Help! New here...

Just diagnosed and hoping to find others that went through the same. I have a ductal carcinoma stage 3 and I have been told I will go through a mastectomy. My doctor said that after the surgery they will decide the rest of the treatment based on the sentinel lymph node biopsy results. I am feeling a little lost, what should I expect?

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I had a mastectomy earlier this year and during the surgery my sentinel lymph nodes tested negative. But, the more detailed biopsy after was positive, so I did went through chemo in the end - if that is what you are worried about. You case might be different (fingerscrossed), but feel free to ask anything.

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Same with my sister, we only found out that she needed chemo after the surgery. Not sure what stage was hers, but she is doing fine! Do you have family close by to support you?

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On my case the tissue removed on the surgery tested negative for the usual hormone receptors, meaning I have a triple negative breast cancer. Chemo is the main treatment when you have this type of cancer, because the cells don't respond to hormones. I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes...

[sue-mar]

Hi Yes you will have to wait for node test before they decide what treatment is best. I had triple negative breast cancer stage 3, not spread to lymph nodes but I had Chemo first to shrink lump then I had a lumpectomy which meant I didnt need whole breast removed because chemo totally got rid of any trace of the lump. I had triple negative breast cancer also. After all this I did have radio therapy too.

My advice would be is to write down your questions and give them to your surgeon on the next appointment, because unfortunately sometimes they rush through and you walk out forgetting to ask what you wanted. I wish you the best and you will need support, also get information on groups and help for during and more importantly after treatment.i don't know where you are but there are things going on at kings cancer centre and at st thomas hos. Also there is the Haven.

I wish you the best and keep us posted

Xx

[julesab]

I was diagnosed in 2010, had a mastectomy and lymph node removal where some where cancerous. I then had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, six months later I had reconstruction and a few months later nipple reconstruction and tattooing around. I was on tamoxifen for five years and now on letrozole for 3 uears!. I have been okmwith the breast but was also diagnosed with lung cancer and recently have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis (not related so they say !!) I went back to full time employment. So your journey may just be beginning and long but you will come through. Good luck