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Breast Cancer, stage 1, The bit in the middle

Michskin
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Hi all, I had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy 6 weeks ago, fortunaly the oncotype result means I do not have to have chemo, I consider myself very fortunate at this stage even though I developed an infection in the wound area 4 weeks after surgery and have been on antibiotics for past two weeks. My tumour went from 11mm on the ultrasoud, to 32mm upon removal during surgery.

I have appointment next week to discuss and plan radiotherapy.......so I find myself feeling almost healed from surgery and so should be more positive about next steps right???, then why do I feel as though me not having chemo may increase the chances of cancer reoccurring? I have been positive throughout this journey, I've been able to take time away from work while I recover and have treatment, yet have this feeling of fear for the future.

Added to his, I have had the most awful hot flushes since surgery, I mean so bad, and far worse than when I went through menopause, I am sleeping around 2 hours at night then waking up throughout....and the fear of me having worse menopause symptons once I start hormone treatment also fills me with horror.....

Is it normal to feel this way? is the fear of cancer returning normal even though I have a low oncotype score (10)

 

  • Hi Michskin, 

    Welcome to the forum and I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling to process things at the moment. 

    I think a lot of our members here will be able to identify with the worries that you've mentioned in your post. It's natural to be concerned about what the future may hold and if the cancer will return at some point. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses ahead of your planning meeting. I'm sure that they'll be able to offer some support and advice. You can call them Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0808 800 4040. 

    You might also like to thave a read through and post at the bottom of this thread. Lots of our lovely breast cancer ladies have commented on the thread and I'm sure if you add a post that they'll pop along to offer their support and advice too. 

    Best wishes for your appointment next week. Do keep in touch. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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    Hi

    i think all us breast cancer ladies have had the same thoughts as you, it’s perfectly normal to have a wobble when entering the last phase of treatment as all our focus and energies are put into getting through the treatment with a large team of health professionals supporting that journey. Then it all tails off and we are left with the ‘what ifs’. 

    Thank goodness for oncotype scoring that saves the early breast cancer patients from having to go through a gruelling pointless treatment. 

    The hormone therapy effects people in different ways, while people like us have horrendous sweats (I also have joint pain) others sail through it. So don’t get to caught up in the negatives, perhaps you’ll be one of the lucky ones, but if not there is medication that can help reduce or even stop the hot flushes.

    it can all be quite daunting but you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll return to normal life after your radiation is finished. 

    You’ll probably see your oncologist for the tamoxifen, if your still feeling wobbly you should discuss this with them and they’ll be able to point you in the direction of further support available.

    good luck with the radiotherapy, it can be tedious but very doable x

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