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Some good news

Gistaline
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Hello

I just wanted to share some good news on this rollercoaster ride I've been on.

So I was diagnosed triple negative grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Covid 19 interfered with my treatment plan and I've had a mastectomy a week ago.

The surgery was okay, I woke up when I was meant to  was very sick but came home the same day and have been amazed by how well I'm doing. Had a mighty rubbish day yesterday because of burning armpit pain but you sort of get used to it and move on. Very bruised but not unbearable pain. I was so terrified of surgery but it hasnt been anything like as bad as i expected. 

But the surgeon rang me today to say there was a 4cm tumour in there and of the 5 lymph nodes, one had a spot of cancer but the other 4 were clear. I've got to see the oncologist to see if they want to do chemo as they like to do it apparently with triple neg but not sure what that will look like or when. But right now that cancer has gone. 

If you ever read this and you are scared to get a biopsy, have surgery or try anything that might save your life, please know that 8 weeks ago I would have died rather than face any of this. Please if you are scared, find out what you are dealing with  find your friends on here who have walked the journey and take their experiences to bring you through. [@Jolamine]‍  you've been my guide thank you. 

G x

 

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    I am sorry you got cancer in the first place but pleased you are so positive.

    I agree with your advice.

    I stewed for a few days over a lump in my mouth the size of a match head.

    I plucked up the courage to phone my GP but not after phoning 111 who advised me to ring surgery for an appt within 3 days. 

    That was before corona  menat less patients to surgery.

    GP pleased to see  me, diagnosed ulcer but said to come back 2 weeks later as it was several weeks ago now.

    It hadnt gone 2 weeks later, and corona meant I could not see him but he phoned me to refer me to maxillofacial surgeon and said they are experts who willl decide if i need biopsy.

    I went yesterday, surgeon said it might be blocked gland but decided she wanted to biopsy it, now just waiting for results, expected in a few weeks. Got stitches, but procedure was much virtually painless and although advised to take paracamol after numbness wore off, the wound did not hurt enough for me to need them.

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    Hi Gill,

    I am so glad to hear that you are coping well post-surgery. most of us panic at the thought of surgery, but find it much easier than we initially expected it to be. We all have the occasional 'down' day and, I'm sorry to hear that you had one yesterday. I still get discomfort under the arm that I had 6 lymph nodes removed from. This is 10 years on from surgery, but it's not unbearable.

    The fact that only 1 of your lymph nodes showed a spot of cancer is great news, although it would have been even better if none had. It's a great feeling when you have done all you can to get rid of cancer and, I sincerely hope that it stays away. Chemo is the usual way forward with triple negative, but this probably won't take place until this pandemic has settled.

    Thank you for telling us of your experience. This will be a great help to others who are terrified at the thought of starting their cancer journey.

    I am so glad that I was able to be of some help to you. I had such terrific support from this forum when I was first diagnosed, that it is good to be able to give a little back.

    I hope that you continue stay well along your cancer journey and, remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

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    Hi there,

    I have Grade 2 IDC and had my masectomy in Dec 2019. Axillary Lymph node removal cancer cells found in 2 nodes. Like you , I found the surgery bearable, after initial nausea from the anaesthetic, healed well. I do grieve for the loss of my breast but reconstruction maybe an option in the future. Started chemo soon after and have completed 3 cycles. 3 more to go then radiotherapy for 3 weeks. 
    Best wishes for your ongoing treatment, 

    Silver 

     

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