Hey Sarah,

hope you're doing ok!  So sorry to hear you're going through the same thing - I wouldn't worry about the grade, I'm also grade 3 it just means it's fast growing and aggressive, these words sound scary but in fact it doesn't really make a difference, you've caught it at stage one so it doesn't matter, you will just get urgent treatment to kill it! I was scared mine had spread because it's grade 3 but mine hasn't spread anywhere nor even the lymph nodes and the tumours pretty big. So try not to panic at that.

It's a lot to take on and so overwhelming but take things one day at a time, tackle what's in front of you and don't waste time worrying on things out of your control (easier said then done I know haha)!

I'm doing the small things I can to make me feel better - I've cut all red meat, dairy and sugar from my diet and I've also seen a homeopathic dr who's recommend I take CBD oil and turkey tail mushrooms (powder or tablet form) throughout treatment as these are completely natural and have lots of cancer fighting benefits, I start treatment in the next 2 weeks so will let you know how I get on.

We'll beat this!! Stage one is such a great prognosis we're very lucky and amazing you found it! You'll get through this, always here if u need someone

Katie

x

Hey!

I hope you're doing well, 

I had my scan results last week and also amazing news no spread!!! Never been so happy and grateful! I'm feeling very positive and lucky.

how was your fertility treatment? I've just finished mine, had my eggs collected yesterday I had 13 but only 6 were mature enough to be frozen which was very disappointing but god willing I will never need to use these.  I've also requested zoladex which puts your ovaries to sleep through treatment and can help save them.

ive just received my chemo plan and start in 7 working days, have you started yours? I'm having 6 cycles (3 of EC and 3 of doxecetal alongside the herceptin) 

ive also been seeing a homeopathic dr who's recommended I take turkey tail medicinal mushrooms and CBD oil through treatment all natural, as this helps fight the cancer and side effects, will let you know how I go and if it makes a difference.

ive been offered a lumpectomy or mastectomy currently which has been a lot to think about but I'm waiting for my gene test results before I make any decisions.

hope you're doing well!! Sending lots of love, health and mental strength! We got this!

same here if you ever need a rant haha

katie

Xx

Hello Katyffith,

When it comes to alternatives therapies, like medicinal mushrooms, there is little evidence that they help. It's also important to speak to your medical team beforehand, as they will be the best to advise you. There is also more infomation on coping with side effects of chemotherapy here, which I hope might be useful. If you'd like to speak to one of our cancer nurses, they're available on the freephone 0808 800 4040. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Best wishes to you,

Moderator Anastasia

Oh Katie, I am so pleased that it has not spread, I bet you feel so relieved.

it's great you have your treatment plan so now you can move forward.

I really appreciate you replying to me, I have read your reply a few times and it has really helped. 
 

I see the oncologist on the 8th December to see what plan I have. 
 

Good idea to freeze your eggs I was given the option but decided not to as I have to have Tamoxifen for 5 years.,

You are so positive , I need too pick myself up a bit and get my game face on. 

lots of love Sarah 

Hi Katie,

Im so glad your scan came back with no spread!! Best news ever, I also felt like I already had won half the battle when I get the news so I'm so so pleased for you!

My fertility treatment went well, they got 15 out, 10 were useable and we have 6 embryos on ice now. But I have also started zoladex for ovarian suppression, so hopefully that is just our back up plan! 

I started chemo this week- I have 4 sessions of EC every 3 weeks, and then weekly Paclitaxel for 3 months with Herceptin. The first 2 days were a bit rough, I was fine with nausea and tiredness but had a pretty bad headache so just locked myself up for 2 days. But started to feel a lot better yesterday, and went wig shopping this morning! 
 

You have some time to think about lumpectomy or mastectomy, so would encourage you to take the time and discuss with your surgeon (and yes wait for the gene test! I am still waiting for my results..). 
 

You got this!! Let me know if you want to chat offline from this forum if easier, happy either way but wanted to give the option! ️
 

Xxx

Hey!

how are you? Hope you're doing well and treatment has been kind to you <3

have you had many side effects? Are you cold capping? If so how are you finding it?

ive been on a bit of a rollercoaster the past few weeks, something suspicious seen in the same boob, I've had multiple biopsies one came back not as cancer so they wanted to do more tests as she has a gut feeling it is more cancer, bit of a spanner in the works but thankfully the oncologist has confirmed this doesn't change the prognosis but may impact which surgery is best for me.   My treatment plan was also changed im now doing basically the same as you, 3 sessions of EC and 9-12 sessions of paxcitaxol and herceptin, I was a bit upset at first as my treatment has changed from 12 weeks to 18 weeks minimum but this is supposed to be safer for my heart and ovaries so I'm sure will be thankful in the long run, just have to trust in the process.  
 

I finally start treatment Wednesday, having my picc line fitted tomorrow which I'm a bit nervous for but I'm sure will be worth it, do you have a picc line? 
 

Feel free to vent here! Or I can give you my number, sending lots of positivity and good vibes, we got this!

xxxx

Hey hey!

I'm doing ok thanks had my 2nd round of EC yesterday, but still feeling relatively well today luckily! 
My side effects have been manageable, bit of nausea but nothing too crazy as the meds help quite well, headache and a bit achey all around. I think it feels like a bad hangover, but that might just be me haha. I'm not cold capping, decided against it as didn't want to give myself more discomfort. I've shaved my head last week and am embracing all the wigs at the moment!

I'm so sorry to hear you've had a rough few weeks. But also good they are being thorough and that it doesn't seem to be changing your treatment plan loads. I say that, but I know hearing the news of getting more chemo or a different surgery is hard to hear, but they are doing everything with the aim of curing you! 

I don't have a PICC line but I have a port placed in my arm. I think it's just down to the preference of the hospital, both do the job and can 100% tell you that it is worth having one! Taking bloods, giving chemo is so so much easier through it. 
 

Yes might be worth it to exchange numbers, especially since you'll be starting treatment soon! Not sure what the safest way is to do that here though.. is there an option to private message?

Xxx

Hi Elvira114, 

There is indeed an option to private message, and is the safest way for you to exchange numbers as our forum is public.

I hope our handy guide on private messaging will help but if you encounter any problems along the way, don't hesitate to get in touch :happy:

All the best,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Steph,

Thanks for letting me know! I tried to search and add her as a friend, but her username doesn't come up. 
Any chance you know why it's not coming up? :)

Thanks,

Elvira

I'm sorry you haven't been able to find Katyffith via the search tool Elvira, but good news - we have a workaround.

If you go to Katyffith's profile (just click on their username or avatar in this discussion), you should see three pink buttons. One of them should say 'Add Friend'. Once you click on that button Katyffith should get a notification that they have a friend request. Once they have accepted the request you'll then be able to start messaging one another.

I hope this helps but again, if any difficulties arise, just let me know.

We'll get you connected, don't worry :happy:

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator