What a whirlwind
Diagnosed last week with Triple Negative, picked up in my routine 2 yearly mammogram and I am heading into hospital on Friday for lump removal and sentinel node biopsy. The last 2 weeks have been like a whirlwind, both mentally and physically. I am already a cancer survivor, having been through kidney cancer 13 years ago. Lost a kidney but was caught early enough that I didn't need any further treatment. Thought that would be the end of my cancer journey. But unfortunately it wasn't. This time I have to have both chemo and radio and frankly I am petrified of what's to come. How did others get through those first few weeks when your mind feels jumbled and overloaded with info and in my case fear. Any tips appreciated. Thanks 🙂Does everyone have a PET /CT scan when lymph nodes positive?
Just wandering if everyone has a PET/CT scan for staging when nodes are positive? My pathology came back after left mastectomy and ALND with 3 sentinel nodes positive for cancer, the other 9 showed no signs of malignancy (1 intramammary and 8 non-sentinel axillary). I had a CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis zdone 28/2, no metastasis was seen, an ovarian cyst was seen for which I have had to see a gynaecologist. My mastectomy was 17/3, clear margins were obtained (I was told) but some appear to be very small. I also had my ovaries, Fallopian tubes and cyst removed 13/4 so am still very much recovering and officially now ‘post menopausal’. I start chemo 24/4, 4 x AC, 12 x Paclitaxel, pathology also came back Her2+ (biopsies prior to surgery we’re Her2 -ve), so I will also be having 17 x Trastuzamab. Radiation will follow chemo. Still coming to terms with my 2023 schedule and trying to look at the positives which is definitely challenging at the moment. Not many posts mention having a PET/CT scan so was wandering how necessary it is as I’m so scared to get even worse news, this is all so overwhelming as it is.
Lymph node removal site tender
Hi ladies, Just wondering if the tenderness I am having at the site of my lymph node removal is normal. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal done on 24/2/20 and until the weekend just gone have had no pain or tenderness. But over the weekend and today my lymph node wound feels quite tender and I'm just wondering if this is normal. I don't have any swelling in my arm at all however the wound site under my dressing feels slightly more swollen compared to the same place on my other side. I do have my followup appointments tomorrow but was just wondering if you think this increased tenderness is unusual. Thanks
Newly Diagnosed - TNBC - Mantis
Hi All I received my breast cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago after finding a lump in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 24th August. My tumor was 25mm and fortunately margins and two nodes were clear but it's triple negative with a Ki-67 of 50% so I have an appointment with a medical oncologist next week to sort out chemo. The overwhelming panic has settled a little but wow, a diagnosis changes everything! I have three school-aged kids and really worry about how this will affect them. The triple negative and high Ki-67 terrifies me. I have the My Journey Kit and have been in touch with the breast care nurses who have been great. Any pearls of wisdom for staying sane during this process would be greatly appreciated.
Numb & painful arm post axillary dissection
hi! At the beginning of Aug I had a lumpectomy, reduction & lift and sentinel node biopsy. I recovered really well from it but the biopsy showed cancer in the sentinel node so last week I had an axillary node clearance. Under arm is numb - which is weird but ok. But the skin between my elbow and under arm feels super sensitive, tingly and really painful - like something is rubbing on it. It gets more painful during the day. Ive spoken to the Dr who said it was probably a result of the nerves being stretched. But.... it’s horrible!!! Has anyone else experienced it? How long did it last? Any tips to reduce the sensation? I find a heat pack helpful but don’t want to over heat the area in case I draw too much lymph there. I start radiation in a couple of weeks. Thank you for any support, ideas or identification!! I just want to feel I’m not alone with this!
Pain from armpit to behind nipple
Hi! For a week I've had a sort of burning pain when i stretch my arm over my head that goes from my armpit to my breast and under my nipple. Now my breast hurts to touch. At first I thought it might be muscle but it's different. It's been 2 months since i finished radiation and have had no other problems since then. I've had a lumpectomy and then sentinel node biopsy (2 nodes, both clear). Is this normal?? No swelling that i can see and i exercise a bit
New Diagnosis - first oncologist appointment Tuesday.
Hi everyone, I've got through all the scans, biopsys, diagnosis etc without too much trouble ( well I did have a little wobbly during the bone scan ) as I am severely claustrophobic and having my feet tied together and the camera touching my nose didn't help, lol In my brief discussion with the surgeon, he mentioned having a clip inserted and something about blue dye being injected into nipple , I think?? My mind was on overload by then so I think I zoned out, screaming on the inside. Can someone explain what the clip is? And the blue dye thingy? When I don't know I tend to get more anxious. Thanks x
Less than fresh
When I had my double mastectomy I had a sentinel node clearance on the right side and a full sentinel and axillary node clearance on the left. Since then, no matter that I lather up like a marshmallow with dove soap in the shower then use my normal roll-on deodorant, by the end of the day I’m feeling way less than fresh - in fact I’d go as far as to say that I smell pretty bad. I have never had this problem before! Not even in the height of summer. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it a common result of node clearance? Or is it a side effect of chemo? Maybe it’s my sense of smell that’s changed? Any amazing deodorants out there?
