Having auxcillary lymph nodes removed to see if it’s spread further from sentinel nodes

Hi. I had a mastectomy will full anx clearance. They found cancer in 1 of them. Unfortunately for me it had already spread to the bone but treatment is so good these days and it was kept under control for 5 years on tamoxifen.  Now I have finished the menopause so tamoxifen is no longer effective but the oncologist has said I am still in a "safe place" so he changed my treatment to letrazole and ribciclib which should get it back under control.  Try not to worry the treatments are so good these days. No one really knows how long it takes to spread as everyone is different, but you have come to the right place to talk. There are so many lovely people on here and we all understand the fears and tears that cancer brings. Listen to the doctors they are the experts. Don't google it you will only make yourself more anxious.  I hope I have helped.

Take care. 

Thank you I can’t tell

you how helpful your story is.  Given me a bit of hope xx

You're welcome.  Please try not to worry. Just concentrate on you and you're well being. The doctors will do the rest. 

Take care and stay safe. 

1. Did you have to have chemotherapy as well as tamoxifen?  I’m 45 so peri menapause I guess x

No I haven't had chemotherapy it's not much use in the bone. They say their saving that till later on. I had radiotherapy on my pelvis and I've possibly got to have it again in the same place.  My mum had chemotherapy and was clear for 10yrs. unfortunately its back now but she has it well under control she's 71 this year so goes to show how good the treatments are now. I was 43 at diagnosis I am 48 now. I had early menopause hence the change in medication.  

Hi Beccah, lily0403’s story is really encouraging. I had a lumpectomy and full axillary node clearance (ANC) about 5 weeks ago. It had spread to 20 nodes so I was very worried, but so far a CT scan has showed all clear. I start 4 month chemo next week.

Lily’s advice on focussing on your recovery is good. You’ve been through a lot with a mastectomy and the ANC is on top. Everyone’s recovery is different.

Take care x

Hi Sarah, you must have been through such a worrying time but I’m so glad the scan was clear, fingers crossed it remains clear  Good luck with the chemo and keep in touch if you would like too because we will be going thru same thing at same time. Xx

Sorry last question I promise, I have Lower back pain which is worrying me, did you have pain there too?  Xx  

Yes it was such a relief I can’t tell you! Yes we can stay in touch for chemo xx

Beccah,  back pain could mean anything,  try not to speculate your oncologist will do the relevant scans if you bring it up with them.