Lumpectomy Results

Hi Rene, At least there is some good news there so hang onto that and I am sure you will be fine.  I had Grade 3 hormone positive bc five years ago and have been well most of that time with clear results.  I take Arimadex and Actonel for my bones, plus Herceptin (17 doses) because of the HER2 diagnosis. No problems with any of these, I just feel glad my initial surgery was successful, with a good clear margin, and nothing spread to lymph nodes. Following my chemo and radiation therapy I threw an 'End of Chemo' party for all my family and friends who have supported me. It was a lovely day and since then I have been able to support other bc. patients through their journey and hopefully provide assurance and hope. Always try and have a copy of your results so you can research these later as there is so much to absorb at the time. My strategy was to always have something ahead to look forward to - a weekend away, or someone to visit or a lovely week away through the kindness of the 'Otis' Foundation. Look them up on line and see if there is a facility near you. Obviously this needs to fit in with your treatment schedule but you can work around that.  (I had a blood transfusion then straight into the car and off to Corryong where we spent our Otis holiday).

Wishing you all the best, Shirley T

Hi Rene,

That was good news about your lymph node - yay! - but sorry to hear you need more surgery. I had a similar situation, having a lumpectomy first and then a mastectomy a week later as they couldn't achieve clear margins. I also had to have chemo (6 cycles), Herceptin for 12 months (every 3 weeks, starting alongside chemo) and radiotherapy (25 sessions) and am now on hormone therapy (Tamoxifen) as I had three tumours with two different types of cancer; one lot were hormone positive and the other was HER2+. 

We are lucky that we have access to Herceptin now as having HER2+ cancers respond really well to this type of therapy and for lots of people it has few side effects that can usually be alleviated if you let your oncologist know. The my journey kit and info on this website talks about what to expect. I found this information useful to look at before meeting with my oncologist so that I could put together a list of relevant questions.

I was diagnosed back in Feb 2012 and my treatment (other than the Tamoxifen) finished in June 2013, so it was definitely a long road but am now doing well. Like Tonya suggests, now is the time to put yourself first (difficult as that is for most of us) and rest up as much as possible before and after your next surgery on Thursday. Best wishes, Jane xx  

Hi Rene, good news about clear nodes but sorry you have to go back  for more surgery- this sometimes happens. It can feel daunting with 12mths of treatment ahead of you so just take each bit at a time.Yes! You definitely should have a copy of your pathology- perhaps ring your specialist and ask his secretary to post you out a copy? Or remember to ask at the next visit. It takes around 3-4 wks to recover from surgery so get plenty of rest to prepare for the next treatment.It's like a marathon this bc journey. I've done it twice.My first bc bout was in 2003 and then got it again in 2010. I'm fine now and have just turned 60.I didn't have Hercepton but had to take Tamoxifen for 5years. It's a long hard slog so put yourself first,rest and plan fun things to do  inbetween the bc crap! Big hug,Tonya x