Newbie

Hi SAVVY676 

I am sorry you are going through this. It sounds very difficult to navigate alongside the impact of your son’s issues. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for a second operation to be needed. I am guessing they either didn’t get clear margins or they want to take out more lymph nodes? If it’s an operation to get a better margin it’s not usually a big surgery as they will use the existing incision and are not taking much more breast away. A node clearance may cause more complications but hopefully you can return to work quickly in either case.

Did they give you any indication of the rest of the plan? Treatment is very personalised. Not everyone needs chemo. Some people are able to work through chemo but it may depend on your job. A desk job without extensive travel is a lot easier to navigate than extensive commuting or a physically hard job. Radiotherapy doesn’t usually impact people a great deal other than the time needed to go to the appointments. 

Our community is divided into sections by cancer type. You might like to join our Breast cancer forum where you are sure to find a lot of support. 

Hi. Thank you so much for your response. I had 3 lymph nodes removed in my armpit and these have been tested and are confirmed to be clear which I am definately taking as a positive. The 2 other lumpectomies were on the same breast. One was a 3 centimetre growth and was a non agressive cancer. The 2nd was a highly agressive cancer. The surgeons did not get the clear margins they required, hence the return to surgery next week to enter back through the same incisions just as you said they would.

I am also having a sample taken to be sent off to the USA. The test is a Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test. 

I was originally told i would need radiotherapy and hormone tablets for 5 years. However the result of this test will now determine if I need chemo instead.

I am a positive person in general and all the doctors and nursing staff have been amazing. I am truely in awe of their dedication to their work. 

I am very fortunate to have a great team I have at work and the Directors have been nothing but supportive from day one. Fortunately I do have a desk job which means less impact on returning to work. 

It is wondeful to hear you are in remisson and are also allowing other people to understand your experiences. It truly does help, so thank you again.  

I hope your oncotype score means no chemo for you.