Hi RAC, so sorry to hear of your breast cancer diagnosis. I too was diagnosed on 18th January. Due to being HER2 positive I have to have chemo first with Herceptin, then surgery, followed by radiotherapy. Will also need to be on hormone blockers for 5-10 years. Hope all goes well with your surgery. Xx
Diagnosed at the end of November with stage 2 in my right breast with 2 tumours the oestrogen positive type. Had a lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and reconstructive surgery on the right and left breast on 27th December. Scars are healing well, and doing daily exercises to keep movement in arms and shoulders as this is very important to help stop lymphoedema and to help with radiotherapy. I was relieved to find out my lymph nodes were clear. Started endocrine therapy, Anastrozole in January to reduce the oestrogen in my body as I am post menopausal. Having constant hot flushes, and night sweats, but coping.
I didn't need chemotherapy, but I have my radiotherapy planning appointment next week. I will be having radiotherapy 5 days a week over three weeks. My surgeon and breast care nurses have been fantastic, they are so understanding and are there to give advice.
My advice is to talk about your cancer, fears and treatment with family and friends plus with your treatment team. There are also many sites like this to get advice. Download the BECCA app and look at the Penny Brohn website.
Thank you so much for answering.. I have my surgery 15th Feb. I'm fine but feeling so stressed about it inwardly. I find out what my treatment will be afterwards xx love to you let's beat this xx
Hi. I had surgery 2 weeks ago to remove my lump. It is grade 2, hr+, her2- and 30mm. They also took 2 lymph nodes. I have a 6 week wait for results. I found the thought of the surgery much scarier than it actually was. The staff were amazing and I've healed quickly. The scars are long but neat and my breast looks the same shape and size. They will take good care of you. X
Good luck with your surgery on 15th, hope all goes well. Really wish I was able to have surgery first as I haven't had any treatment since being diagnosed on 18th January. After all the usual tests, I still need to see oncologist, to find out my treatment plan and when it starts. Let me know how your surgery goes?
It's normal to feel stressed, I did too but once surgery was done I felt relief. Once I saw my scars I felt better, its the anticipation of seeing them and what you're left with stressed me out but I was OK afterwards. The size of the scars don't bother me, I count myself to be very lucky it was caught and the breast surgeon was able to get it all in the one operation.
Stay positive, it does help and all the best for your operation next week. You can beat this!!!
Hi RAC, i was diagnosed in october woth breast cancer dcis in my left breast, had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes take out, the lump was 55mm and 2 of 6 lymph nodes contained cancer cells, then i had another surgery on 13 feb as the back of my nipple was covered in the cancer, so they took the nipple and they had to take more tissue from the breast to make sure the margins were clear which they were, both my scars have healed well and its not as scary as i thought it would be, including the surgery and post surgery days, so that means no more surgery for now. Im starting chemotherapy in 2 weeks, 3 cylces of EC then 3 cycles of dox-something, then ill be having radiotherapy and hormone therapy, the latter of which for 10 years which will bring on the menopause. Thats alot of info but i want you to know you are not on your own, im doing great and seeing comments on here about the chemo side effects im positive we will both get through it no problem, try not to think of whats coming months down the line, concentrate on now and take one thing at a time. Sending you love, we are all warriors xx
Thank you for replying.. your right we are warriors !!! The love and feed back heartens me into positivity. I hand my lumpectomy and nodes removed yesterday my days on this journey are early.. your incredible and sound a fighter .that I'm determined to be ...sending love!!! Stay strong and be in touch I'd love to support you as you have me xx
