Optima Trial / node clearance

Hi there, 

I'm on the Optima trial (27mm grade 1/2, ER+ & PR+ 8/8, HER2-,  no LVI, clear margins,  mastectomy and level 3 clearance).

The node clearance is tougher than mastectomy imo,  though I did all the  exercises  and have  pretty much normal movement with no lymphedema despite the odd cut on that side from gardening,  work etc.  (I carry savlon and plasters). Expect it to feel stinging and a bit sore for a few weeks,  and there will likely be a numb area where a nerve or two are cut to gain access to the nodes higher up,  so watch that it doesn't rub sore in that area.   Most people do get feeling back to some degree, and after a year I only have a small area like that left.  Are you having level 2 or level 3 clearance? If you have one if those heart pillows from before then you'll find it helps a lot:)

I'm not sure if you qualify for Optima or not,  and I know that chemo is scary,  but it's usual to have chemo when node positive,  and also if the tumour is over 5cm, and I have to say that I'd consider how you'd feel with a recurrence having not had chemo. You can check the benefit yourself here https://breast.predict.nhs.uk . These figures are based on people who had treatment 10+ years ago,  so the statistics are probably much better now due to newer and emerging treatments.  Even in the last year my gain from chemo changed from 4% to 3.5% (really annoying!), and it's using tamoxifen as the AI. I'm on letrozole which is more effective.  Anything under 3% is not considered for chemo due to the risks of chemo,  3-5% is possible benefit,  and over 5% is definite. My gain was 4%, which was why I did the trial and was given chemo, though 50% of participants in the trial aren't tested and get it as standard, so I'd like to think that's why I had it,  not because I'm higher risk of recurrence! 

Good  luck with the surgery at the end of month.  Xxxx

Thank u Londonmummof2 esp for coming back to me so quickly and on a sunny weekend

i will ask the question of what level of clearance tomorrow as I have a couple of questions for my BCN.  Your info was very helpful.

i have been pretty sure I would b having chemo due to its size and the chemo worries me a lot less than the thought of recurrence n spread so I think I can make my peace with having chemo.

the worst bit now is that my husband and I have to fully shield for the next 2 weeks, so no walking / cycling to distract us.  I will have to find some YouTube exercises for us both.

Many thanks and kind regards hope u hv had a lovely weekend.