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Breast Cancer

Sandyh
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Hi, recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Went to clinic with left breast pain but after mammogram, scan and biopsy I was told I had a tumour in my right breast. Had a radiation injection and then a wire inserted on day of operation.

2 weeks post surgery and just been told that margins were not clear and that I will need further surgery.  Anyone else experience this?

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    Hi. I was diagnosed 1 year ago. The same for me I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal

     The results came back nothing in the lymph nodes which was what was focused on, but not clear margins. I think this is quite common. The second operation was much quicker and I was home the same day. 

    They got clear margins on the second operation

    It is not nice to have to go through a second op but it is necessary and recovery time was quick.

    Good luck and hopefully they will get it all the second time round x

  • Offline in reply to Jolow

    Thanks you for your reply. It’s good to hear from someone who went through this.  I didn’t realise this was common as I haven’t heard of anyone needing this done. Going in on the 15th so hopefully out the same day. Consultant said he would open in the same place.  Did you need any further treatment? They are telling me I will need radiotherapy and a tablet for 5 years. Very apprehensive of the unknown. 

  • Offline in reply to Sandyh

    Hi

    I am glad it reassured you a bit. Yes I had radiotherapy 15 sessions and it was absolutely fine. A little sore but although I had been recommended to use e45 I found aveeno much better. I also didn't wear a bra for a while and just had cotton tops on. They said they were amazed at how good condition my skin was. 

    The sessions themselves are really short. The planning took a little longer ct scan and then 3 tiny tattoos to mark you. Permanent I am afraid.

    I felt a little more tired but I think having to go to the hospital every day which is about an hour from home made me tired. A little rib pain as well which lasted for about 10 months but only twinge now and again

    I guess you are er positive and need either tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors depending on your age.

    This I found the hardest. I was given letrozole and had terrible side effects. I asked to change to exemestane I have less joint pain but am suffering from insomnia and nausea. 

    Hoping that might settle.

    Hopefully that will help you but if you want to know anything more just ask

    God luck x

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