Disappointment ...

Hi DebL welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear how disappointed that you are feeling its not easy that's for sure.

You have said it yourself to CHECK the Lymph nodes and the only way they can tell is to do this as they cant tell often without the confirmation from Pathology so it is not uncommon for this to happen, though I appreciate that the surgeon was positive and gave you reason to believe that all would be well.

It is likely that you may have to have chemo if this has gone to the Lymph nodes as well as the Radiotherapy. Im not sure about your age but they may want to send a sample off for Oncotype testing to see how beneficial chemo would be for your type of Breast Cancer.

I know it doesn't feel like it right now but it sounds like they are looking at a treatment plan where they throw everything at this to give you the best possible outcome. x

Mine came back in one node after appearing clear and I was told that happens to about  20% of women.  I then had a nuclear bone scan,  chest and torso CT scans and an MRI (my oncologist is one who likes to be thorough!). A radioactive me was then allowed clearance ( all the other nodes in the armpit removed) and they found no trace of cancer in any.  It's a huge shock to be told, and I lost about 7lbs in weight in thr 3 weeks it took to do all the  tests and get results.  It takes a while to prepare mentally for chemo as well, but thr nurses there are universally lovely!

Have they said what type and grade of cancer  was found as that will also affect your treatment. Ps. I found reading novels a great distraction!

Thank you xx

Thank you xx

This is where I get lost and confused with grades and types...

I was initially told it was Grade 2, before my op and that it was ductal. 

Although this hasn't been explained to me in detail ... I am starting a list of questions for my care nurse...... and yes reading and walking are helping me also. x

You mention 'clearence' is this removal of other lyph nodes?... the doctor today never mentioned more operations etc just radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but I have read about further operations being needed x

Dear 

I think you should phone your consultants secretary or the Breast care nurses . At my hospital you don’t get a specific nurse as they work as a team . You will find them very helpful as will the consultants secretary. Just explain that you don’t understand what’s happening and you need things to be made a bit clearer to you . Have a pen and paper handy . 
this is your right to ask and you won’t be the first or last . Do not be afraid to phone them and don’t feel they are too busy , they are busy but will want to help you . You may be asked to leave a message , don’t worry they will get back to you later in the day . Just phone the switchboard at your hospital and ask to be put through . 
then if there are still somethings your don’t quite understand either on here or the Macmillan helpline are wonderful and very knowledgeable. I know I phoned - I phone all of the above , i needed to understand things . If you don’t ask you will have sleepless nights and worry helps no one .

be gentle on yourself 

take care 

love Ruby Rose  

ps my cancer was in 4 of my lymph nodes and like you that hadn’t expected that 

Hi Deb,

I saw your post yesterday and thought I’d drop on. I’ve been for my 2 week follow up today and am now in the exact same position. I was told grade 1 and most likely just radiotherapy after surgery and tamoxifen. It’s now grade 2 after the full biopsy and is in my lymph nodes so go back in a couple weeks for full lymph node clearance and then chemotherapy. It’s a bugger I’ll say that xxx

Oh Em

It is such a mine field, full of ups and downs ... 

I was Grade 2 before the surgery but I'm not sure if this will change things ... total clearance wasn't mentioned to me, but tablets in the future were.

I've had an appointment through for the oncologist.

Take care

Much love xx