New here

What determines whether tiu need radiotherapy or chemo? I’m so new to this. It is all so confusing. 

Hi 

A very warm welcome to the online community, though sorry you have a reason to join us. 

I would say there is no "easy" - a cancer diagnosis is a massive shock no matter what the treatment. Please don't berate yourself for your feelings - you feel what you feel, others feel what they feel. We all handle it differently.

Having a mastectomy can be difficult - mine was in 2016 and I still have conflicting emotions about my body, but it does get easier with time.

And, hopefully, with us! As you've probably seen - we are a large group all here to support each other through everything. We are very friendly and we are here for you! I found recovery hard - and it took me time to find my way through it (still doing that) and having this site helped me enormously.

It sounds like you've had a good look around already, so we look forward to seeing you around! 

R

I was told because my cancer was HER2 negative, I needed a Mastectomy and all the breast tissue was being removed there would be no chance of any of the cells remaining so unless there was any sign of anything in my lymph nodes( which were clear) I would only need the hormone tablets hope this helps

Hi 

The decision to treat with chemo and/or radiotherapy  can depend on different things and every diagnosis and treatment is different. The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery and chemo and radiotherapy are used as a sort of belt and braces approach if it is deemed necessary. 

There's some information on the main Macmillan site here that gives an overview of treatments

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/breast-cancer

R

Hi Ronstar, ( I love that name thats what I call my Grandson Ronnie) thank you for your reply I suppose I'm still getting my head around things. Everything for me has changed I used to be a very confident person and now I feel as though everyone is looking at me and I just want to hide, my family and friends say I look fine and you can't tell but I don't feel it and they dont seem to understand I'm hoping that being on this group I might find the answers or direction to be able to be me again. xx

Welcome liz1970 to the online community . Never feel selfish . Each person has their own story and we all handle things differently . I am 7 weeks post mastectomy and have battled a little bit myself with ‘body Image ‘  I feel relieved the cancer is away and I start my radiotherapy on Tuesday . I’m feeling anxious about it but keeping busy out  walking . It’s very hard for me to look in the mirror but I am very grateful to be here to enjoy my beautiful grandsons . I have my prosthetic fitting soon so hoping that will help to cope better .  Im Planning on going back to work in the summer once my treatment is finished . 

Hi all 

I was Diagnosed early September invasive lobular ER+ HER-  had a mastectomy on the 4th December with immediate reconstruction all healing very well with no pain at all. 1 lymph node out of 3 came back positive so have to have chemo. Was devastated when they said chemo but kind of got my head around it as mopping up any stray cells that are lurking in the background. 2nd round of chemo last week not doing too bad a bit more tired this time. After radiotherapy I’m going onto letrozole it would be good to hear how you get on with that everybody has their own journey and it is as important to you no matter what treatment you receive. 

Take care 

Anne Xx

I totally understand how you're feeling! I had a mastectomy on the 4th February and hate looking at my body. I also used to be a happy go lucky confidant woman and now want to wear blavk all the time and not see anyone. I was originally told it hadn't gone to my lymph nodes but then in surgery they found one that had cancer and removed them all. I then saw my consultant who has said I will definitely need radiotherapy and hormone therapy and my results have been sent to America to see if I will need chemotherapy. More waiting!! Your not alone in how you feel and hopefully we can all help each other through this hard and difficult journey. Much love xx