POST MASTECTOMY

I had a lumpectomy only but similar diagnosis tumor jusy under 3cm grade 3 and stage 2 as no lymph node involvement. I have large boobs (D) thus lumpectomy as they took about half the boob

Mine was estrogen positive though and in my case they also found a 2nd primary cancer in the margin. Only a tiny one - under a millimetre but the emphasis the point tyat even a clear node does not mean body is completely cancer free.

I have been put on Chemo because it is grade 3 as grade 3 means an agressive bastard so even though there is no node involvement they cannot guarantee that there are no cells elsewhere in my body like the ones they found in the margin so they want to make sure nothing escapes. Made sense to me so I absolutely was for iwa Oncologist can also give tou prognosis for yoir situation for various treatment options which will help you decide if you want Chemo or not. Make sure you are happy to hear the prognosis as being told those percentage rates/chances for survival can be confronting as unless cancer is grade 1 they are never 100%.

In my case I was more than happy to have Chemo as I believe they know better tham me what will give me best chances to beat this shit and I will be happily guided by them.

It is hard to guess what Chemo they will reccomend for you and different chemos have different sideffects plus everyone has a slightly different experience so hard to tell if you will be able to work through it or not.

Some do work while having Chemo and some take time off so worth while giving a heads up to the employer you may need leave but leave your decision making until after you have had the appointment with the Oncologist who will discuss your planned treatment. If having chemo theynwill give you paperwork explaining all potential sideffects so will give you a better idea about ability to work.

Rremembr though that Chemo will probably be the hardest assault on your body whateber type it is and plan to be kind to yourself. It is turbulent both emotionally and physically and if planning to work do make sure you are not doing it for the wrong reasons as your wellbeing long term needs to be No1 and depending on your job you may or may not be able to function as your role and employer require. The last thing you want is to place unecessary stress on yourself while undergoing Chemo.

I remember being told by a Neurologist (have preexisting conditions so saw him pre Chemo to ensure planned AC Chemo could be done without huge adverse effects on my neurological problems) "Next few months will be absolute hell for you and the worst thing your body will ever have to survive through so just accept it now. You must accpet in your mind before it begins that it will be Hell but you will make it through it and it will give you the best chance for a healthy life. As bad as it may get at times just remember that yes, it is abdolute Hell, but it Hell with a definite end date and there is a definite light at the end of that tunnel. Having a good healthy life is worth going through several months of Hell and no income" (I also asked him if it was worth my trying to continue working while undergoing Chemo - again I have a myriade of complicated preexisting conditions so with rhat and my crazy job it made sense to separate from the workplace during Chemo)

By the way really glad your surgery went well ??????

Jel.