Beginning the Journey

I was diagnosed with TN on 10 September.  Had a lumpectomy on 22 September.  I have a great support network of mother, sisters (1 who is a BC survivior -not TN) and husband.  At 56 and scheduled to retire in the next 2 months, this was not part of the "plan".  Can someone help me to understand the fluid build up after the lumpectomy....when is it serious warranting doctor intervention?  I hear it sloshing when I walk and today suddenly I feel pain in the side. 

Thank you,  I was not aware of the brochure about TNBC.  I shall read it.  I was really having problems finding about TNBC.

I had a lymp in 2007 and never had any fluid build up so I would say call your surgeon's office now and let them know.  I would imagine it would not be anything serious, maybe just need draining but my oncologist and surgeon both told me to call with ANYTHING unusual.  I have never been bashful to do so and maybe would not have found out about my TN this February had I not.

thank you.  I talked with surgeon and was told not to worry unless I develop fever or redness, but will follow up with her on Monday. Joy

Hello and welcome

As a fellow "newbie" I am here too if ever I can lend an ear or answer any questions. The folks on this site are very supportive and helpful.

Like some of the others, I had a mastectomy so can't respond to your lump./swelling question though I did worry about some swelling around my mastectomy site after surgery. This is called a "seroma"; my doctor assured me it would go away over time and it did! though I understand sometimes they are drained if they persist.

Grades are important as part of the pathology report - there are detailed medical definitions on line but but it usually boils down to a score out of 3 for each tumour based on various criteria such as rate of growth, tumour patters etc. My grade was 3/3 on my TN tumour and 2/2 on my non-TN tumour. A lower number is better but it is only part of the picture e.g. your margins were clear which is very good!

Another thing to ask about is genetic testing to see if you have the mutation for the BRAC1/2 gene - Steve on this site is expert on this; I am in the middle of the testing process and would be happy to chat more about it.  

Tracy in Toronto

Hi and welcome,

Hi Fran: I responded to Joy that my stats were very similar to her and now I see similar to yours also. I was 61 years old when I was diagnosed after having had my annual mammogram and my tumor was 2.0 cm. and there was no lymph node involvement. Like you I had a lumpectomy and thought at first that radiation was the only follow-up treatment I would need. I resisted having chemo at first but went through with 4 cycles of taxotere and cytoxin just like you are having. It was not always easy but I got through it and am now trying to see myself as a survivor. You WILL get through this, just hang in there. Chris

Fran you must be me.  :)  I am 58 also.  Diagnosed during routine mammogram in late May.  tumor was 1 centimeter with no lymph node involvement.  Had lympectomy in June.  Went to Stanford for second opinion on chemo.  Also on taxotere and cytoxin.  Have had three treatments,  three weeks apart.  Also Neulasta on the day after treatment.  Have wanted to quit several times.  But the doctor and my children and husband have convinced me to continue.  It hasnt been easy for me.  I think the Neulasta is nearly as bad.  I start the 33 radiation treatments after this.  My last chemo is Wednesday the 6th. 

Wow! Always amazed how life brings people together. 4 cycles every 3 weeks were highly suggested. Prognosis very good plus I won't accept anything less. Very determined to get through this. Live 1 hour from Philadelphia and plan to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museaum and do a Rocky Balboa like the movie. Would you like to join me when our radiation is complete? Radiation will occur after chemo but not sure of # of treatments at this time. Neulasta vvery difficult drug for me. No matter what happens along this journey I am very focused on whatever it takes to get well. Have changed my diet and incorporated reflexology and chiropratic into the mix. Also considering Reiki. Have you tried any alternatives to compliment the chemo? Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Fran,

Try taking Claritin (regular, not D) to help with the bone pain from the Neulasta shot.  It seems to relieve the symptoms.

Donna