Hi SharLou,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your mum at such a young age. I also lost my mum to secondary breast cancer. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis brings many stages of uncertainty and these all tend to play with our minds. Most decisions about the optimum treatment for you, will be made at the MDT meeting. This is where all of the people involved in your care, decide between them, how to proceed with your care. This can only be decided when they have the results of your initial scans. biopsies, etc, so nothing can be decided upon, until they have these back. This makes your treatment a team decision, rather than an individual one. This is reassuring, as there is less likelihood of any mistakes being made.

I had 2 bouts of breast cancer 14 years ago and saw an oncologist, who recommended that I had radiotherapy. For reasons, which I won't go into, there had been a delay of 11 months before I saw her and I didn't feel sure that this would work, so long after surgery. I was sent to see two eminent researchers in radiotherapy. One thought that I might as well try it, but the other was insistent that it would not be effective if administered so long after my operation. He seemed by far the more knowledgeable and could back up his opinion well, so I took his advice. Instead I took Tamoxifen for the first year and changed to Letrozole, when I discovered a second cancer in the same breast the following year. I took this for 6 and a half years (Both of my cancers were Pure Mucinous, stage 1, with no lymph node involvement)..

Given your family history, the fact that your cancer is stage 2 and that you have a positive node, you may possibly  be advised to have chemo, as "a belt and braces approach". If I were in your position, I would feel like you and want to "throw everything at it", but you'll be able to discuss the benefits with your oncologist before making a final decision. There is a test that can be done to determine how beneficial chemo might be for you and it would be worth discussing this with your oncologist, before making the final decision.

I hope that you get your appointment through soon and that, between the two of you, you reach the best decision.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I saw the oncologist on Tuesday and it was recommended that I have a course of chemotherapy, so I will start treatment on 5 September. Bit shocked but if it is needed so be it. 

Thanks again for your responses, it is such a help being able to talk to people who 'get' it xx

Hi SharLou, just to let you know that I had my pre-assessment yesterday...I was there just under 90mins-watched a short video, had blood test&ECG. She went over everything so I couldn't think of any questions to ask. In on Thursday at 11.30 for 1st chemo...only going to take 30mins to administer it(I thought I was going to be there for hours!!!) xx

Ah that's good news that they were so thorough with the details! I've got my education appointment tomorrow, first treatment on Thursday at 9.30am. I had my picc line fitted today, quite a bizarre experience but not painful or anything. 

Definitely getting real now isn't it!!! Xx

It certainly is!!! I'm having a cannula on Thursday...they didn't mention a picc line to me at all. I've chosen not to have the cold cap...but can change my mind on Thurs if I want to!! 

Hope all goes well tomorrow, and I'll be thinking of u on Thursday!!xx

Hi, hope u got on ok today, had any questions answered...and feeling positive about tomorrow!! Xxx

Well I went and had a complete meltdown today! I've been relatively ok but then this morning I think I had an actual panic attack, sweating, shaking, light headed, chest pain, short of breath....I had to ring the breast nurse for support First time I've felt like that as I feel like I've been pretty calm throughout. Think it just all caught up with me and the thought that treatment is actually tomorrow just gave me a wobble. I've chilled out now but my chest still feels tight and fluttery...classic anxiety I think. 

Education went well though, had a good talk through everything I can expect to happen. Didn't really ask any questions as I couldn't think of any!

Hoping I sleep tonight. How are you doing, do you feel ready for tomorrow? I suppose once we get tomorrow out of the way and we know what it's going to be like things will feel a lot better. Hope you get some sleep tonight and best of luck for tomorrow! Xx

Hi SharLou,

I am sorry to hear about today's meltdown. The unknown is always a difficult place to be. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. Just think, the fear of the unknown will soon be behind you and things will become easier.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Hayleyp,

I hope that all goes well with the canula tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine ️

Thank you Jolamine xx

Oh I'm so sorry u had to go through that yesterday. Hope u managed to get some sleep... I slept on&off! Got butterflies in tummy this morning, but yes, I agree, it's the unknown that's scary! Hope today goes as well as it can! Take care xxxxx

Oh I'm so sorry u had to go through that yesterday. Hope u managed to get some sleep... I slept on&off! Got butterflies in tummy this morning, but yes, I agree, it's the unknown that's scary! Hope today goes as well as it can! Take care xxxxx

Just arrived on the unit - best of luck. We can do this! Xx

Hi, how r u feeling? Ok I hope!

M️y treatment took 35 mins&I was at hospital about an hour & a half! I have abit of a headache, &abit like I've had a glass or 2 of wine,(I haven't!), but other than that all ok ...at the moment!!!

Take care xxx

I don't feel too bad, I was in there for about three and a half hours due to the cold cap, which wasn't as bad as I expected! 

Was shattered when I got home and had a three hour nap haha. Glad you're doing ok - one down!!! Xx

Have a good nites sleep! Yep 1 down....we'll beat this xx

How are you doing today? I'm having some face flushing and some rib pain in my lower ribs going round to the back. I do have another condition that causes ligament and joint issues so I'm thinking chemo has just flared it up...I'm going to ask when the unit calls later. Didn't sleep too well so feel a bit tired, but touch wood nothing major as yet!

I've got to do that blummin' injection this afternoon which I am NOT looking forward to, honestly I've turned into a right wimp, things like that never used to phase me at all!

Hope you're doing ok and managed to get some sleep xx

Hi, I slept pretty well thanks! Yes I have red face&bit achy around my top jaw with mild headache!! My injection starts tomorrow & have never injected myself before, so not looking forward to that either! Having a relaxing day watching TV!

Glad u not too bad either...I'm sure the unit will advise u on yr rib pain!

Take care!xx

Hi SharLou, just checking in to see how you're doing? 

I've felt bit tired, but ok...went for a short walk yesterday, but ended up lying on my sister's sofa feeling sicky&dizzy(only lasted 15 mins& I was fine afterwards)-but definatly a lesson learnt to not overdo it!!! 

Hope u are feeling ok...sending love, take care xx

Helloo! I was wondering how you're getting on. I'm with you on the tiredness front, it's a steep learning curve isn't it. I actually ended up in A&E yesterday...the rib and chest pain got worse and I was quite breathless so the oncology helpline sent me straight to hospital. Turns out the meds have triggered a flare up of costochondritis so I got given morphine and sent home with codeine. They checked my bloods, lungs and heart though and all was fine, which helped put my mind at rest as the slightest twinge causes a worry doesn't it! 

Did you manage to do your injection OK? I facetimed my sisters for moral support whilst I did it but it really wasn't as bad as I expected. 

Glad you're managing relatively ok - long may it last! Xx

Oh nooo, sounds like a scary time yesterday, but I'm glad they fully checked you out, and all is ok! Hope the meds relieve your pain. 

Yes I was bit nervous but managed injection ok...will be glad when that bits over, but suppose it will become easier each day.

It's absolutely pouring down with rain here today, so a very good excuse to cuddle down on sofa, watch TV, and read book!!

Hope your pain relief continues to work, look after yourself xx