My breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes in my chest and I am now on hormonal therapy but this may only stop the cancer growing for 18-24 months - I still don't understand why I can't have radio therapy - can anyone help please???
I am so sorry to read that your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. Do you know how many nodes are affected and have some of them been removed?
I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer, but I haven't had radiotherapy or chemo. I had Tamoxifen first time around and Letrozole on the second occasion. I was first diagnosed 8 years ago and had the second bout 7 years ago.
Most of us on this site either have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer. We are not medics. Why don't you phone the nurses on this site and see if they can explain why radiotherapy has been ruled out? Their tel no is 0808 800 4040. It is free to phone this number and the nurses are there Mon - Fri from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.
If they cannot help you, go back to your consultant and ask him. He is the one person who has examined you and has your medical history and, is therefore in the best position to tell you why he has decided upon hormone therapy.
I sincerely hope that this will help for a lot longer than the time predicted. This is only a guesstimate and many survive way past their expected time frame.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you whenever you want to talk.
Thank you for you reply - I have had 4 nodes removed when I had my lumpectomy but they have confirmed it is some in my neck and others behind my chest wall. I am on Letrozole and also going on a drug to some my body becoming resistant to Letrozole. Do you take any natural remedies?
It sounds like you are amazingly strong person - perhaps I just need to live for the moment - but am a bit scared of tomorrow?
I took natural remedies before I was diagnosed with cancer. My surgeon advised me to stop, as some alternative and homeopathic products can interfere with cancer treatment.
Do you take any natural remedies yourself? If so, you might find it helpful to discuss the effects of what you are taking with your doctor.
No, I am not a strong person. I completely went to pieces when I was first diagnosed, but I have had 8 years to come to terms with things. I am still scared of what the future holds, but I try to live for the moment now and find this much easier to cope with.
I hope that Letrozole does manage to stop the spread in the lymph nodes and that you don't have too many side-effects.
