Anxious wait for breast surgery : Triple negative / Brca 1
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* To protect your identity do not use your full name.
27 posts since
8 Jan 2019
It’s been a while since I last posted but I have now completed my 6 rounds of chemotherapy for grade 3 Triple negative breast cancer.
I had the results back from my Mri scan which I had just before my final chemo, and I have had a complete response meaning that there is no evidence of the disease remaining.
My anxiety is from having to wait until 1st May for a wire guided biopsy and also an axillary node clearance as I had 2 nodes affected. I’m worried that the cancer may begin to grow back, as by the time I have the surgery it would have been almost 6 weeks since the last chemo.
During this time I have also received the dreaded news that I’m a Brca 1 carrier which was the most likely cause of my triple negative cancer.
My mum died 23 years ago of ovarian cancer.
I am 48 with 3 children 4, 5 and 12 and a lone parent with very little support around me.
My genetics counsellor told me I have a 50% chance of developing another primary breast tumour and a 40% chance of ovarian cancer.
I’m really worried about what to do for the best as my consultant said that my chance of a reoccurence is slim taking into account my complete response to chemotherapy hence I’m booked in for a lumpectomy as opposed to a double masectomy but genetics say different.
I had the cancer in both breasts and am due to have radiotherapy after surgery.
It was difficult deciding as I was pulled towards a double masectomy with reconstruction initially but have read theres no difference in survival rates between lumpectomy with radiation and masectomy and my major concern is also the practical side of things would make double masectomy very hard for me with no help on hand and with the children being so young.
It may mean that I go for the double mastectomy at a later date and just have what I’m booked in for now.
My breast nurse has also referred me to another hospital to discuss ovary removal because of the increased cancer risk with the brca gene.
I feel in a dark place right now and completely overwhelmed with everything.
I still can’t believe all this is happening to me.
Does anyone please have any advice please?
I’m constantly fearing that I won’t be around to see my children grow up and I can’t bear that thought.
Thanks
1827 posts since
11 May 2016
Hi mumof3angels,
I’m really glad that the chemo has worked although I’m sorry about the worries that are now playing on your mind as a result of finding out you’re a BRCA carrier.
Mnay of our breast cancer ladies have also found themselves with difficult decisions to make on their journeys and hopefully some of them will reply soon to share their thoughts and experiences with you.
Our cancer nurses are available by phone if you’d like to talk things through with them as well. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday – Friday between 9a.m – 5p.m.
Kind regards,
Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator
867 posts since
14 Dec 2018
Hello,
gosh what a lot to take in and deal with! My route was pretty straight forward ( thank goodness) lumpectomy, chemotherapy, rads, meds…..I’m currently halfway through chemo….
It must have been a total shock to find your carrying the gene. Do you have daughters?
Im also sorry to read your dealing with this on your own, this is all so difficult to deal with when you have support! I suppose we have no choice but to trust in our experts, and to hand ourselves over to them…..
I wish I had good solid advice but I can only offer support, this is a good safe place to rant , there are many of us breast ladies on here and I’m sure others will be along shortly……
And before I forget….I’m so pleased you’ve had a good response to chemotherapy! And I completely admire you going through it on your own with children to manage too…your amazing…..xxxx
27 posts since
8 Jan 2019
Hi Marlyn
Thanks for your reply and I’m glad you have reached the half way mark with your chemo.
I remember it being such a relief for me when I reached that stage.
It won’t be long now until your finished so keep that in mind when the going gets tough!
Regarding the Brca gene, Yes I have two daughters age 4 and 5 and a son age 12.
They are my world and that’s why this journey is so hard for me.
My double lumpectomy (wire guided biopsy) is booked for 30th April with a one night hospital stay and I am having axillary node clearance at the same time.
Radiotherapy will follow weeks later.
Since finding out about the Brca gene my anxiety has got worse, and I guess I’m worried about the 6 week delay from finishing chemo to having surgery which I was told was due to them having to wait for the wires.
I’m scared the cancer will grow back during this time and also all the breast pain since finishing chemo, although I guess these could be side effects from the chemo still.
Wishing you all the best for the remainder if your chemo.
Karen
Anxious wait for breast surgery : Triple negative / Brca 1
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