hi - its been a week since I've had my post-chemo lumpectomy (WLE) and node removal and I'm doing ok. I get my pathology results next Tuesday and I'm really nervous. I know there is nothing I can do now to change the outcome, except think positively. My underarm is uncomfortable where the nodes were taken out as the nerves are cut/moved. it is an unsettling feeling to have a number underarm. I really don't like it and the thought of more surgery does get to me. I am on my own and with the long weekend coming up I am trying not to disappear into my own head. I really could use some positive thoughts and vibes ahead of Tuesday. Thanks!

Hi @LisaJHM, I agree with all the others with their suggestions. Waiting for pathology results earlier this year seemed interminable, I liken it to a form of psychological torture! While waiting, if I felt anxious and could feel my heart pounding, I googled some relaxation exercises, which were surprisingly quite effective. Sometimes I had to do two in a row to get my heart rate down a bit. I was off work post op, so had more time on my hands to 'think', so tried to keep occupied, even if watching sbs dramas!All I can say is the time will pass, and before you know it, your appointment will be here. You mentioned being on your own, do you have friends or family nearby? People who may be sensitive to know when you do or don't want to talk about what is happening, maybe to catch up for a quick coffee? Thinking of you during this time, and know that we all understand what you are feeling.Best wishes to you, Suzanne

Hi Lisa, the surgeon is more likely to get a clear margin than not so the odds have to be in your favour right? I always find wardrobe sorting and cupboard cleaning two very good distractions.And then there is always Netflix. I got hooked on 2 series ‘Dirty John’ and ‘Dead to me’.Fingers crossed for Tuesday.

Thanks everyone - I’m excited to say the margins were clear and so were the nodes. my breast care nurse said I’m cancer free but I won’t believe it until I finish radiation and herceptin in a few months time.

Pretty much the only place I shout about results is here @LisaJHM. Everyone here gets it 100%, including the low key, downhearted moods results and completion of treatments sometimes bring. Mostly your friends just need to know you're OK. Try not to stress about it too much. When people ask how you are, I think it was @primek who said "As well as can be expected" is a handy answer. K xox

@LisaJHM sending heaps of positive vibes your way. The waiting is just the pits and easier said than done keeping your mind from overthinking things. Big hugs to you and wishing you the best for good results. We just have to keep moving forward and keep our eyes on the prize . Let us know how you go. xo

Praying for the clear margins | BCNA Online Network

kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Pretty much the only place I shout about results is here @LisaJHM. Everyone here gets it 100%, including the low key, downhearted moods results and completion of treatments sometimes bring. Mostly your friends just need to know you're OK. Try not to stress about it too much. When people ask how you are, I think it was @primek who said "As well as can be expected" is a handy answer. K xox
LisaJHM
Member
6 years ago
Something I am struggling with is not getting too happy about the results. I have friends who want to shout it from the rooftops but I've still got such a way to go and need to get through radiation and the rest of Herceptin. I found my last Herceptin treatment hard - I guess because my mind had shifted out of the routine. I guess that's normal? :)
LisaJHM
Member
6 years ago
@Irb_03 thanks! Yes onto to radiation - 5 weeks plus a booster. I"m a bit nervous but will just play it by ear. I'm planning on working 2 days a week through it as well - fingers crossed I can continue.
Sister
Member
6 years ago
Great news @LisaJHM
lrb_03
Member
6 years ago
That's fantastic to hear, @LisaJHM. That's what everyone having chemo first hopes for. Glad to hear it's worked that way for you.
So now on to radiation? I found that much easier than chemo, but I was only worked 2 days/week during radiation.
Take care
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Huzzah!
arpie
Member
6 years ago
Awesome news xx
LisaJHM
Member
6 years ago
@Lrb_03 - yes it completely resolved the tumour - my breast MRI before surgery showed that. So chemo before surgery worked!
Giovanna_BCNA
Member
6 years ago
Hello @LisaJHM that is wondeful news!
lrb_03
Member
6 years ago
Great news. Soooo does that mean you had a good response to chemo?