Lumpectomy March 18, 2014 ER+ PR+ Oncotype 43

MTDeborah

Hello Ladies,

My name is Deborah.  I'm 51 years old, a grandmother to one, and have another one on the way (grandchildren of course!)!  I'd sure appreciate any information, guidance and advice.  I haven't mastered Breast Cancer lingo, so please bear with me.  There's no cancer in either side of my family (maternal or paternal).  I want your advice please!  What to expect from chemotherapy and radiation.  SIckness, hair loss (when to cut), how to prevent nausea (other than medication), how long after each treatment should I expect to be sick.  When will my hair grow back?  Will radiation make me sick?  Will radiation continue to cause my hair to fall out.  What to do with my disfigured girl?  Just be HONEST with me please.  So many people I know have died from cancer.  I'm not over the edge mentally, but getting close.  Thank you for any information.    Deborah in Montana  

Lumpectomy on 18 March 2014

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Tumor size:  1.9 CM

An additional Ductal Carcinoma IN SITU (removed at same time)

Pathology:  Positive for lymphatic space invasion

Sentinel Node:  Negative

ER+ 94%

PR+ 74%

HER-

Grade 2 intermediate

Oncotype DX Score 43

Chemotherapy to begin this next week (April 7-11)

Taxotere

Cyclophosphamide

Every 3 weeks x 4 rounds (3 mos.)

Neulasta shot on day 2 of each round

Radiation for 7 weeks

Removal of uterus and ovaries after radiation.

doxie

MTDeborah,

So sorry you have to join us here, but we will try to help however we can.  

Yes, there is a lot to learn. I'd suggest taking it in small pieces by first starting with chemotherapy.  In the Chemotherapy forum, there may already be a thread started for those starting chemo in April.  If not, it's good to start a thread.  Or you can joint one that started earlier and learn from those who are a month ahead of you.  Since you have already had your lumpectomy, you may want to go to Surgery forum and visit threads on reconstruction or other topics. 

Also bc.org has a great deal of information to help you learn the lingo, understand what you may experience, and how to manage it.  Use the search option.  It is a simple way of finding what you need.  

Moderators

Hi Deborah. We're sorry you have to be here, but want to say welcome!

Besides doxies' great advise, you may also want to take a look at the Breast Cancer 101 section of our main site, designed to help you sort through all of the information on our site to find what is more relevant to you right now.

Hope this helps!

The Mods

jeb1959

Hi.  I cannot speak to the chemotherapy questions because I only did radiation after my lumpectomy in the winter/spring of 2010.  Radiation did not make me sick nor did I experience any hair loss.  By the end, I was just a bit more fatigued than usual.  The breast that had the BC is a bit smaller now than the other but, when you choose breast conservation surgery, that might be the end result.  I wear a bra with some light padding/form to it and it's not at all noticeable. I was 50 at the time I was diagnosed with ER+, PR+ and HER2- like you.  My oncotype score was lower which is why I did not do the chemo.  I'm four years out and recently had my uterus and ovaries removed, too. I was already in menopause so it hasn't been too bad though the recovery is a bit longer than I thought and I am in good physical shape and health.  It's a long road but you will make it.  Hang in there.  Feel free to send any private messages if you'd like.

MTDeborah

Dear Doxie,

Thank you so much for the information and kind response.  You're right, I didn't want to be part of this group.  No one would.  Just sayin' how I feel right now...which is down in the dumps. 

Deborah

doxie

MTDeborah,

It's ok to feel down right now.  Getting diagnosed with BC is not a pleasant event.  Things will get better when you go into fighting mode against the disease.  It is really good you have found us.  Please jump in and participate.  In this community someone will relate to whatever you are feeling and going through.  Many will have excellent answers to whatever question you pose.  The best, I have found, is that in time, even though you may be suffering, you can offer a bit of advice to help someone else.  And it is helpful to have a place to vent to people who completely understand what you are saying.  Initially I found it really hard to join in conversations, as a shy, former High Plains gal, but I'm over that now.