Breast Cancer Care Forum

Thanks Michele. its lovely to hear that there actually is an alternative route and I hope that it has been successful for you.  I intend to get some more info on my lymph node results and would be grateful if you don’t mind me asking you questions.  I do get the impression that they are concerned about the lymph nodes leading up to the neck need more investigation , hence the CT scan and the Oncologist saying that Radiotheraphy May be required for 3 rather than 2 areas. How are you now ? Xx ... View more

Hi Nikki, Hello from a person with the same dilemma. I agreed to the Optima trial yesterday , offered after 6/16 nodes affected. Lumpectomy for a 12mm  stage 3 . I was horrified when told my node removal would require chemo or the chance to opt for the Optima. Oncologist could not comment or help me to make my decision and wanted my answer in 3 days ! I decided that if the tumour/ lymph nodes were being looked at again , it was worth going for , now I am waiting to see what the outcome will be , chemo or hormone . i also had to attend a CT scan for chest , abdomen and pelvis , so if that shows any more spread I will not be eligible for the trial. Scary stuff.😳 what did you do ? I see that your post was January. I would love to hear if you opted for it .x ... View more

Hi Badboob,  spent all day 9-4 at hospital today. Heart scan , seroma drain, oncology doctor to give my decision , CT scan phew!  Got home and slept for 2 hours , absolutely drained . Wow , the Oncology dept is very sobering I agree . I felt very emotional sitting there. I kept thinking that will be me in a few weeks. I am always so grateful and polite to all staff in all depts for all the care they are giving me , but, for some unknown reason ( very out of character) my prickles go up with the Oncology doctor . I just can’t help it , I am very curt with her . We have only had 2 very short sessions and I don’t dislike her. I feel so bad when I get home about my behaviour / attitude . There have been 2 oversights on my treatment info , which she has apologised for ,but I don’t think this is the reason for my attitude . I just can’t explain it at all ! I would be interested to hear if anyone else has this irrational attitude . Now waiting the results of CT scan , heart is Ok, and I have opted for the Optima trial which looks further into the need for chemo and treat with hormone therapy , but am advised that my chances of dodging chemo are very slim☹️ Going back to work on Monday  yay 😁 ... View more

Hi Badboob, Pleased to hear that you have surgery booked  - YAY! I will follow the thread as I have absolutely no idea about anything to do with Chemo apart from needing a wig . I will have more idea on the dates after Thursday , but am opting for the research study option which is designed to  predict if Chemo will be of benefit to me or if it can be safely avoided and dealt with by hormones   Good luck with the Maggie Centre , I hope it is worthwhile xx ... View more

Hi Badboob  appointment today for results and seroma drained. Professor Benson asked about care after discharge and was quite cross when I explained what had happened. He wants it looked into !!!! Got to have Chemo now as 6 out of 16 nodes affected .  The clinic was running smoothly with loads of staff and no sign of any pressure .  I would have asked if they were busy , but my Chemo news left me very shocked 😨  ps I had 2 surgeons , one for boob Alessio ( he is so nice) and Prof Benson for lymph nodes.  I cant fault either of them , they are so lovely and very caring . If you get either of them you will be fine .  Perhaps we will bump into each other one day 😊 ... View more

Hi Anika, Went to my appointment for results today ☹️ No further surgery , seroma drained ( ahh) and follow up appointment for another drain on Thursday . Result  breast clear , 6 of the 16 lymph nodes removed were affected . Chemo needed 😖 that was a shock . I was told I would only need radiotheraphy before the op . Went straight into to see the Oncology doc  to explain a little about chemo (EC) Given all the paperwork to read through and appointment to see her again on Thursday after the seroma drain.  The clinic was running smoothly , no signs of being under pressure.  So now I will be going down the Chemo road , any tips from anyone will be gratefully received.  I hope your op goes well on the 5th .    ... View more

Ouch,  I have a seroma  developed this weekend and it is a nightmare . Last night I had very little sleep 2 hours and my mood is so low today due to the pain and discomfort . I am at the hospital tomorrow and am hoping they can help as painkillers are not doing anything . Is draining something you can have done at GPs surgery or is it always a hospital visit ?? ... View more

Hi, I am due at the hospital for results etc on Monday 11th. so I will let you know what happens and how busy they are . Fingers crossed,  I dont have to go back to surgery ! I have been discharged from the community nurses today and they are amazed at how quickly my wounds have healed. Drain & stitch pieces came on Tuesday , but still very sore and anxious about Monday. Started to feel a bit more human and less of an invalid ! YAY!     ... View more

Hi , I am 12 days post op and only just started to feel a little bit normal . WES and lumpectomy on right side . The scar feels enormous and very bruised and my inner arm and boob is still completely numb .  I have been signed off work for 2 weeks hoping to return on Tuesday 12th . I really can’t see how that is going to happen . Still so sore by midday with what feels like sandpapered skin and my attention span is zero . I need to concentrate as I deal with Health & Safety in the construction industry.  I understand exactly how you feel as I am always so positive and am now worried about how long it is going to be before I feel normal again . I plan to get these questions answered on Monday at my hospital appointment.  I just wanted you to know you are not alone and I was eager to let you know that I feel quite useless and unable to be able to perform  properly when I get back to work  xx ... View more

Hi Anika , Sending you hugs for your upcoming surgery. I agree although its a very good service , it can be very matter of fact . I spoke to the nurses on the phone re aftercare and I felt that I was back at school after one conversation. There are brilliant at Addenbrookes and the surgery day went so much better than I had anticipated. They put you at ease so quickly , before you know it , you are back on the ward with offers of pain relief , food and drink and going home. There is no rush , you just recover at your own pace .  The community nurses are now coming out to me and they are just great , very down to earth and nothing is too much trouble. My drain comes out today and I cant wait  - Shackles are coming off . Hoping all goes well ,i am sure it will . xx ... View more

Thank you for your replies . My GP surgery have now found my discharge doc and referred me to the community nurses. I am having the dressings looked at this evening as I am sure they are causing pinching . Phew 😅 what a relief .  It appears that the surgery had overlooked the referral , lucky I didn’t just leave it to deal with myself . ... View more