Post-op results - a setback

It is upsetting when the treatment plan changes, but remember they are doing everything for you based on the latest knowledge. Until you get those post-op pathology results, you don't know fully what you're dealing with.

I thought I was having a lumpectomy and radiotherapy nd then after my 1st MRI, they wanted to give me chemo first to shrink it away from my chest muscle, I had to have a CT scan too to 'check for spread' and waiting for those results was the worst 2 weeks of my life,

Chemo is tough but very doable. I managed to work (from home) throughout with just a few days off for each cycle. I cut my hair off and donated it and then shaved my head - all ahead of chemo. I really felt like that was one thing I could control so by the time my hair started faling out, I was completely used to the look and it was so short that I barely noticed. It ended up being my easiest chemo side effect!

I am really glad I Have had everything possible to help prevent recurrence.

You'll get through this.

I really feel for you. I am going through a very similar situation. It definitely was a shock at my lumpectomy results as well. My lump was double the size they originally thought at 55mm and 1 lymph node was positive. I now have to go back for more lymph node removal. I had a ct scan on Monday and a bone scan today. I think this has been the most terrifying week of my life. I’m so scared what they might find. It’s just so overwhelming. 
I actually feel like I’m losing the plot this week! 
I totally get how you feel and wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery and scans 

we will get through this!! 

It’s so upsetting when plans change and it feels like the rug is being pulled from under your feet all the time ! 
it’s frightening isn’t it 

It’s good that you can be safe in the knowledge they are doing absolutely everything they can to give you the best possible outcome , you will do it  

love & hugs 

L xx

hi I had the same op and node clearence too back in Dec last year,  in my case, I had read a lot of posts on here and quickly realised if you have a few nodes infected you're likely to have chemo and radiotherapy to ensure no reoccurrence. in my case I  had 5 of 11 infected ...no further spread identified on CT scan..that was the greatest relief.

I have 8 cycles of chemo a cycle being every  weeks . It is scary but once you start it's a start to the end. they manage any side effects and yes you lose hair but you get vouchers in most hosp trusts towards wigs etc,  it will take time to sink in. Read lots of posts and  take heart from all amazing ladies on here that are about to start, doing. and finishing and coming out other end. Good luck x

Hi, it is very difficult when you attend an appt and things have changed.  I went from having 1.8 cm - 3.4cm cancer on mammpgram and ultrasound with no abnormality in axillary lymph nodes and planning lumpectony and reduction to then MRI showing possible abnormalities around the cancer and possible lymph node involvement, mastectomy and pathology showed cancer to be 12cm and 7/14 lymph nodes positive.  Going for the results of CT scan and bone scan was awful but thankfully came.back negative.  It is such a rollercoaster this journey x

Hi  I started with it's small and lymph nodes looked fine, to 19 out of 24 being affected, never showed on scan. Plan all changed to include chemo and further cavity shave for better margin, phew ! 

But I'm glad everything was thrown at it. It's hard at times but worth it and it passes quick and I now have a full head of shoulder length hair.  Best wishes for it all. 

Xxx

Thanks for the reassuring comments about chemo. Yes, I do dread it, particularly the hair loss - are there actually mechanisms for donating hair to wig makers, or for charity? I hadn’t thought of that.

Cavity shave - haven’t come across that expression before. Thanks for the reply.

Wow, that’s a big lump. Mine was 3.2. I guess it really is a case of expect the unexpected.

That’s exactly what I’m doing! I’m very fortunate to be near the Christie and the Nightingale Centre so I’ve every confidence I’ll get superb care throughout.