HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Diagnosed today - advice needed

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/29/2006 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone and I hope you all had a good Christmas.

I had my surgery 9 days ago - lumpectomy and total axillary dissection.  Results yesterday:  clean margins but 2 nodes positive out of 32 removed.  Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2.

Waiting for oncologist appointment now.

I'm very glad that we chose to do the total axillary clearance straightaway rather than the sentinel node biopsy  but I'm feeling pretty worried about the positive nodes.  My surgeon says it is very good that the metastatic nodes are Level 1 nodes as he has removed all the nodes above but I'm still worrying about this.  What does anyone else think about this?

Anthi

Posted 12/29/2006 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Let's just cease and desist on theories and questions about motives in this thread.  It's unhelpful to the newcomer, who shouldn't have to suffer opinions on things unrelated to what's upmost on her mind.  This is no time for anyone's two-cents worth, it's a time for compassion and helpful, productive feedback about practical matters she is NOW facing.

 

You have had surgery, and are now facing treatment.  I wish you luck and please share your questions and experiences.  Chances are there are people who can help with words and prayers. 

 

I'm amazed that you were brave enough to do the thing with the nodes.  They scared me with node talk.  I did sentinal node biopsy.  Mine was clear, but I sometimes wonder about the others.......

 

Not enough to worry too much, but I really admire you for what you chose to do.  Bring a tape recorder with you to the onc.  You won't be able to retain much, so try to bring a friend or family member, too.  I read Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book for reference.  It was really helpful.  Good luck.

Posted 12/29/2006 7:24 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you for your very supportive reply.  Thanks also for the book recommendation which I shall certainly follow up -I am reading everything I can get my  hands on at the moment.

Best wishes

Anthi

Posted 12/29/2006 8:08 PM (GMT 0)

All the best with your future treatments.  I too had 2 positive nodes, ER/PR+++, stage 2B.  That was in '97, and so far, so good.  When I was diagnosed, they considered the node question of 0-3 being in the same category.  Don't know if that's changed or not, but it's not so bad.  I didn't think so anyway.  Let us hear from you as you go through your treatment.

 

Best wishes,

 

Glenda

Posted 12/29/2006 9:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Glenda and thank you for your  encouraging reply. Very glad to hear that all is going well for  you.  What treatment did you have following your surgery?

thanks

Anthi

Posted 12/30/2006 12:35 PM (GMT 0)

Good morning,  First, I had a mastectomy, then I had six months of chemo called CMF.  I was given a choice between that and AC, which would have been four months.  I chose the longer but supposedly less debilitating one.  After that, I had six weeks of radiation and took Tamoxifen for five years.  That plan has worked out for me so far.  I've reached that place where I don't think about "it" all the time, and that's a blessing.  Hoping that you will be able to say that too within the next several years.

All good wishes, Glenda 

Posted 12/30/2006 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anthi, good to see you post. Mine was stage II A, also a grade III, negative nodes...and seven years ago this weekend I was preparing for my re-excision for the one margin that was not clear enough, and the SNB procedure. I did 4 rounds of AC chemo, radiation to the breast and 5 years of Tamoxifen.

Stage II is still considered early, so celebrate this New Year...it is truly a milestone for you. You are celebrating the beginning of the rest of your life and a new chapter...all which will seem like distant memory one day. Until then, we're here for you and consider some pampering for yourself as a reward for all you've been through.

Lori
Posted 12/30/2006 5:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Glenda and Lori and thank you for your replies.  This board really is good - it is such a help to hear from other people who have gone through all this.

At the moment I'm having to cope with a seroma under my arm (tennis sized ball of lymph which can't yet find a way out).  The breast care nurse tells me it will go in about 3 weeks !   Not to worry - that is a small price to pay if having the full axillary node clearance has helped to stop this thing.

I've started having menopausal hot flushes again - having gone off my HRT straight after diagnosis - not to worry about that either - it will save on the heating bills for my apartment !

The breast care nurses also told me that my bras were 'highly unsuitable' - (beautiful, delicate, underwired, lacy things) so I have bought a couple of very sensible sports bras as they advised and I agree they are more comfortable - for the time being at least !

Yes I do intend to celebrate this new year and I wish everyone a very  happy new year.

Anthi

Posted 12/31/2006 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sensible Schmensible!  If you want pretty, go for it, just know you'll usually pay in pain.  (my point being, sometimes it will be worth it).

 

If you're liking the comfort, congrats on having learned something, but don't forget we need pretty sometimes too, so don't throw the pretties away.

 

OK, nuff said about that.  What I really replied for is to tell you that vitamin E 400's helps me with the hot flashes.  I swear by it.  You'll get a lot of replies about stuff that may work for them, just tell your doc about what you want to try.  Happy New Year, beautiful woman

Posted 12/31/2006 12:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Ellen and thank you for your post.

No I certainly have no intention of throwing away my pretty underwear - I shall be wearing my lacy bras again just as soon as I feel more comfortable. 

Thank you for your tip about Vit E for the hot flashes.   They've gone on my shopping list for next week.  How many do you take each day?

Happy New Year

Anthi

Posted 1/13/2007 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, Yesterday I had biopsies in both breasts. While the radiologist made a point to say that the left (calcification) looked fine, he said that the right looked very suspicious and went on to tell me that there were "great therapy options" now. That made me very nervous and I'm expecting bad news. So, what's next? You are all so much more knowledgable than I. Thanks,
Posted 1/13/2007 10:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hello. I've been on this board for only a few weeks but have found it a great help.  I was diagnosed only a few weeks ago, am still in the early stages of all this and am still frankly terrified. 

But the ladies on this board are very well informed and are really great and supportive.  So try not to panic.  Just take it one step at a time and know that everyone understands how you feel. Keep checking in and let us know what happens.

Thinking of you.

Anthi

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12