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I had my appointment with the surgeon this afternoon to go through the results. Although it was believed from the mammogram and ultrasound that the tumour was about 2.5cm, it was actually about 4.5cm with no clear margins on 4 sides. I had 5 sentinel nodes removed and of those, 2 showed up cancerous and 1 had signs of cancer. Hormone receptor positive for both oestrogen and progesterone, but negative for HER. So, Monday afternoon I’m back at St Andrews for a full mastectomy and axillary clearance (removal of lymph nodes from the armpit). I will be in hospital for 3-4 days and back home for a longer recovery. At some stage after that, I will see the oncologist and work out a treatment strategy – definitely hormone treatment, almost certainly radiation therapy, possibly chemo. I won’t know for sure until the oncologists appointment.
I know that the anxiety levels will increase the closer I get to Monday afternoon but at the moment, although I can’t really say I feel “better”, I at least feel more settled about the results. Not what I had hoped for, but could have been worse. It is what it is.
One of the hardest things has been seeing the kids falter after the phone call came in yesterday. Dave, however, has been a rock, although I’m sure that it isn’t particularly easy for him, either.
I’m not looking forward to the next few months but I can only put my trust in the medical team treating me and get through it the best I can. One step at a time…
Again, the support from people around me has been amazing. I’ve had cards and well wishes as well as lots of texts and facebook messages. I’m sorry if I don’t always answer them or that my answers are brief. I know that people care and that means a lot to me – I just don’t always know how to respond or just can’t. And my lovely friend, Katy, not only has one of my children for nearly two days but sends home meals and flowers! So, thank you to all of you who are thinking of our family. I know that your support will help us get through this.
Sorry to hear your news…its not what you, your family and friends needed to hear, what can anyone say apart from we love you and want you to pull through with amazing results
Thanks, Lone. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the surgery but I’ll do what it takes.
Dear Gaye, you will be in our thoughts throughout Monday and we hope all will go as well as possible. With all our love, The Alexanders xxx
Thanks, Katy and thank you for all you’ve done.
The anxiety is ramping up but this time tomorrow the surgery will be over and I’ll probably feel too lousy to care!