Breast cancer lumpectomy

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Hi , I had a lumpectomy in December,after it was a screening mammogram. Had total node clearance on left side. Lump was removed with clear margins and as only 3 lymph nodes involved they were sent off for oncotype testing. Had an appointment with oncologist on Friday, results of oncotype said low risk of it coming back ( 7% chance in next 5 years) I am 73. The next step is radiotherapy, letrozole for 10 years and zoledronic acid infusions every 6 months for 3 years. Side effects from zoledronic acid seem frightening, what are other people’s experiences of it please?

latchbrook 4 months ago

Hi Best boobs forward and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2022 and have had 6 monthly zoledronic infusions since December 2022. Fortunately, I haven't suffered any side effects from it.

The online community is divided into different support groups and I can see that you've already found and joined the breast cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.

When you feel ready to introduce yourself there, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Best boobs forward 4 months ago in reply to latchbrook

Thank you! It’s all happened so fast in the beginning. As I’m 73, I’m too old to be invited to the regular mobile screening, coming out of Sainsbury s one day I saw the van and just thought I’d phone and get an appointment to be included. I was recalled to the local Centre, had more mammograms, biopsies and within 3 and 1/2 weeks after it was confirmed as breast cancer, had surgery, - a lumpectomy and total node clearance. As only 3 nodes were involved they were sent off for Iconodx testing. Saw the breast surgeon, no need for further surgery, lump had good clearance margins, was 14mm and grade 3. Last Friday had appointment with oncologist, no need for chemotherapy, low risk, but waiting for planning scan and then 15 sessions of radiotherapy. On letrozole for 10 years and zoledronic acid infusions every 6 months for 3 years. It was first time I’d heard about the zoledronic acid seem, information sheets seemed pretty scary on the side effects. I have been quite upbeat and so grateful I rang up for that screening appointment, coped with the surgery extremely well- particularly as it was just before Christmas, but now beginning to struggle on some days. Just interested in anybody’s experience with the zoledronic acid. Thanks for reading