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Surgery for breast surgery

Clarky15
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Ok, scared now. I have breast cancer. Surgery booked for Mondy (28th). Radiotherapy and menopause inducing drugs to come. Anyone been in the same situation got any advice? Please!

 

Update - now waiting for surgery number 3! They found more cancer (15mm grade 2) and an affected lymph node (now 2 out of 7) during surgery 2. My treatment plan after surgery (if successful) has yet to be discussed. If surgery 3 doesn't come back clear, a mastectomy may be the only option. Had enough of this now. The waiting is getting me down. The not knowing whether chemo is needed or not is taking over my head. Struggling to get motivated.

Surgeon and cancer nurse have mentioned the optima trial - just adding to my things to think about. Anyone have any thoughts? 

  • Offline in reply to Clarky15

    Hi Clarkey can I just ask do you mean stage or grade as these have very different meanings? Thanks

  • Offline in reply to Kiera123

    You know what - that's where I've been getting cofused myself! Originally told from mammogram and biopsy it was stage 1. After surgery, was told one lump was grade 2 and one was grade 3. Not had grades/stages discussed with me and was too much in (I need 2nd surgery) to ask about it. 

  • Offline in reply to Clarky15

    Awe, I was wondering as have had 3 cycles of chemo but have never been told the stage only the grade which is 3. I will ask but I have worked out it's probably a stage 2 B xxx

  • Offline in reply to Kiera123

    Should have said mine was a grade 2 pre surgery but a 3 after the pathology was done and I have micro vascular invasion too but clear nodes. I had an excellent surgeon, only had one op all margines clear and my scars are amazing xx

  • Offline in reply to Clarky15

    Hi Clarky15,

    Been a busy day, had my gorgeous 18 month old granddaughter this morning (with my husband as my daughter works) then my appointment was this afternoon.

    So stage 2, clear margins and no lymph node spread .

    Unfortunately now need to wait for the results of an Oncotype test which will determine where I’ll need chemo before the planned radiotherapy and tablets. 

    These results will be available at my oncologist appointment in about 2 weeks when I’ll know what’s happening.

    Absolutely gutted that I still don’t know. My husband was so pleased it’s all out and can’t understand the fact I’m not jumping for joy. My biggest fear about it all from the beginning was the thought of chemo and it’s still not ruled out.

    How you doing ? Xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Mollydot

    Oh I love that.

    I’m going to be saying I’m FINE from now on xx

  • Offline in reply to Bettyjayne

    Wish I could contact you outside here. I've been thinking about you all day. Are you ok? I doubt it! Xx

  • Offline in reply to Clarky15

    Whereabouts do you live? Which area ? I’m in the midlands.

    Think is weird how complete strangers make such an impression on you when you have something in common. I thought about you lots when you were going for your results.

    I’m ok at the moment because I’ve had a glass of wine and am thinking positively.

    Not doubt tomorrow I’ll be feeling differently.

    Do you know when your second surgery is? X

  • Offline in reply to Bettyjayne

    Hi Bettyjayne.

    I'm in south east - Surrey. My next op is on 7th April. Then 2/3 weeks after that I'll see the surgeon again to discuss results and next steps (again). 

    Like you, I'm worried if chemo is going to be needed. Surgeon didn't say either way and I didn't ask. Brain was busy coping with a second surgery. She said that if the margins are still not enough it will need surgery no. 3. She said if that happens, I might want to consider a mastectomy. Scared the pants off me. 

    Like your husband, mine was surprised I wasn't happier. I think all he heard/took in was - They got the cancer out, just margins to clear. If I have a big dent, they can fix it.

    I heard/took in - grade 2, grade 3, another op, maybe another after that, mastectomy. Weird how the brain works.

    Just want it to be over. It is all I think about all day. I'm running out of jigsaw puzzles too

    Keep positive xx

  • Offline in reply to Kiera123

    Hi Kiera, 

    When my surgeon looked at my scar she told me she'd tidy it up in my next op. It's not pretty! Am thinking of getting a zip tattoo on one end of the scar when it's all over

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