Results Day

Hi Magtie

Firstly, congratulations on your excellent results! 

It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed on results day and to realise you have more questions later.

You should have an oncology appointment before radiotherapy where they can explain everything and answer your questions - you also should have a rads planning appointment where you will be measured and scanned to be properly lined up each time you have radiotherapy and can ask questions then.

But - remember you are a patient, not a nuisance and looking after you is what the doctors and nurses are employed to do. If you want to call your BCN for a chat about it all, then do. I had lots of extra chats and appointments when I had treatment and nobody minds - they don't want you to be at home getting anxious.

Tamoxifen is usually given to women who are pre-menopause and others are given to women who are post-menopause. Sometimes they might do it differently depending on individual circumstances. They all act to reduce the oestrogen available to your body but in different ways. 

ER+ isn't normally considered to be hereditary but I think it's more important to know if you have a close family history of breast cancer - definitely have a chat with your BCN or oncologist on all of this to help put your mind at rest.

The breast cancer roller coaster is exhausting - waiting is so hard and things can seem overwhelming or an anti-climax. 4 to 6 weeks really isn't long to adjust to the news you had and the treatment so yes, it's normal to feel emotional. My treatment finished at the end of 2016 and I still sometimes find myself remembering it all and feeling emotional - not least of all when I go back for my yearly mammograms. As time goes on you think about it less and less but like any major life event it becomes a part of your story.

We are all here for you and it can help to pop on and chat or even just to read other people's experiences - I'd say give your BCN a call and then pop back and let us know how it's going.

R

Thank you ronstar for  your message you have helped an awful lot. Once the festive week is over I will call  my BC nurse now Ive had a little time to think straight. You're right about this process being a roller coaster. 

I do wonder how after life goes back to normal...Whatever normal is. 

Hope you are doing well. Thank you once again 

xx

Hi Magtie, a very comprehensive reply from ronstar, just wanted to add that you definitely mustn’t think you’re being a nuisance by asking questions. Make a list before you phone so that you can tick them off as you go. And take a list with you when you see the oncologist. I think we all go into ‘rabbit in the headlights’ mode at these appointments, it’s all so overwhelming that it’s really hard to think straight. 
Your case sounds very similar to mine but I think you’re younger (I was 59 when diagnosed, now 61) as tamoxifen has been mentioned. I’m on Anastrozole which is one for the post menopausal. 
Re 1 or 3 weeks of radiotherapy, once you know which is being offered to you, you could post in the Questions about Treatment section for information - 1 week seems common these days and many folk here have had it and can share their experiences with you. I had 3 as that was standard then. 
Wishibg you well and sending love and. big virtual hug, HFxx

Hi Magtie,

I am in the same position as you. I am just waiting to start radiotherapy, not sure if it's one or three weeks either, my nurse said they will tell me when I have my first appointment. I am worried about getting to ad from hospital every day as I don't drive and the hospital is quite a distance from home. I have started the Tamoxifen as well.

I don't like to be a pest to my nurse either, but when I have rang, she has been great. 

I still feel like someone has picked me up, shook me around and put me back saying there you go but I am taking things one day at a time, my breast  seems to be a different shape every day, now I wonder what shape it will be next ha ha.

Take care xx 

Thank you all for your replies. Im so glad I had the courage to post on this site.

Happyfeet I am 51 and haven't gone through the menopause yet, but now I understand why certain drugs are used.  I don't like to google too much as I end up getting freaked out.

Lillies76 I haven't began any medication yet I think the oncologist will prescribe it. Is that normal? However I don't have an appointment yet. I think I will call the nurse this week just to clarify a few things. 

I know what you mean about being picked up and shook around. Christmas has been a welcome distraction even if its been slightly weird!! But already normality is starting to settle in again and I'm back to thinking again. My hospital is also a distance away but I'm lucky enough to be able to get a lift.

My breast hasn't changed shape except its blue from the dye. Two sets of stitches one under the arm the other around my nipple. They are still quite painful, but its only been just over 2 weeks since my operation.

Take care xx