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[Trey]

I think a letdown is totally expected and you'll just move through it, especially as you see improvement.  Hope the appt. brings your mood up.  Not an easy time.  I'm not the best one to talk right now, but I just want to tell you I do admire your attitude, but you must allow yourself some down time and then move back to the positive.

[grumpy2008]

Yes, you are absolutely right Trey, and very wise 

I check myself each morning as I wake up, to see how I'm feeling, and if it's a less-than-good-day then I try to accept that. I'm thankful that I have plenty of support from family & friends. Hopefully I'll feel better again tomorrow. One day at a time, for all of us x

[CLKD]

If I do any forward movement with the affected arm (Surgery in 1996); i.e. weeding the borders, I find that the nerves under the arm tingle and I have to remind myself that it is because I have 'overdone' it!  Also, where the drain was in situ, if I press the area, it is still sore   

Hope everything goes OK tomorrow, who is going with you to the appt.?

[grumpy2008]

Thanks CLKD - I know it'll never go back to how it was 100%, but it's good to know it will settle down  . Hubby will be with me again tomorrow. Bless him, he's been through a lot this past few weeks, it's not been easy for him either.

[grumpy2008]

I have my pathology results - 1.8cm tumour, grade 1, no nodes involved (0/3), oestrogen/progesterone receptor positive, herceptin receptor negative. There is one more result that I have to go back on Friday for... they still need to test the margin of the tissue that was removed.

Chemo is therefore unlikely, thank goodness, and radiotherapy will be in about a month's time, with tamoxifen (probably) for 5 years afterwards.

Phew! I do have a sense of relief. Fingers crossed for Friday!

Thanks again everyone, for allowing me to come here and offload a little. Although I wouldn't wish it on anyone, perhaps this thread will help someone else at some point in the future. If I can get through this then anyone can .

[Taz2]

Thanks for letting us know Grumpy - good news in that no nodes affected and no chemo needed either. This thread will be invaluable I am sure!

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Same treatment protocol as I went through then.  I opted for a 'tatoo' on the areas where the laser beam would be pointing, so that the radiation treatment is given in exactly the same place each time.  You won't glow in the dark  , I was however advised to keep away from very young children and very old people until 3 weeks after the last treatment.  I found that the treated area became sore and I was given a steroid cream to be used very sparingly.  It looked as though I had sat in the sun too long on one side  .

Make sure that you are told all the pros and cons of Tamoxifen  by the Consultant or Breast Care Nurse 

[honeybun]

Such good news for you.

My sis in law had similar treatment although she had one breast removed. She considered reconstructive surgery but she changed her mind and is happy to stay as she is.

Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.

You have been an inspiration.

Honeyb
X

[Firewalker50]

Hi Grumpy

I am not sure what oestrogen/progesterone receptive negative means or herceptin receptor negative.
I think some women are given Herceptin (my friend was) as part of the treatment.

.......... but fantastic it seems to be contained with minimum treatment involved.
And interesting that it is the same treatment as CLKD received.

Thank you so much for sharing your story.  I, for one, feel as if I have walked alongside you.  Look forward to hearing your progress.

Fx

[Trey]

Grumpy, yeah!  On the road back.  I've known several friends on Tamoxifen who had no problem with it and were actually on longer than five years.  It is now being given to many, in US anyway, as a preventative to those with a strong history of BC.

As you recover and your other lymph nodes get used to picking up a little more of the lymph fluid you should be having less difficulty with swelling.  Just like when a person has one kidney removed, the remaining kidney grows in size.  At least that is what I think will happen.  The body is amazing in its ability to adapt in time.

You continue to inspire me.  I've been way low lately and your posts help me get off the pity pot.  You are entitled to down times, but so glad you basically have been so positive.  Good OH sure helps.

[CLKD]

My breast disease is triggered by oestrogen.  Therefore I was advised not to have any HRT.  I had taken HRT briefly many years prior to the diganosis.  Will never know if there was a connection.

Continue to take care of you 

[grumpy2008]

Oh ladies, you don't know how good it feels to come in here and talk!!! I appreciate each and every one of you .

honeyb, my mum had a mastectomy and never looked back... it never seemed to get her down, and she just saw it as part of her treatment. My grandmother also had a mastectomy and when I was little I wore the mastectomy cup (that she put in her bra) as a hat! Haha! My grandmother told me that's what it was... she had a wicked sense of humour  .

Firewalker, it's taken me a little while to get my head around the jargon, just because I didn't want to face it at first. But the 'receptor status' of the cancer cells determines the type of treatment. Mine responds to oestrogen and progesterone. I kind of expected that, it is the most common type of breast cancer, but also it was the same for my mum. And I do think there's a family connection there somewhere, just not sure what yet.

Trey, so sorry to hear you've been low lately... on the days I feel down I basically wait for the next day in the hope I'll feel a bit brighter again. One day at a time. I hope it's the same for you, and that you'll have brighter days very, very soon. Be good to yourself 

CLKD, I've avoided HRT too. I also avoided the contraceptive pill, which my mum blamed for her cancer. But my gut feeling is that it's sooooo complicated that there's no simple solution. That's why i was SO angry at first - I did everything I was told - no smoking, hormones, eat well, drink in moderation etc - and it still happened. Grr. We asked the nurse about dietary changes yesterday, because of the possible connection between dairy and breast cancer (it's been in the news again) but they advise 'everything in moderation'. She said come women do go on restrictive diets but then suffer the stress of cravings! Sigh. There's no way to know for sure what effect anything has or will have on us, we can just do our best.

Sorry, long post! Sun is shining and I have a friend coming round soon. Have a lovely day, everyone.



It's a bit fuzzy, but here's me age 4-ish, wearing that errr 'hat'!!!

[CLKD]

   .......  oh what a cutey

I didn't smoke, drink, indulge in much more than the odd chocolate or several and after my diagnosis, several people asked whether I would alter my diet.  Well, no .......... why?  We are what we are.  I had enough on my plate  with treatment sessions and appts. to worry about my diet 

Enjoy(ed) yourself with your friends!

[grumpy2008]

I had an appointment with my surgeon today.

The margins weren't clear and I have a choice between another lumpectomy (which includes removal of the nipple) or mastectomy. I have a week to make a decision.

 

Does it ever end???

[Trey]

If it were me, I'd have a bilateral mastectomy.  You would not believe how many doctor's wives did this as a preventative and my mother did it as well at 84 years old. I'd rather be balanced if I had a choice and not have to think about it again. I'm so sorry that this is continuing.