment you neither wanted or expected, but taking a breath and girding your loins sounds like a bloody good thing to do. It is what it is and determination is a good quality to go in with.
I don't know if this is the same, but in 1986 my mother was told her breast cancer had moved into her lymphatic system, ie beyond her lymph nodes. They hit her with the strongest chemo available at that time and she is still with us today aged 84. Currently holidaying with one of her besties in Coolangatta, eating prawns, drinking champagne and torturing me with gorgeous beach sunset photos!
Hang in there Sally. Big big hug lovely. K xox - @sallylovestosing Big hugs xx
- @sallylovestosing, so very sorry that you have had this tough news. It is very understandable that you are worried and scared, any of us would be but just know that we are all here to support you. Very best wishes with your appointment.
Michele xx - Thank you all you lovely girls - it does feel better to know you all understand where I’m at! Oncologist tomorrow - at least not long to wait until we get a plan of action. I feel a bit like I imagine a soldier would heading back to the front line after a trip home. Time to polish up the rifle, check the ammo and get my helmet on! Thanks for fighting alongside me🤗
