Anxiety

I don't think any of us realised how much of a rollercoaster this would become. We finally get to the stage of being able to think about and concentrate on the other things happening in our lives or just being able to appreciate life and something else comes along to knock us right  back again. And I find that one of the worst things is that the professionals sometimes don't seem to realise how their 'matter of fact' attitude affects us.To them it is their everyday job but to us each time we are told something has changed it is potentially devastating. I hope that your appointment goes well and that the change doesn't relate to anything serious.

Hi  , I'm guessing that the only reason for this is as a result if your Oncotype score, since all the other pathology reports didn't merit anything changing.  If your score is above 20 something (I think that it varies a bit by age) then they may suggest chemo to reduce the risk of recurrence further.  I had a look at your profile (the greenhouse is a great idea!) But it doesn't say your age.  At 30 chemo would add 5.2% gain and at 35 chemo would add 4% gain on average.  3-5% is a' grey' area of benefit against side effects.  Even if your Onco score was slightly raised based on your age (when they throw everything at it) it would be suggested as it would nudge it over the 5%.I hope that I've not added to your anxiety (I'm 11 months past chemo and on exemestane,  had a clear mammogram and check in the summer but still worry), but  given a possible reason.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply and I’m glad you’re well. I don’t doubt this is an experience that will always cause worry and doubt. 

The appointment was indeed scheduled to discuss the results, it’s just thrown me a bit that I’m now to go to the hospital. 

I’m 48 so will await to see what score has been assigned and take it from there. 

All the best. 

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. You are absolutely right, it does feel rather matter of fact. The whole experience has been so I wonder why I find myself feeling so surprised! 

Perhaps I felt worse this morning because it was one of the few mornings I actually felt relaxed and positive. Then it just threw me, again. So  in the mean time ... trying to remain positive until then! 

HIi , It is all a roller coaster of a ride and one that I am sure you didn't want to get on in the first place. I am sorry to hear that you feel those involved in your treatment have been matter of fact . Have you spoken to your breast care nurse they can usually explain things with more empathy. Delays do happen unfortunately and appointments have to be changed- this happened to me in March but the delay was because the surgeon had been called in to perform urgent surgery on other people. I hope that all is explained to you when you have your face to face appointment and it will give you a better opportunity to have things explained in more detail without time constraints. Usually your BCN will speak to you afterwards . Sending hugs xx

Hi Kwissy,

Thanks for your reply. It just threw me that my telephone consultation  is now a face to face and I’m left wondering why. Have they changed my treatment plan etc according to the Oncotype result? I’ll find out later today, so fingers crossed. I read your profile and very pleased that your doing well now. xx

Good luck at the appointment.  Let us know how it goes. X

So relieved to find out yesterday my Oncotype test scored 17,  so 1% and chemotherapy isn’t required. The oncologist had called me in to discuss radiotherapy and drug treatment however we’d already discussed these at the previous appointment!  She was very apologetic however! She could see how anxious I’d been. So moving forward to the next stage of my treatment next week.

I’ve to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy. I’m just wondering what to expect, how this will make me feel physically etc. I’ll start tamoxifen thereafter.

Thank you for all of your messages of support x 

Hi , Good to hear that your appointment turned out well yesterday.As with all thing with this disease it is very individual. I presume you will be asked to attend for a planning meeting and have a CT scan. Then your skin will be marked with 3 little dots with permanent ink. These will be used as co-ordinates for the actual radiotherapy. I found it takes longer for you to be positioned correctly than for the actual treatment itself. The staff  are very kind and understanding and will position you very carefully . They explain everything that will happen.Macmillan produce a book on Radiotherapy which if you phone them they will send to you without charge - it explains everything and I found it re-assuring. I hope this helps .Sending hugs

Hi, personally I haven’t had or needed radiotherapy, but both my Dad and daughter did, at different times and for different cancers; they both had gradual increase of tiredness as their main side effect; so I think you should be ready for that. 
glad your worries have been allayed, though.

Hugs xxx