Guest guest Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 I have just fininshed my 5th of 6 chemos and trying to figure out what surgery I want (need)... I went to a 2nd opinion clinic at the hospital yesterday that was great. Over 5 hours I met with a medical oncologist, a radiologist and a surgeon. I got a huge amount of info but not what I really wanted to hear. The truth was hard. I had heard it all before but not all together. I was trying to avoid radiation but that is not going to happen and I need a mastectomy since the chance of getting it all in a lumpectomy is very small. My tumor was 5cm and very aggressive with satellites around the main. I didn't realize what that meant for the future but when discussing the likely reoccurance risk with or without radiation the doctor said " 10% with radiation and 20 to 25% without " ...1 in 4? 1 in 10? I have really been focused on getting this done and putting it up a a blip and getting on with my life. I guess that was the first time I realized this is a life long deal. The thought of having to do all this again in my life is overwhelming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 A second opinion is always good. You can't dwell on what MIGHT happen. It will drive you crazy. I had my surgery 5/24/1990. I was told there was a 60% chance of it coming back and also a possibility of leukemia somewhere down the road as a side effect of one of my chemos. So far I am doing ok. I will keep you in my prayers., Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com 2nd Opinion... I have just fininshed my 5th of 6 chemos and trying to figure out what surgery I want (need)... I went to a 2nd opinion clinic at the hospital yesterday that was great. Over 5 hours I met with a medical oncologist, a radiologist and a surgeon. I got a huge amount of info but not what I really wanted to hear. The truth was hard. I had heard it all before but not all together. I was trying to avoid radiation but that is not going to happen and I need a mastectomy since the chance of getting it all in a lumpectomy is very small. My tumor was 5cm and very aggressive with satellites around the main. I didn't realize what that meant for the future but when discussing the likely reoccurance risk with or without radiation the doctor said " 10% with radiation and 20 to 25% without " ...1 in 4? 1 in 10? I have really been focused on getting this done and putting it up a a blip and getting on with my life. I guess that was the first time I realized this is a life long deal. The thought of having to do all this again in my life is overwhelming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.11/496 - Release Date: 10/24/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 My heart goes out to you. Big decisions to make. I understand what you mean when you say it's all so overwhelming - we've all been there and it's an awful place to be. The only advice I can offer is to try and step back a bit and take each step individually. Looking at the big picture is daunting. Funny, I'm offering the exact same advice that I " try " to do every day in my life. Glad that you've gotten a second opinion. Good luck in making your treatment decisions. Keep in touch and I look forward to hearing from you again. Ellen > > I have just fininshed my 5th of 6 chemos and trying to figure out > what surgery I want (need)... > > I went to a 2nd opinion clinic at the hospital yesterday that was > great. Over 5 hours I met with a medical oncologist, a radiologist > and a surgeon. I got a huge amount of info but not what I really > wanted to hear. The truth was hard. I had heard it all before but > not all together. > > I was trying to avoid radiation but that is not going to happen and I > need a mastectomy since the chance of getting it all in a lumpectomy > is very small. > > My tumor was 5cm and very aggressive with satellites around the > main. I didn't realize what that meant for the future but when > discussing the likely reoccurance risk with or without radiation the > doctor said " 10% with radiation and 20 to 25% without " ...1 in 4? 1 > in 10? > > I have really been focused on getting this done and putting it up a a > blip and getting on with my life. I guess that was the first time I > realized this is a life long deal. > > The thought of having to do all this again in my life is overwhelming. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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