Grade 3 Breast Cancer and Lymph node removal

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with BC grade 3 and recently had a lumpectomy with all left lymph nodes removed. This is the 1st time I have been brave enough to join any sort of forum. I'm anxious and await Chemo Radio and Hormone Blockers.  Can anyone please offer any advice or been through similar?

  • Hi BeechyBoo,

    I’m also grade 3 (locally advanced) with lymph node involvement. 

    I’m having chemo first (with HER2 targeted treatment from round 3 or 4), then surgery, then radiotherapy.

    I was pretty tired after my first round of EC chemo but no real nausea (thankfully). My second round has actually been easier. 

    I’ve been eating more healthily, I’ve increased my fruit and veg consumption dramatically! I’ve found that exercise has really helped. Had a lovely walk yesterday. I’ve been doing Zoom Yoga, through the Maggies center which has been very good.

    Have you had any issues regarding lymph node removal? This is worrying me a bit with regard to swelling, lymph drainage.

    Hope you’re feeling recovered after surgery.

    Bluebell xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Bluebell Woods

    Hi Bluebell. Ah thanks for your reply. What a great idea, Yoga via Maggies- I will definately look into that. Tomorrow it will be 4 weeks since my Surgery. It's a very slow recovery if I'm honest but mostly down to having ALL of my nodes removed. I have very limited movement and swelling is quite painful so I've had to return to Hispital 3 times to get the fluid drained. That said your body eventually catches up and you do heal. Physio is definately needed but it's all baby steps the right direction so don't be disheartened. I'm still in 2 minds about Chemo, I've been doing loads of research and it's so poisonous but not sure I'm brave enough to refuse. I hope ur feeling better soon. Xx

  • Hi Beechyboo,

    Yes, Yoga was very good, able to do it the day after my chemo too.

    Thanks for letting me know about your lymph drainage post surgery. I’ve no idea how much surgery I’ll need at the moment but know that I have axillary lymph node involvement. It’s great to hear that you are progressing towards healing though. Gives me hope!

    My cancer is ‘aggressive’ according to the BCN. I’m just glad it was caught before it progressed to stage 4. 

    Chemo is harsh, although, to be fair, I’ve not been too bad. I honestly don’t think I’d survive without it. I’m taking all the treatment going! 

    We’re all different though and all our cancers are different so we have to make decisions for ourselves.

    Bluebell xx