Was diagnosed yesterday. Devastation and relief thst it’s grade 2, it’s 4cm er positive / surgeon felt I’d get away with lumpectomy and radiation. Has anyone had this diagnosis and had it change after sentintel node
Redcar....I'm sorry you find yourself on this site but welcome. It sounds as if you have a fairly early diagnosis which is good as breast cancer treatment is very successful these days. Unfortunately the biopsy is only the beginning of decision making. The surgeon won't know definitely until the tumour and the sentinel node is analysed so there could be changes. This did happen to me and there had to be a complete change of treatment plan but the end result is the same.....7 years on, ( I have my 7th mammogram tomorrow but am not anticipating a change) I am still clear of cancer.
I hope all goes well with the lumpectomy. You still have a bit of waiting for results until everything can be finalised but knowing you have bc, means it can be dealt with speedily.
I'm afraid treatment does change at this point quite frequently because it really does need the tumour analysis to give the most accurate decision. But these days chemo is not given automatically so don't be concerned at this point. It will only be considered if it is thought that it will really make a difference preventing a return. On larger tumours it is often used before an op as it can shrink a tumour which may result in a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy and I imagine for those concerned, that's a good thing.
My treatment changed because tumour analysis found TNBC and not positive as the small biopsy has suggested.
Try not to worry .......whatever is done will be in your best interest and if it is chemo, however difficult, it's only six months to give you a future. My chemo was awful but I am here having had TNBC 7 years later. I didn't like it but I probably wouldn't change things!
You must be very shocked at your diagnosis. My diagnosis was similar to yours. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy which was negative, so no need for chemotherapy. Following surgery I had 5 days of radiotherapy and hormone treatment which I struggle with. It is coming up for a year since my surgery and finally I am beginning to feel more my old self. I am due my first check mammogram in December. My advice would be try not to panic and take a day at a time. Get plenty of rest and do not underestimate the impact of your treatment. You will feel very tired and tearful at first. Everyone’s experience is differed I find this forum very helpful. x
Thank you for comments . The surgeon seemed really confident in his diagnosis and is very senior in Dublin. Should I take comfort in this. I have an awful fear of needles so although I know chemo is life saving it terrifies me
Yes, you should trust your surgeon. A breast cancer diagnosis is terrifying but treatment is so advanced now and survival rates very good. I personally found it helpful to do my own research as this helped me feel more in control but others prefer not to know too much. Talk out your fears with as many people as you can. I didn’t need chemo and hopefully you won’t either, but even if you do you will find your inner strength to cope with it.
My diagnosis was also very similar to yours. Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy followed by 5 days of radiotherapy and now on hormone treatment. I also had an oncotype test which showed i did not need chemotherapy thank goodness. I'm coming up to a year now since my surgery but won't be going for a mammogram until 1 year following my radiotherapy which will be March. I'm finding the hormone therapy hard with all the side effects. Everyone is different so treatment differs from person to person but your surgeon will ensure you get the best care and treatment plan. It will be a roller coaster so my advice would be write everything down and take someone to your appointments if you can cause at times it feels surreal. If you feel tired rest, if you feel upset that's fine too. Its hard to take in and deal with you will get through it. Take care
Can I ask you both how big was your lump . I’m finding this all really hard. I feel like I can’t plan anything even a month away cause I feel my world is tilted and I can’t plan a future
I'm another with a very similar diagnosis (although a smaller lump) which didn't change after surgery. I too had 5 days of radiotherapy and have been taking hormone treatment for 8 months. I have had some side effects, but very minor. Trust your surgeon and his/her team. It does knock you sideways, but take it a bit at a time, rest and be aware that waiting for results/something to happen is hard.
Mine was 24mm. I know exactly how you feel. Its so hard but you will get all the treatment you need. I still have a wobble which is natural. Once you've had your operation you'll start to feel much better. I found the recovery not too bad at all or the radiotherapy to be fair apart from a few after effects.
