Hi Everyone
Hoping someone could give me some advice, information and set my mind at rest! (Long story, so I will say sorry)
Im 43 and I have just been diagnosed officially with Breast Cancer. I was told that I had cancer 13th August, from the mammogram and ultrasound, but I had to wait until the biopsy to confirm the type etc. That happened last night. I have been given a lot of information, and feeling very overwhelmed with everything, but feeling a lot better now I have some idea of whats about to happen. I was hoping some of you may understand some of the procedures, and explain them from a personal point of view, rather than the clinical point of view. I appreciate my story/experience will be different, as all our treatment is personal to ourselves. But knowing what to expect, from a patient I feel may help me.
What I know so far is the following:- I have a 2cm by 2cm lump in my lower left hand side of my breast, which is confirmed as Invasive Ductal Cancer. It is confirmed as grade 3. On examination, my consultant thinks it maybe bigger, nearer 3cm. But she is a little unsure. The lump is usual very soft of squishy, and currently a little swollen and harder from biopsy still. But I do not have my HER result. The scans and examination so far has shown no issues in my lymph nodes. I need to return to see my consultant on 27th Aug for HER Result, and to finalise my start of treatment.
The current plan is, if the HER status is negative, then I am to have a LICAP flap, lumpectomy and reconstruction, which has been fully explained to me. And Lymph nodes removal on same day to check for spread To perform the Lymph node removal, they need to inject me with blue dye, through or near my nipple, which will show up the nodes. By all accounts this will turn me blue? As long as the nodes are clear, and they get clear margins, then its radiotherapy and tablets for 5-10 years.
If the HER is positive, its chemo to shrink the cancer, then the LICAP Flap, etc.
And depending on the Lymph nodes status, treatment will be discussed when we know something.
My consultant sounded very positive, but it was all very clinical.
Next was the breast care nurse. She was lovely, and went through all my notes. She said what is planned is aimed to cure the cancer, so very positive news. And I asked her about the stage the cancer was. The BCN said, we didn’t have a full picture, which I do understand. But based on the size, and the initial scans on lymph nodes being clear, she estimates a stage one cancer. But stressed it could change depending on biopsy on my nodes
I was hoping that some of you may have had these procedures, and talk me through them a little, from a patient point of view. And give me a little reassurance on what to expect.
Thanks in advance xxx - PS tried posting in another area, with no replies so far!
