I was told about a week for normal pathology and another two weeks for oncotype so hopefully not too long to wait.

I will wait for results. If it turns out I absolutely don't need radiotherapy with a mastectomy then I'll want to discuss the mastectomy/DIEP reconstruction I've wanted from the start as they've restarted doing them in some areas of the country.

We will see what the results bring. The more I read about long term effects from rads, the less I want them. 

Hi Izzy,

You're doing the right thing. I was told that I needed radiotherapy after my lumpectomy, but told that I didn't need it after my mastectomy.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi! I had my post-op apt with my surgeon Tuesday.

They got clear margins (closest being 3mm which seems a bit close to me, but he said they're happy with 1mm as a minimum so 3 is plenty).

Lump was 16mm, slightly larger than the estimated 14mm.

Still grade 2 ER+ HER2-.

Now waiting for Oncotype results to come back - he said that takes over two weeks and sometimes longer. He said most come back low or intermediate - it's the intermediate I don't want as it's less clear-cut about the benefits of chemo then and it'll be my choice. With the micromets in my node, I think I will go ahead with it if I'm intermediate but I'm terrified about the long-term side effects.

If score comes back low then it will be straight onto radiotherapy.... although I've now been told if I have a mastectomy I won't need radiotherapy so that's still on my mind.

In the meantime they have booked my first Oncologist appointment for the 15th, at my local hospital, no travelling yay! It seems a bit tight for the Oncotype results to come back by then but would be good to actually meet the Oncologist at last.

I have requested a referral to genetics due to my dad being adopted, he's the only one with cancer in the family and we don't know his history. Surgeon told me I won't get it on the NHS "because of lack of family history" and it'll be around £1,000. So be it.

I've been off work for two weeks and just requested another week as I'm so tired and need random naps through the day..

Hope all is going well with you Hayley.

Hi Izzy,

I'm glad to hear that you have got your results at last and that you have clear margins. It is also good news to hear that you are HER2-. The Oncotype results usually come back about 2 weeks after your other results. Here's hoping that they come back as low and, that you won't need chemo. I was told that I didn't need radiotherapy or chemotherapy after I had the double mastectomy.

I can understand why you'll be so keen to meet your oncologist and, the need for the genetics referral. It's a pity that you cannot get this on the NHS, but it sounds like a good idea to check, when you don't have your family history.

I'm sorry to hear that you are so tired and need naps throughout the day, but just give into them, as you'll only suffer more if you try to fight them.

Fingers crossed for your oncotype results!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx 

Hi all just a quick update...

Got a really achey boob on thursday morning around 10am, thought it was just sensation coming back after 6 weeks went to pick my son up and started feeling unwell. Came home and said I am going to have to lay down for a bit, couldnt get warm started shaking uncontrollably and being sick. Had a fever and was in pain, rang the breast clinic who told me to see a doctor or go to a and e. So off to hospital I went and was admitted with onset sepsis.

Yip my body has rejected my expander...my boob was so swollen in looked like it was going to split. I was so poorly on thursday night they had to wake me every half hour to give me fluids and antibiotics through iv they couldnt get my temperature under control.

Friday they transferred me to the hospital with my breast clinic attached and I was in surgery within 3 hours to have the *** took out. Apparently it was a right mess inside. This all came on so quickly and it really scared me.

The surgeon has saved my skin so will help with future reconstruction.

I'm back home now.with drain attached..but literally back to square one. 

Hayley xx

Oh Hayley,

I am so sorry to hear this when you seemed to be doing so well. Sepsis can certainly have a very sudden onset and, isn't always picked up until it is too late. I am so glad to hear that you got to hospital in time and, I sincerely hope that it all heals up quickly for you.

It sounds as if you can place your trust in your surgeon and, I am happy to hear that he is willing to help with future reconstruction.

Have you any idea of how long your drain is likely to be in for?

Thinking of you and wishing you well as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Hayley

I'm sorry to hear what you've just been through but so glad you got it checked!

I hope the drains can come out soon. It is good news they've saved your skin for a reconstruction in the future.

im thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery xx

Hi, 

Thanks for the well wishes, not going to lie I thought I was dying on Thursday night. 

I had a total meltdown when I saw the surgeon and he told me I would lose my expander...what I am left with is not pretty.

Again the care i recieved was fantastic and thank god for our nhs.

Drain is in for about a week...I feel like I've been kicked all over and worse than the original surgery.

Sorry...I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today 

Much love to you both and izzy I hope your recovering well x

Hayley x

Hi Hayley,

Well I for one, am so glad that you are back in the land of the living, albeit feeling a little sorry for yourself. It's at times like this, when we really need them, that the NHS comes up trups.

I hope that you are not having any bother with your drain. What is the position with this now - do you have to go back to the hospital to get this removed, or is the district nurse coming in?

A second surgery so quickly after the first is bound to have knocked you for six and, you will no doubt feel the loss of your expander deeply, but you will make a full recovery.

There are many things to do with cancer that are sent to try us - and they certainly do!

You'll come out of this a stronger person.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx