Well after all that I got a call to say my appointment has been moved to March 3rd. Better really as the genetic test results will be back by then.

Thanks.xx

Sounds like you and jolamine are getting the runaround. At least you now both know what the next steps are. 
 

is it just me or does current treatment seem totally off the map to last time. Very worrying. 

Evening peeps 

bad:- none of note

good:- the days are warmer, there is the feel of spring in the air. My snowdrops are beginning to open up in the garden. 
 

hope everyone  has had as good a day as they can x

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is doing ok and enjoying the sunshine even though it's cold!

So last couple of weeks have been very anxious and contemplating next steps. I've had a second opinion from another breast cancer specialist (friend helped me) and having a mastectomy will only improve my chances by 3% in compatriot having radiation treatment. Is it worth going thru a double mastectomy and reconstruction which could potentially have it own massive drawbacks or do the radiation and endure the same prolonged side effects I've had?

It's a real dilemma and [@Jolamine]‍ would be one of the people who can relate to this. Again this is all on my type of cancer, genetics and onco dx type score. Every single person and their cancer is different so putting me in that "box" that drs do to treat patients is what's worrying me. I know there's no guarantee of this never coming back somewhere else in my body but stats are 6-8% of women get this cancer in other breast after having a lower grade one in one breast.

So am in a bit of a quandary. In America they give radiation on the left side with you lying on your tummy and the breast is put thru a hole and radiation is given that way so it protects the heart. My hospital doesn't do that and I'll have to do aspirated breathing. I'm very concerned as the cancer was in the upper right quadrant of the left breast where is just where the heart is. Knowing my luck I'll have serious side effects! If only we could win a new body like winning the lottery!

Some days I just don't want to be in this "journey" (how I hate that term!) and just want to run away.....

Hi Jbains,

I am so sorry to hear that you find yourself in this terrible predicament - such a horrible position to find yourself in. I can certainly relate to it and, I only wish that I could give you some answers. With our limited knowledge of stastical outcomes, we are really depending on our care team more than ever in situations like these. Ask all the questions you can think of before you decide, because, as you know, only you can give the final word and you have to be happy with the choice you make.

I wish you every ounce of luck I can send your way, because I think that this plays a big part too.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Bless... somehow its as if what we originally went through seems easier than what you are now going through .... how can that even be a thing.

Me....I would do what I did last time and go with their advice...I would make this decision on the basis they have been through this process so many times compared to me. 

What really sucks  is that any final decisions are yours. I hated that part... when I ultimately had to say go ahead. Even now I still have moments when I wonder if I chose right .... only time will give up that answer. 

I wish you did not have to go through this, I wish I had the answers and I wish I could  say something to make it easier. Know that I care, know that will always be here to listen and know that I am sending heartfelt  hugs from me to you.

Take care lass and trust in yourself. To use the words of someone I have a great belief in... you got this ️

Thanks, Sandra. Did a lot of thinking and a lot of question asking and have learned so much more now.

Oncologist was very good at answering my questions and quoting research papers so have decided to go with radiation. Thankfully only 5 doses needed but they will be the equivalent strength of the 20 doses I had last time. Also have no choice but to take tamoxifen as that is only one available due to still not having gone thru menopause fully. So here go more side effects and it is what it is.

Guess it's just onwards and yep, I got this!

Oh j bains  ....

Just want to send you big vertual hug... cancer sure sucks big time ... but with everyone here in your corner, you kick it's assss again ....  hold on in there ... Chrissie x x 

Hi Jbains,

I'm glad to hear that the Oncologist was helpful with answering your questions and with research comparing statistics, etc - not necessarily what you wanted to hear. Just remember that it's onwards and upwards from her gal and, we are all here for you.

Jolamine xx