Hi Mandy, I can imagine what your feeling as I was diagnosed in September with IDC grade 2 ER positive HER negative to my  right breast and at this time unsure if it had spread to my lymph nodes, I have not had a mastectomy I had a lumpectomy. From the surgery they do they send the removed tissue to pathology to be analysed  and to attain a more specific grade as those given from the biopsies taken tend to be provisional until a full analysis can be done of the full tumour and nodes. This information can take up to 2 weeks after surgery. I think the only way I coped with this was to fill my time with my family and distractions of any kind, walking the dog with a friend, spending time with close people etc.. I think most people would agree that dealing with the waiting is the hardest thing throughout the whole journey.

My surgery results came back but shown it was a grade 3 not 2 but luckily had not spread to my lymph nodes, they had taken out 3 nodes and all 3 were clear thankfully.

I am now nearly 5 week post surgery and am awaiting the oxytype DX test result to see if I need chemo or radiotherapy. I must admit I am very anxious at the though of chemo but just by having the lumpectomy this has greatly helped in the waiting game.  This result takes up to 4 week from the sample sent as it goes to America and is specific to my type of cancer.

I am sorry I can't help or  give you a plan of how things go as we are all different and can receive a totally different treatment plan base on all the different elements.

I have my next appointment on 10 th January where I expect to get my oxytype   result and if I'm having just radiotherapy or chemotherapy as well.

the whole process is done in steps but depends on individual outcomes of each step as to what the next step will be so there is no way that I can see how we can be given the full plan at the start of the journey nor can we base it on others experiences, it's all individualised.

im sorry I can't be more helpful but I hope this gives an idea of why things arnt simple but also please know you are not on your own. It is a time where we worry no end but hopefully as your treatment progresses you will get answers and support to cope with whatever is the outcome turns out to be.

I hope for the best possible outcomes for you 

Kiera 

Thank you for sharing your story with me, you have been more than helpful! I know each persons journey is different but it is comforting to know what is likely to come so again, thank you.

I agree, I am going to spend the time with my family and take each day as it comes.

I wish you all the best for your appointment on the 10th and I do hope all goes well.

Mandy

Hi Mandy just a little update from me. I should have had the appointments as I said on the 10th Jan but got a very unexpected call on Thursday to say I had an appointment with the medical oncologist that day did I know? I hadn't received the appointment but fortunately could make it that day. 
My oncotype result came back as 35 but it also shown the the HER negative had a proportion of positive cells, although considered low risk the consultant highlighted that my breast tumour had eroded some vessels in my breast and so for these two reasons I now have to have chemotherapy! I'm gutted as was hoping for radiotherapy .

I am having an echo and PICC inserted this week to start FEC chemo the week after.

I realise I have to do this but really not looking forward to it at all. 
Hopefully I can find support on this site as everybody is so lovely and helpful.

Anyone with any help, tips or advice would be gratefully received 

Kiera xx

Hi Mandy just a little update from me. I should have had the appointments as I said on the 10th Jan but got a very unexpected call on Thursday to say I had an appointment with the medical oncologist that day did I know? I hadn't received the appointment but fortunately could make it that day. 
My oncotype result came back as 35 but it also shown the the HER negative had a proportion of positive cells, although considered low risk the consultant highlighted that my breast tumour had eroded some vessels in my breast and so for these two reasons I now have to have chemotherapy! I'm gutted as was hoping for radiotherapy .

I am having an echo and PICC inserted this week to start FEC chemo the week after.

I realise I have to do this but really not looking forward to it at all. 
Hopefully I can find support on this site as everybody is so lovely and helpful.

Anyone with any help, tips or advice would be gratefully received 

Kiera xx

Hi Kiera,

Well it was fortunate that you were free to go when they called. I suppose it's better to get the results sooner than you expected to. 
I am sorry to hear that you have to have Chemotherapy, that is something I am hoping to avoid too, I have seen how tiring it can be but during these times I guess we must look for the positives and that is to take the doctors advise so we can get rid of it completely and become healthy again.
 

I hope you have family that can support / help you through this? Although we are at different stages of our journey I am always here if you want to chat even if you are having a rough day.

It might help to post a new forum also to get other peoples advise? Unfortunately I can't offer you any advise on the journey you have to come. 
 

I will keep in touch.

Mandy x

Hi  again hope yr doing ok! How is your journey going?

thank you for your message.
Yes I do have support from my family but sometimes it's hard as they get upset when discussing things  so probably trying to protect them by looking for support from other sources hun.

Just having a chat helps, advice is sometimes plentiful but listening ears is much more beneficial I think at times.  
Hope you mange to escape the chemo hun and you get sorted as quick as possible 

Kiera 

Hi Keira

It is daunting the thought of chemo, but it is the best treatment available at this time to rid the body of any rogue cancer cells. I had FEC chemo every 3 weeks . You will be closely monitored by your oncologist and the nurses will be there 24 hours for any concerns and medication you may need. There's a book called Dear Cancer Love Victoria by Victoria Devonshire the BBC reporter. She went through breast cancer and treatment and is now back working. I found it helpful.

Silver 

Hi silver thank you for your comments I do appreciate it. 
Can I ask how you coped with the chemo? What side effects did you have if any? 
I am just trying to prepare myself, well if it is possible that is ha! Mentally to get me through this.

I fully understand why it's needed and have accepted this but it's just thought of being really unwell that terrifies me.

love kiera

Sorry for the late reply silverdays

Thank you for your comments. I have just received my date to start chemo, it's 14 th Jan really not looking forward to it but it's the best treatment for the rogue cells I may have. 
I have a lot of faith in my oncologist and the team that have cared for me so far.

thank you for the book recommendation I will have a look for it.

love Kiera x

Dear Kiera,

I am sorry too meet you hear but read your Chemo Worries and wanted too reply! 
 

I am Sarah, 38 and had the same BC as you, The Grade increased to a Grade3 after Surgery and am also now having Chemo due to my Onco Score.

i am Having FEC-t for 6 sessions over 18weeks. My first was on the 30th December.

I think that everyone is effected differently by as I'm a week through it I thought I would say how I felt.

So you given lots of anti sickness to take home, take them even if you don't feel sick, your also given some extra alongside your prescibed ones, I didn't realise that they could be taken aswel as I thought they were for after your initial sickness tablets had run out, take these aswel if needed.

Drink lots of water the day before and try and do your 4 pints a day to flush it out, you will probably not have a great appetite for the 3 days after so make sure you have lots of freezer meals for your family as you probably won't want too much. I had heartburn but Renneee and Gaviscon worked fine. If you think you might take some paracetamol it's a good idea to do your temp before hand as it can mask a temperature.

They will Give you a mouth wash, make sure you start using it straight away, clean your teeth lots if you can, helps to reduce a sore mouth, ( it's worked for me so far)

You have lots of support from the Nurses so if your not sure you must call them. Don't worry if you spend the first few days in bed, I did and I needed too only because my body was telling me too rest. I made a note of how I felt is that when I go next time I can remember what days I felt what so I can rationalise things the next time.

You will be fine I promise! A bump in the road. Here if you need me.love Sarah 

Hi Sarah I am really grateful for your information. I have got my head around it now and am a bit more settled. I have my first dose on Friday 14 th Jan so will very soon find out how I will feel from this.

what a good idea to write things down on how you feel on the days post chemo, I will do this too along with the mouth care and drinking plenty.

thank you for the advice 

Dear Kiera 

Good luck on the 14th January, you will be fine, I have felt better as the weeks have gone on. I wish you well and hope you don't suffer with anything to much. 
 

Roll on May! Love Sarah 

Thank you Sarah, ye definitely, my last  dose should be 26 th April if all goes well ,

Keep in touch lovely 

take care Love Kiera xx