Hi, I am new to this community and am hoping you might help me reach a decision! I have stage 3 breast cancer. I’ve undergone a mastectomy to remove the tumour. Cancer was found in the sentinel node so I then had axillary clearance. Only 6 nodes were removed and thankfully they were negative. As my cancer is low Oestrogen (ER3), Progesterone negative and HER 2 negative, I am in a ‘grey area’ for follow-up treatment. I have been offered chemotherapy but most literature I read indicates that the benefits are not proportionately much higher than having no chemo. The alternative would be radiotherapy to target just the chest wall possibly followed by endocrine treatment (Letrozole) and targeted treatment (Abemaciclib) for up to 2 years. I am thinking I’ll have Radiotherapy although am a bit concerned about getting lymphodema as I have it in my left arm from previous breast cancer on the other side. My present cancer is not very responsive to Letrozole or Abemaciclib either. Please, has anyone on this forum had this dilemma and what decision did you reach?
Hi Linda49 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Well done connecting the in with the BC group. As for my journey we all have to do what we need to do to get through this.
