Breast cancer

Hi 

I haven’t started any treatment yet , had biopsy contrast mammogram , tumour is 14mm and nodes clear when I had ultrasound 3 weeks ago . I have appointment on Thursday to discuss where we go next. I am terrified, all the waiting around makes me anxious . I thought it was a long time between your diagnosis and surgery, did you have chemo or radiotherapy? 
your mind plays all sorts of tricks on you one minute ok then stomach churning. 
I do hope you feel better after all that’s happened

Hi Harr,

Thank you for reaching out. I completely understand how terrifying this waiting period is, and what you said about your mind playing tricks and your stomach churning is exactly how it feels. One moment you feel fine, and the next you just want to cry.

To answer your question, I didn't have any treatment before my surgery. The time between February and May was filled with all the necessary diagnostic steps. I had a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, and also an Oncotype DX test on the biopsy sample. Right before the surgery, they used a Magseed marker to pinpoint the tumor.

I actually refused chemotherapy because my Oncotype DX score showed that chemo would only give me a 2.7% benefit, which didn't outweigh the risks for my specific case. That's why we went straight to surgery on May 28th.

The waiting and the uncertainty are honestly the hardest parts of this . I am sending you so much strength for your appointment this Thursday.