Hello

Hard to say if anyone is going through a similar treatment plan as you did not specify what your is, but I am guessing you will be told at the oncology appointment tomorrow. As for what to expect, the oncologist should tell you what the proposed treatment plan is -- if chemo, what chemo drugs exactly, as well as where you will be getting the chemo, how long each session should last, how often, and how many chemo sessions, as well as when any surgery might take place -- before or after chemo. You can ask what their estimate is based on scans of the size of the tumour. When discussing the chemo drugs the oncologist should explain any risks and any possible side effects. Also, how often you would be seeing the oncologist.

If not given already, they should tell you who your breast nurse is and how to get hold of her.

If you have questions, best to write them down before the appointment so that you don't forget anything.

It can take a while to process all of this, the diagnosis, all the new information, but I hope that tomorrow's appointment will give you enough information to start working things out.

Thanks for your reply Grey cats.

I apologise i thought id said the plan is 6 chemo every 3 weeks then a lumpectomy then radiotherapy.

I have met my nurse who is lovely.

And i have as you suggested written down a few questions to ask.

Not a lot of sleep last night,but j guess today will bring much needed answers.

Thank you 

Dee

Hi I was also diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in December 2021 since then I have had a lumpectomy in January but unfortunately had to have a second operation due to pre cancer cells being found .... so my whole treatment plan changed im now having 6 cycles of chemo and then radiotherapy and hormone tablets. As said in previous post your oncologist will tell you the treatment you will be receiving,  the amount of weeks if its 1in3 cycles , but there will be a nurse with you at the appointment and she will have all the details for you.  Good luck with everything ...we can do this xx

We’ve all been there and have been left guessing/wondering what happens next. There are so many questions to ask so write them down. The oncologist and Macmillancancernavigators nurses will give you lots of info too (not too much as there’s a lot to take in) but they are patient and kind and will work with you. Bless you xxx

DeeDee54 said:

i thought id said the plan is 6 chemo every 3 weeks then a lumpectomy then radiotherapy.

I had not realised you were giving it in sequence, it's clear now the surgery would be after chemo. Others here may be on the same schedule, but without knowing what chemo drugs you are going to be given, it's impossible to say if it's the same treatment plan.

It's interesting that they are already saying radiotherapy is going to be a part of it. A lot of us only got confirmation either way once the pathology report from surgery was in.

How did it go at the appointment?

Appointment went very well,im back next week for some tests on my heart and my first chemo is 27th April.

Was hard to listen to the possible side effects

But i can do this.

She also said to stop work the day before chemo.

We are having a few days away for easter to try and switch off

Hope everyone is ok as they can be on here

Dew

Thanks, Dew. Good to hear it went very well.

The list of possible side effects is extensive, but includes things that less than 1 person in 100 ever faces. I did get a couple of the, "1 in 10" side effects, but as most patients, overall I only had to face certain issues and not anything approaching the extensive list of possible issues.

Have a good Easter break!