Grade 2 invasive carcinoma HER2 1+

Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I was diagnosed about the same time and am due a lumpectomy in 2 weeks so can’t answer any questions but didn’t want to read and run. I hope you get on well and I’m sure the treatment plan and follow ups will make sure it doesn’t come back. X

Hi Clsire

I'm a Clare too...so sorry also to hear of your diagnosis ...I'm sure this will be just a bad memory for us both this time next year..wishing you all the love & luck in the world xx

Hello Cloverfield,

I had a single mastectomy at the beginning of January with two lymph nodes taken. I am 51, and like you I am very active and hated the thought of not being able to exercise. 

With regards the operation. I can honestly say that when I woke up from the operation I wasn’t in any pain. The whole area is numb and you will be offered pain relief if you need it. I took a couple of paracetamol and that was all I needed.

I’m not going to lie. The three weeks after surgery were uncomfortable and annoying but I still managed to get out for a walk every day. 

I’m about 6 weeks post op now. I’m back in the gym, went for a 7 mile walk at the weekend and swam 20 lengths today. It will feel like you’re never going to get back to normal to start with but after 4 weeks I was ok. 

I haven’t had chemo or radiotherapy so I can’t comment on that.

hope that helps. If there’s anything else I can help with just ask x 

Hi Mariella 

This is the most wonderful reply to read I could have asked for at this moment...thankypu so much for your reply you've really put my mind at rest...I hope you continue to do so fantastic & I wish you luck

Thankyou again

Clare x

I had single mastectomy and lymph node clearance on 4 Feb. I haven't been in any pain and have felt great since returning from overnight stay in hospital. My arm and chest felt tight for first week but have exercises to do and it's getting easier. Almost got full movement back now but arm still pulls a bit when straightening. You'll be fine!

Hi Cloverfield1

I was diagnosed age 40 with stage 2 grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS.

Mine was ER+ HER2- I had a lumpectomy and my biopsy showed two of my lymph nodes were invaded.I had 6 rounds of chemo and 25 radiotherapy sessions....and am on tamoxifen for 10 years

I am a single parent and i work full time.....I only had two weeks off work after surgery and then i was back to work throughout Chemo and Rads. I stayed active and continued life as normal.

I just took pain relief if it was needed.

I did not have full node clearance as protocol states that up to 3 lymph nodes can be treated with Radiotherapy or full clearance (same protection)....so i opted for Radiotherapy

Hopefully you will heal quickly and your recovery will be quick.

I know my situation is different to yours but just wanted to assure you that normality during this rough ride is possible.

All the best xx

Hi lucy

I'm home today from operation & feel fine...so now it's the wait to see my treatment plan which we ll know Wednesday hopefully...I'm praying its radiotherapy only & not chemo but I'll do both if theres less chance of it returning....did you suffer any side effects from chemo..did you try the cold cap & I'm dreading the tablets how are they x

Hi ya

Glad your feeling o.k so far.

I tried the cold cap during my first ever session.....but i chose not to continue with it because i wanted the chemo to travel all around my body instead of hitting resistance at my scalp.

Side effects of Chemo for me were:

Tiredness, which gets worse as the sessions pass (but i still pushed through and carried on as normal....no way was this ruining my life),

My taste went funny and my mouth and tongue always turned white for 7 days (drinks like cola and cold ice pops helped me with that, and fruits that were refreshing.....i also salted my food to be able to taste it) .

I also used to rinse my mouth at least twice a day with medicated mouth wash to help prevent sores etc and used a very soft tooth brush

I also took my anti sickness meds like clock work so sickness was not an issue for me.

Pains in my shins and my figertips/fingernails were tender towards the end.

Dis coloured nails....so i always wore nail polish.

Side effects can be different for everybody....but they were my main ones.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you that you manage to dodge the chemo train....but if it is advised....it's not easy....but it is doable!

The way i got through chemo was looking at it like my new best friend....it was helping me fight what i couldn't fight alone....so yeh it's tough....but it's got a tough job to do.

I am fine with tamoxifen...no side effects.

xxx

Hi Lucy

Thats brilliant...thankyou you're so positive just the perfect medicine I needed