Thank you Jolamine, it is messy but well worth it!

Hi, Jolamine, My post-op results took some listening too, It was Carcinoma which started in the milk duct, rather aggressive, it had spread to my breastplate, and 32 out of 38 lymph nodes were affected, My surgeon then said in view of the aggressive way this had acted,Both Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy will be needed.

I thought I had to see oncology next month, but it is the week after next.

I was talking to my breast care nurse, and she is sending me all the reading matter I need for the next steps, I am feeling positive, and I think this is due to the fact that I was trained as an SEN, back in the day, when they were the backbone of every Hospital. I am glad for this training.

Hi, Tess, I am glad to meet you, My name is Jax, and I am 2 weeks post-operative, Breast cancer with removal of lymph nodes,

I am 3 days post Angioplasty, so am reeling from both procedures,  

Hi, Jolamine, I know you have been through it the same as us, how did you cope? I had 32 lymph nodes removed it seems rather a high amount, is this normal?

Hi Jax,

I only had 6 lymph nodes removed, but all were clear. My surgeon referred to my 6 nodes as a level 1 clearance. I understand that there are 3 levels, so it sounds as if you've had most or all of yours taken away.

This is done in an attempt to stop the cancer from spreading to other organs, so it was just as well to take them out when so many lymph nodes were affected.

You are doing well if you are managing to stay positive in the face of all this. Many of us go to pieces emotionally at first, but eventually settle down, as we discover more about our personal cancer diagnosis and characteristics. I am glad to hear that your SEN training is helping you to remain positive. Strangely, nurses often make the worst patients, because they know too much about the down side of treatment and, tend to dwell on that instead of the positive aspects.

It is a great pity that your cancer is so agressive and that you need both chemo and radiotherapy to treat it. If you are unsure abot anything, don't be afraid to ask your consultant. Make sure that you understand why everything is being done before you agree to anything.

Did your tests reveal any cancer elsewhere in the body, or were you clear?  Have you been given a grading for your diagnosis? It is handy to get your reading material before you see the oncologist. You will find it helpful to write down any questions you have before your appointment. This way you won't forget to ask any questions which are worrying you.

I am glad that you are seeing the oncologist sooner that you expected, the less time you have to wait for your appointment the better.

You have a hard road ahead of you, but you will come out the other side. As I said before, we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jax,

I'm afraid that I don't know much about Ki-67, but have found a good explanation on Breastcancer.org. It sounds as if your cancer is fairly advanced which is unfortunate. I am glad to hear that you are also looking at endocrine therapy.

There are a number of ladies on this site in the same position as you. You might get more support from these ladies if you start a new post headed 'Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma', and start afresh. They are a great bunch and, I'm sure that the support you get wiill be invaluable.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

thank you for that good sensible answer.  i hope my case is like yours.

My radiotherapy went well, but have to say my energy levels have somewhat diminished. I often get an ache in the affected breast and have noticed my arm on that side is weaker than it was before, but no signs of lymphodema, thank goodness.

Hi Gadgetga,

i finished my radiotherapy 30th July and still have trouble staying awake in the afternoons, not sure if it’s my age though (67). I have found that if I don’t do the arm exercises my side etc is sore.

Good luck