Hi Liz,

I'm sorry to hear of your current situation and I hope you're getting on OK, although I can imagine it's been a lot to take in and I can understand your concerns.

My reply here will boost your post so a few more people should see it, and if anyone has similar experience to share then hopefully they'll be along soon.

Do of course discuss any concerns with your doctor/specialist too. Also if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Ben,

Thank you for your reply. I have compiled a list of questions for my surgeon and breast nurse and am hoping to speak to them again soon.

Just getting my head around it all now and trying to stay positive.

Liz

Hi Liz I had a lumpectomy and a sentinel node removed two weeks ago. They removed the lymph node through an incision made around my aureole. So there is no cut under my arm. I visited the surgeon on Monday and she seemed to think it was healing okay. I said I was surprised that it still hurt a lot and she said it is because there is so much cutting and stitching done under the surface. She was not surprised at all I'm still taking paracetemol two weeks after. The main pain is under my arm where the lump node was. There are lots of nerves there apparently. She told me I should wear a bra all the time and should not go swimming or doing heavy housework etc for 6 weeks. There is a risk the internal stitches will come out. I wish I'd been told that right after surgery! My main message is take it very very easy. Don't beat yourself up and feel you should get right back straight away.very best of luck  

Hi Jenny,

Thanks for your reply. I am having my surgery in a couple of hours. They are most likely to make an incision under my arm rather than the lumpectomy site but the surgeon will see what they find when they open up the scar to re shave the lumpectomy cavity. I learnt whilst recovering from  the lumpectomy op that l need to be kind to myself and not do too much too soon so will be definitely be taking it very very easy. Good advice. Have you had your results yet?

Best wishes 

Liz

Best of luck Liz it will be great to get it over with!! I got my results on Monday. Lymph nodes were clear thank god. They got all the cancer out so no new op. My cancer is oestrogen positive and HER2 negative. Listen to your body as you recover. Lots of rest, netflix, lie ins, ibuprofen, paracetemol and drink lots of water to flush out the anesthetic. Sending positive thoughts. 

Hi Jenny,

Thank you. Back on the ward now. I know my cancer is also estrogen positive and Her2 negative also. Hope the lymph nodes are clear, will know in 2 weeks if this is the case. Are you going to have radiotherapy and  estrogen inhibitors? The side effects of the latter  sound daunting as l already have osteoporosis in my spine. Thank you again.

Liz

Hi Liz I hope you are taking all drugs on offer!!! It was very sore the next day. I'm defo getting radiation. Just waiting on the Oncotype score to see if I need chemo. I only started researching drugs like tamoxifen last night . I actually had no idea about the side effects. But I don't know my treatment plan yet so I will probably stop googling until I know for sure. But I will defo take the drugs. They are amazing for keeping cancer from returning. 

Hi Jenny

Just jumping in on this thread as I see you are in a very similar position to me. Same cancer type. Mine was grade 3. Lumpectomy was a success. Clear margins. And my nodes were clear. 
 

I wil def be having a 2 x 5 day course of radiotherapy and take hormone tablets. 
 

I had my oncotype test results back on Tues. My score was 18. This puts me just into the 'intermediate' score bracket. Dr said that he would suggest chemo is not necessary however the decision is ultimately up to me. It would be x4 rounds of TC (?) over 3 months. I'm provisionally booked to begin on 6th Aug should I decide to go ahead. 
 

This is the first decision I've had to make. Up till now I've just been told what will be occurring! Far easier being told! I've started reading up and it's not making it easier. I am talking to my oncologist on Monday and have more questions. My main issue is could I live with it reoccuring at some point and if I'd opted not to have chemo?!?! Do the potential negatives of chemo outweigh this?!?! 
 

I'd be really keen to know if you have any thoughts about this? No problem at all if not. 
 

Hope you're doing ok and healing still progressing well. 
 

Love Sarah xxx 

Hi sarah

im about 3 weeks away from getting my Oncotype score. My brother is a professor at Stanford and he is getting a second opinion on Oncotype score decision. I will ask. From what I have read your age matters in relation to chemo and a score. I'm 51 so I think anything less than 25 would suggest no chemo. I need to research the chemo suggested for us but I suspect that there are a lot of negatives abs possible nasty side effects to having chemo that could have a long lasting effect on our health. When I hear back from my brother I will let you know. 
 

the very best of luck! 
jenny  

I would ask the doctor about side effects short and long term of having 4 lots of TC. Don't know what TC is Sarah!