New diagnosis and treatment plan - wondering if anyone is in a similar position?

Hi. I am in a similar situation and had surgery last week. A lumpectomy. I am now waiting for results from the surgery and I am hopeful I will only need radiotherapy. Both my sisters have had breast cancer and we’ve all had different stages and treatment. 

I am having trouble sleeping as my head wonders in so many directions. 
I wish you luck with your journey and I’m happily to talk anytime xx Jo

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed early September through my mammogram. Yes it's a bit of a shock especially at first. I have gone through panic, sleepless nights etc. I'm a bit calmer now and have a lumpectomy booked 14th November. I will need radiotherapy after and have just started my hormone treatment. You will find a lot of support on here. We all panic and have our good and bad days. Sending you my best wishes. 

Thank you. I am trying to get hold of my surgeon to find out next steps but navigating appointments is always difficult. 

thanks for your support 

Hi

i was diagnosed in July had a lumpectomy and one node removal end of august and have an oncology appointment next week. My surgery was successful so It will be hormones and radiotherapy next. I recovered really quickly and was back at work after 2 weeks. The waiting and not knowing is the hardest part to deal with.

big hugs 

Ann 

Hi, 

My situation is similar,  initially I was told 15mm grade 2 er positive tumour.

I only had a lumpectomy and sentinel node op, not the reconstruction and I found recovery from the surgery fairly easy.

The post surgery results came back at 21mm and grade 3, apparently this grade change can sometimes happen due to the small samples taken at biopsy - I wasn't warned so it was a shock.

Once the results came back I was offered an Oncotype DX test. For er+ patients if your trust offers it this means the tumour gets sent to America for testing to see how likely it might be that the cancer will come back.   This helps to decide if you would benefit chemotherapy or not.

I'm currently going towards the end of chemo and my radiotherapy planning is due soon. Then I will also be having the hormone tablets.

Although my experience is similar and other people will also respond,  always keep in your mind that everyone's situation is individual. Don't panic yourself because I've had chemo,  you may not need it... focus on yourself and the treatment your Doctor recommends.

Best of luck.   Ask me anything!

Afternoon all x just a quick question with the oncotype test, I’m guessing this must be a further wait? I’m only asking as when reading up on things, I thought this was automatically completed post surgery, I didn’t realise it was sent to America.

thanks xxx

It's not automatically sent (I don't think).  They asked my consent before doing mine.

It takes about 3 weeks for the test result. But that doesn't stop the planning of your other treatment.

That was going to be my next worry/question! Thank you for getting back to me x my follow up is Monday so preparing my list of questions to ask!

x 

Hello and good to hear that you are getting near the end of your chemotherapy treatments.  That is an awesome.  I didn’t need chemotherapy but had bilateral lumpectomies as right breast had DCIS and left had stage 1 IDC.  Was hard to get my head around it all but 1 1/2 years post bilateral radiation and thankful mammogram clear.  I am on anastrazole for 5 years.  
I live in is US and there are more oncologists using the Signatera test as part of monitoring for certain solid tumors.  I have attached the link. It checks for residual metastatic disease and the test is easy.  A blood test and then a sample of the tumor is sent to Signatera.  
I had it done even though I am low risk for recurrence and my first result was negative.  The test is done every 6 months for 2 years and then they can let you know the % of reoccurrence.  The amazing thing is this test can pick up things way before scans so if there is something treatment can start earlier.  Here is the link https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/patients/signatera-for-breast-cancer/

Radiation was not bad and my skin was fine but I was a fantatic about moisturizing and doing the things that work for my ultra sensitive skin.  Take it easy and I just did a happy end of chemo dance  for you !!  
Hugs to you and it is lovely to be done with treatments.  
Barbara

Thanks that’s really helpful. I am chasing results and as I had the surgery private feel the aftercare has been shocking. The results are not back after 8 days and nobody has checked on me. Originally the surgeon had someone would call me and he would see me next week with results and look at my dressings. This is baking me super anxious xx