Early breast cancer

[Duvetdays15]

I've just been diagnosed with early breast cancer. I've had mammogram, biopsy and mri. The lump is 3cm. I am awaiting a tests on my lymph nodes. Then have been told lumpectomy, radiotherapy and /or chemotherapy. It's oestrogen and progesterone driven. I am on hrt, I'm perimenopausal. I also had a heart attack in 2021, so this is another worry with surgery and the amount of tablets I'm on. I'm looking for resources /help as to recovery, what should I be doing now. Did you all get assigned a nurse to speak to? I've had 2 consultant appointments but no support as such yet. How is recovery from the lumpectomy? They said I could be a day case, what's helpful afterwards? I'm also dreading coming off HRT.

[Happyrosie]

I’m assuming you live in the UK. I had thought all breast cancer patients were assigned a breast cancer nurse as soon as diagnosed.

However, don’t try to over-think things. There’s a lot to be done one stage at a time, and if your medical people tell you too much in advance is completely overwhelming.

Your oncologist should be talking to you. Always take someone with you to appointments to make sure you ask the right questions and they can write down, if needed, the answers.

I had a mastectomy and it was a day case.

There are several breast cancer charities that help. I think MacMillan is the most well known and you could contact them.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you. Yes I am in the UK. Maybe it's because I was the consultant privately? I too thought I would have a nurse I could speak with but there was has been no mention yet. I've only spoken to the consultant with the results of the mri and diagnosis.

[Happyrosie in reply to Duvetdays15]

Hmm yes maybe! In the NHS - at least in my area - a diagnosis always goes to the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) for review and to make sure the different teams (surgery oncology radiation) are all on board.

Do speak to MacMillan!

[Lovetheoutdoors]

I had a diagnosis of breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I didn't require radiotherapy or chemotherapy. So although my story is not the same as yours I wanted to give you reassurance by saying the cancer episode in my life was 37 years ago when I was 39.. when I was diagnosed I needed reassurance. Life goes on albeit physically I'm different. But you know what. I'm more of a woman than I ever was before. I wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery. X

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Lovetheoutdoors]

Thank you so much.

[ks1966]

Hello

A few years ago, my partner was diagnosed with breast cancer. The critical factor to consider is lymph node involvement—whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This determination guides the treatment approach, i.e., whether you undergo chemotherapy, surgery and or radiotherapy. Even if the lymph nodes are affected, the number of nodes effected matters. A test called fine needle biopsy checks for cancer in the lymph nodes before the operation, but it can be inaccurate. In our case, it showed a false negative result. As it turned out, my partner had four affected lymph nodes. The best course of action is to check them during surgery. If the tests are positive, you me surgeon will proceed with lymph removal. Additionally, there’s a new Geentic test to assess whether chemotherapy will be effective for you, potentially sparing you from its harsh effects. Lastly, consider looking up ‘PREDICT’ online; it provides insights into prognosis and outlook.

Please note that on the positive side, your cancer is ER-positive, which means you will be on medication for 5-10 years to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. This approach has been a game-changer in the treatment of breast cancer. There are so many options available, and breast cancer, if detected earlier, is not a death sentence.

Best of luck 🙏😍

[Duvetdays15 in reply to ks1966]

Thank you for your reply. I am hopefully having a test this week to see if it's affected the lymph nodes.

[wackier]

I can agree with you here my lumpectomy after mamogram was in the private sector because of waiting lists transfer to NHS for further node clearance went smoothly and the surgeons are great but the rest of the team I have never spoken to a breast nurse here and i have only spoken to/met my oncologist 2 times. Radiology was brilliant but I refused chemo so maybe that is my problem currently trying to find meds that work. I'm only 7 months in so early days.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to wackier]

Thank you for your reply. Can I ask why you refused chemo? I do wonder if all the treatments they say they need to do are needed. Obviously I want the best outcome but is it all necessary?

[wackier in reply to Duvetdays15]

Yes I am 76 fit and healthy before finding my lump, I walk the dog daily and care for my husband who has various health issues. Chemo really damages your microbiome among other things and to be told I needed a further booster for C when at the time I was fully covered and I believe it has screwed up the immune system., my intuition said no. Further research says it does not work for 50% of the time and would only make an extra 5% to my outcome. I hope this answers your question as I feel let down by my oncology team but have a positive outlook and mantra that God/the Universe has my back and I am here for a purpose

[Vgrady76]

Hi hun, I had BC, ER + Her2-, Stage2, age 42yr Lumpectomy left breast 3cm, 3x weeks of Radiotherapy , Lumpectomy was not bad at all, day case, your lymph nodes will determine your treatment, if you have cancer present, than Chemotherapy may be a possibility.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Vgrady76]

Thank you for your reply. Fingers crossed the lumpectomy isn't too bad, hopefully I'm having a test this week to check the lymph nodes to see if one or two operations are needed. I take it the lumpectomy is keyhole surgery and you are asleep?

[smithtennyson]

I had a lumpectomy last year, was supposed to be day surgery, but I'm not good with anaesthetics so they kept me in overnight. It was stage 2 and 12mm in size. The lymph nodes were clear but they had not taken enough of the margins around the cancer so I had to have it done again. Then radiotherapy. Recovery was a few days, although again with me it was the after effects of the anaesthetic which was more of a problem. Mcmillan were useless, this site was more informative for me, as it dragged on for months (long story). I am however surprised you are actually still on hrt and would clarify with the consultant that this is ok as I thought that did the complete opposite to helping your cancer. Don't fret over the operation though, I'm sure it will go better than you expect x

[Duvetdays15 in reply to smithtennyson]

Hi I've spoken to the consultant about hrt, she said I could stay on it for now, as it's a lot to deal with all at once. I will have to come off it as like you say it does the opposite to the treatment. I am dreading coming off it it's helped me in so many ways feel better, but now this!

[smithtennyson in reply to Duvetdays15]

My radiology was 5 days, of 5 minutes and I used H2K Cucumber body lotion (it was designed by a family who have all gone through breast cancer), that was cooling and I didn't have any problems with it, as I usually use it anyway. The hot flushes tend to be worse with me, and I've already gone through the menopause once

[dyevooshka]

I had my lumpectomy and removal of Sentinel node Feb 2023. I was ready for a week of bedrest but felt pretty good the day after. Yes- tired. Lots of long naps. I tried going for a walk the second day and realized that was too soon...dizzy and nauseous from anesthesia still in my system, but day 3 was fine. No need for pain meds. Be seated the first time uou look under the bandages because swelling and discoloration are a bit shocking. I felt like Napoleon for the first couple of weeks going for walks because I was favoring my left side, holding my shoulder and arm close to my body with my hand in my coat pocket to cut down on the vibration of each step. It is a distant memory now. Healed for a month before starting radiation. Do apply intense moisturizer to your skin after raduation treatments. Expect the moisturuzer to stain your tshirts (Aquaphor is greasy but excellent.) My skin did start to peel weeks after finishing radiation (underneath my nipple, which was not affected by my lumpectomy) and this was painful. But it healed. After 15 days 1x weekly of radiation therapy I started on Anastrozole. I enrolled at YMCA in free LIVESTRONG exercise program for cancer survivors and it was the best experience ever...socially. emotionally and physically. After the 3 months I joined the Y and continued the exercises on my own. I've been taking one Anastrozole pill each morning since last May. Afternoon naps are my daily habit. From diagnosis to now is a night and day feeling. Cancer is not the end! Follow doctors' advice and get back to your normal life and continue where you left off, thankful , healthy and active. Pretty amazing.Hugs, love and healing vibrations coming your way!

[Duvetdays15 in reply to dyevooshka]

Thank you for your positive response. It's good to hear the lumpectomy isn't too bad. Do you just wear your normal bra afterwards? Or is too painful? Did you find anything helped. The cream you mention is this something that's prescribed or recommended?

[dyevooshka]

I wore my regular bra. The Aquaphor was recommended by other patients.

[Albionrfx]

Hello Duvetdays15, so sorry to hear about your new diagnosis of early breast cancer. I was in your shoes in 2016 and I’m still here to tell the tale. “Take one day at a time” or even “a step at a time “. I know it’s a cliche but it’s true, it works!

The MacMillan nurses are brilliant, the breast care clinic are excellent, take every care they offer whether medical, holistic, mental or physical.

My oncologist was very respectful of my wishes. I opted for radiotherapy only and I tried the tamoxifen and Letrozole for two years after the lumpectomy surgery. But my Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and osteoporosis were getting more painful so I had to come off those pills.

I practice lots of mindfulness and breathing techniques to help me cope with what this life throws at me. I’m sure you will get lots of advice about staying positive etc….

I wish you well, stay strong,

Sending lots of love and gentle hugs your way,

Albionrfx

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Albionrfx]

Thank you for your reply. That's good to know you can opt for treatment rather than having to do everything. So far I've only seen my consultant. Did you contact Mac Millan yourself? I've had no offer of support and not seen an oncologist yet.

[Albionrfx in reply to Duvetdays15]

In the Uk, under the NHS you get assigned to a MacMillan care plan which could involve a few nurses at the breast clinic… so make sure you get the support you need. As you went private in the beginning, you may have to ask your GP or the consultant you saw to refer you to the breast care clinic etc…

Sorry I can’t be of any more help, take care,

Best wishes,

MLT

(Albion rfx)

[Susanbarratt]

I am just about to start my five days of radiotherapy at Mount Vernon. I ended up having three lumpectomies to make sure all the cancer was removed. My treatment has been excellent right from diagnosis. Every member of my team has been supportive. I have a very positive attitude thanks to their positivity. My grandmother had breast cancer at the same age and lived to be 92 dying of heart failure.