Holy smokes

timerdog

I just wanted to share a positive ( in the scheme of cancer anyway ) experience. I was DX on dec 17th on the 23rd I had my MX for a large multifocal tumor ( P2 was 5.5 cm). My surgeon took out 18 nodes. I was warned by others that despite going through a SNB that my surgeon would probably take out my nodes and he did. I was scared when I woke from the surgery and he told me that my nodes lit up with "abnormal cell activity" which is why he took as many as he did. 

As it turns out my nodes were clear, no cancer in them ( that the positive part ). I also found out today that I am er+ and pr+ but my HER is still unknown. I was not treated in a cancer center but in a small town hospital. I know I rushed into having my MX but the timing was good for me and damn I just wanted this cancer out of me. I guess now I have chemo and rads to look forward to.

Take care all,

Trish 

BarbaraA

((((HUGS)))) for you gal! So glad it is over!

mdg

Trish,  I am glad you got some "good" cancer news.  It's all so overwhelming as I got dx on 12/13.  I am glad you are doing well...I will hope you get more good news too!

misfit

That's fantastic news! I'm so glad things are going well. You have a great attitude so I think you'll do fine through chemo and rads, and you'll find lots of support here if you need it.

DiDel

Trish

Glad you feel so at peace with your decision. Getting the cancer out is definitely the first big step...keeping out is the next. Congrats on negative nodes. I lit up too during my SNB mainly because I had my period during surgery, but luckily only lost 7 nodes including all 6 SN. You seem to have a good positive attitude which will carry you far! Be sure to talk to your docs about getting your Oncotype DX Recurrent Score. You can go to oncotypedx.com for more information on this test but in a nutshell it is a genomic test on your tumor and will help in the decision for chemo or no chemo. If you had a mx and clear nodes you shouldn't need rads but again something to discuss with your oncologist. You will most likely discuss Tamoxifen since you are ER+. Its a hormne therapy and there is lots of information about it on this site.

 I am lucky to live in Baltimore with lots of big medical facilities and cancer centers. One thing I loved the most from the cancer center I went to was the patient advocate which helps you with all your insurance referrals and everything you need to get approval for treatments and procedures before you get them. I swear that took a huge burden off my shoulders cause I knew I wasn't going to be fighting with the insurance company but focusing on treatment. Just something to think about when you move forward with an oncologist. Which you will have for life so pick a good one. I interviewed 3 before making my decision. I also met with 2 plastic surgeons prior to my exchange surgery and have had two revisions and am not very happy with how reconstruction has gone so far. I did do 4 rounds of chemo as a preventative based on my oncotype dx score and the peace of mind it gave me to know I have done all I can to battle BC.

Glad you found us!! and good luck in your journey.

Stay Strong!

Diane

misfit

DiDel - I think it's difficult to get the Oncotype test if you're Canadian. I looked into this and if I recall correctly in Ontario you have to pay for the test up front (about $5,000) and then apply for reimbursement.

supersally

I'm glad for you that you were able to have surgery so quickly.  I just wanted to chime in regarding my experience with cervical cancer.  I, too, had surgery within a time frame to make your head spin - 2 wks from dx to tx.  The positive side was that I had those cancer cells removed so quickly, the negative was that I didn't have adequate time to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for all that it would mean to lose my uterus at a relatively young age when I had not had children.  Anyway, glad things are going well so far for you.

 My BLMX is scheduled for 1/31, so I have some time.  I prefer to think of it positively as a benefit for me to get my ducks in a row and do my homework.

Hoping for quick healing for you!