Time scale worries

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in September 2023, I had two lumpectomies one included two lymph nodes being removed

I waited over a month for my urgent mammogram referral and was called with in days of that to have a core biopsy, ultrasound, marker put in and another mammogram. I was also told at the end of all those tests that they were sure sure I had breast cancer that if the biopsy came back clear, I'd have to have another one. This was on the 8th September 2023, I left a bit shell-shocked clutching the breast cancer leaflet they gave me

Biopsy came came and confirmed I had breast cancer. Stage 2, grads 2 Non her2 postive and hormone receptive, I was given a prescription for letrozole.  My surgery was booked for was November 24 2023

Cancer cells were found in the sentinel node. But not the other removed node

I was only reaching the 3wk recovery period when they booked me in for another lumpectomy 

2nd surgery was 22nd of December 2023.

6wks later got my result which were Margins were clear and the cancer is gone from my boob, but incase of "rogue cells chemotherapy has been recommended as part of my treatment

I had my initial meeting with the oncologist  March 5th 2024, it was horrible, she was horrible. I had gone in with my mind made up I'd have chemotherapy and left not wanting any treatment at all. When I said I was worried about losing my hair. She just looked at me and said with no expression on her face.  "Yes, with this chemotherapy you will lose your hair"

I was told by the oncologist to get a dental check up as it was required, something to do with your jaw and chemo.  That I'd have to have a CT scan to make sure it hadn't spread as if it has treatment would change from cure to treating.  This has been my worry all along with the time everything has taken and she was so blasé about it. I was upset and said that was my worry, she just looked at me blankly. In regards to losing my hair, she said I'd have to decide if I thought the side effects were worth it. I left with being told that the nurse would call me the following week, to get my decision on my treatment. I contacted my BC nurse to tell her about the awful appointment and ask if I could deal with a different oncologist, I also said I'd go ahead with the chemotherapy. So Monday I had my dental check up, all is fine and I've contacted the nurses to let them know. Now just waiting on word of the CT scan. Which I'm terrified will find I'm riddled with cancer. Even more so now when I've read so many posts on here, saying how quickly people have started treatment and here I am, just two lumpectomies and letrozole. 

Monday was a bad day, things are starting to get very real, and I'm terrified of what the CT scan may show, when I eventually get one!

  • I'm sorry to hear how things went with your oncologist but I'm glad you've decided to go ahead with the chemotherapy and I will have my fingers crossed all goes well with your treatment.

    Hopefully some of our members will address your time scale concerns soon but if you'd like to discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses, you can contact them on 0808 800 4040. Their helpline is open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to work through your worries and put your mind at ease.

    We're thinking of you Cryptchick and hope you're able to have your CT scan soon.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Steph, I appreciate that xx