Breast cancer
posted by worriedrelative
14 July 2015

Newly Diagnosed

Last reply: 24 July 2015 21:59

Hi there,

Family member newly diagnosed
Diagnosis made after presenting for routine mammogram
Lump is not palpable - had mammo been done 6 months previous it would not have shown up
Lumpectomy and node biopsy done
Awaiting results of these
Initial scan in doctors showed no presence of cancer in lymph nodes
What is the likelihood that it will have spread to lymph nodes?
Doc initally said radiotherapy only
Reading now about different types of hormones if it isn't ER or PR + then chemo may be needed

This has all been an (unwanted) fast learning curve.

Trying to find out any more info I can find out

15 comments

Comments

commented by Resolute
14 July 2015

14 July 2015 17:48

Hello worriedrelative,
Sorry to hear that someone close to you has been diagnosed.. From memory (two yrs now) the surgeon was able to tell me after the lumpectomy that there was no node involvement, they tested sentinel nodes and then removed as a precaution even thought no cancer showed up there. They then sent a 'sample' of the tumor away to US for oncotype testing and it was on the basis of that result that I knew I didn't need chemo .. Only radiation.. They knew from the first biopsy in beast clinic that it was E+ (I think?) .. Hope this is of some use. Also I can't believe how fast the time since diagnosis has gone by and life is back to normal now with me rarely thinking of it at all Image removed. hopefully this will be the case for your loved one as well Image removed.
Resolute x

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 11:12

Thank you for your reply.

Good news is operation got rid of all her cancer, they found 'a trace' in lymph node (1). That, coupled with the fact tumour is HER+ means she will start her chemo shortly.

Chemo, Herceptin, Radium and then Hormone Drugs.

I shouldn't have consulted DR Google as it told me all manner of frightening things, but just have to be positive.

I am worried for my relative....she is saying it's great they got all the cancer, but what if traces of it spread before that. There is no mention of a full body scan etc.

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 11:31

Haven't been on here for a long time. I suppose life moves on. They probably won't do body scan but normally do ct, mri and bone scan. Don't worry about whether it may have spread, the doctors will be on top of that. Treatment is a journey but it's doable. It'll be three years in August since I was diagnosed and I'm living life to the full. Your relative is taking the right attitude, positivity. Don't have negative thoughts. None of us know what the future holds but we have to put our trust in the doctors who will make us better and ready to live life to the full again, post cancer diagnosis. I wish you all the strength in the journey but it'll be fine xxx

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 11:39

Thanks for that.

It was just so out of the blue, that is is hard to deal with.

All the talk of hair loss etc.

I've scared myself silly reading all the stuff about Her2+

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 11:51

You need to relax. I was her2+ and herceptin is a wonder drug and aren't we so lucky to have it. Breast cancer is very cureable and there are a lot worse cancers out there. As regards to the hair loss, it happens, you get over it. Get on the internet, order lovely hats, wig etc. Saves a fortune in hairdressers lol. If it starts to fall out best to shave it off as it's more distressing watching it fall out. My husband shaved mine and we had a laugh. My hair is all back to normal now. Please don't be looking at stuff on the Internet. The only thing I looked at was the Irish cancer society website. I don't know what hospital your relative is attending but The daffodil centres are fantastic. I do voluntary work in the one in St Vincent's. They will talk to family the patient and reassure them as best that they can. Your cancer support group is also fantastic. There's lots of support out there. Suss it out instead of looking at the Internet xx

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:12

Thanks for that.

It just takes a bit of getting used to.

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:17

Oh my God. Absolutely. You have days when you'll say 'why me' but then you'll shake yourself off and get on with it and be thankful that you are in the good position of getting treatment with a view to curing it which is great. Take every day at a time and use the supports that are out there, daffodil centres, cancer support etc. best of luck. You can pm me anytime. I'd be happy to help xx. Stay strong

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:33

Thank you. It's funny I am the one silently freaking out and I'm not the one going through it....I think those with cancer get an inner grace/strength to deal with it.

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:37

Quick question - if the surgeon says they got all all the cancer in the operation. Does that mean that all cells are gone and treatment is just precautionary.

Also they didn't tell what stage, I'm confused if she is 2 or 3

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:43

Yes I would think so. I had chemo first then lumpectomy but I had to go back in to get another bit taken away as they didn't get clear margins. Yes the chemo and rads are to make sure it doesn't come back She can ask what stage but it doesn't really matter as its gone

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 12:45

That's good to know.

Thanks for that.

I think she is only having chemo because of the HER2 status.

Before that due to size and everything else they were saying radium, that's why it's come as a little bit of a shock

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 14:32

Yes I was told that if I hadn't been her2+ I may not have has to have chemo but like me you'll look back in a few years and be glad you had it. Extra insurance xx

commented by worriedrelative
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 15:43

True. she had a follow up appointment today...it was a grade 3, that can be quite aggressive. it think stage 2.

commented by WicklowLady
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 17:05

Don't dwell too much on what stage it was as its gone now, doesn't matter. I think mine was stage 3 also. Onwards and upwards, positive thoughts x

commented by LindyLu
24 July 2015

24 July 2015 21:59

Worried relative, a cancer diagnosis is a shock. You enter a new world that you had not intended visiting and its daunting a first but after a few weeks and once a treatment plan is in place then things begin to settle down.

When first diagnosed I was obsessed with looking up Dr Google. It honestly frightened the crap out of me so avoid it!

As regards staging...that was another thing that got me until someone suggested that it is not what stage you are but how you respond to treatment. In addition staging is something that allows the medics to chart out the best course of treatment.

Her2+ unfortunately means chemo....it's just protocol. The hair loss is daunting but honestly once it's gone you get over it and it starts to grow back after about 12weeks.

One thing your relative should so is ask for a copy of their pathology report from the biopsy...she won't understand a lot of it but as ye get to know the terms and vocabulary your relative will understand better.

Hope this helps.

LindyLu

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