29 Jan 08 - I told the herbalist that I felt like dying and was told to go the hospital and have fluid drawn from my lungs. Up till now, I still thought that the cough was the cause of the fluid build-up in the lungs.
I learnt from someone that it was an easy procedure that took only half an hour to complete, and if there was no infection, I could go straight home.
My cousin and his wife sent me to Changi Hospital A&E. I had a chest x-ray taken and when the MO saw it, he said, 'Oh, I cannot send you home like that. You have to be admitted.' The top part of the lungs could be clearly seen, but the lower half were all blurred. It was a long wait for a bed.
Dr A came and told me he'd seen my x-ray but they would not be tapping (draw) the fluid from my lungs, because, according to him, the fluid is not that much even when I told him that the MO at A&E said it was a lot. I was short-of-breath (sob), so I was put on oxygen.
Then, he started asking why I went to Changi, why did I not go to SGH where my records were, and that the fluid in my lungs were cancer-related. At that time, I was still so ignorant that I didn't know why he was going on about my cancer, but I did know that Changi is near my home, and it was such an easy procedure, so why can't I come to Changi?
Then, Dr K said he understood from Dr A that the fluid was low, so they won't be doing the tapping. I told him that the MO at A&E thought it was a lot and that's why I was warded. He admitted that he had not seen the x-ray himself but that he would take a look later.
Later, Dr K told me that he agreed with the MO at A&E that there was a lot of fluid in my lungs and that he would arrange for the tapping procedure.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Scans and Tests Results
22 Nov 07 - Ultrasound scan at NCC revealed 'multiple irregular hypoechoic masses of varying sizes from 0.4 to 1.9 cm leading all the way to the right axillary region'. Okay, that confirms the recurrence.
4 Dec 07 - CT scan of Neck, Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis
Recurrence in right chest wall, metastasis in liver and L1 vertebra
Full blood count - CA 153 is 69.3. Normal is 25. This is the cancer marker for breast cancer.
12 Dec 07 - Bone Scan showed left 1st rib and L1 vertebra to be suspicious for bone metastases.
4 Dec 07 - CT scan of Neck, Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis
Recurrence in right chest wall, metastasis in liver and L1 vertebra
Full blood count - CA 153 is 69.3. Normal is 25. This is the cancer marker for breast cancer.
12 Dec 07 - Bone Scan showed left 1st rib and L1 vertebra to be suspicious for bone metastases.
The Relapse
Sep 07 - I found a pea-sized lump above the surgical scar. I was stunned. It was only skin and bones there that when the lump appeared, it was so obvious. I had not expected a relapse to appear there. After lying low for about 10 months, the cancer had decided to make a comeback.
I should have been prepared, but was complacent. It was like a wake-up call that I should have been more cautious and not take things for granted.
I approached the nutritionist who was treating me earlier. She arranged for me to have an electrogram scan (I think that was what it was). I stood with two feet on seperate metal plates and placed my palms flat on another two metal plates. There was sensor pads on my forehead as well. The reading took only some minutes and I received a nine-page report some hours later. It was a complicated report with different colours meaning different things. I didn't fully understand the report and only saw the remark that my condition was not serious enough to be alarmed about. I was told that my energy level was very low.
The nutritionist took steps to boost my energy level and immune system. I think the reaction to my relapse was too slow as my cancer cells were the most aggressive kind.
I was also introduced to a high heat treatment (like a spa) in an anti-oxidant environment. I lie on anti-oxidant-treated tiles and the room was heated to 41 degrees celcius. However, this did not seem sufficient to check the spread of the cancer. More lumps appeared, and there was even one on the base of the right side of my neck.
I re-ordered the Carnivora products (which I had stopped using months before). Unfortunately, I ran into problems with my Paypal account and this caused a delay in the shipment of my order. DBS had some security problems with some of their cards and issued new ones to those who had made payments online. I did not have my new card verified by Paypal and my payment limit was restricted. The fastest way to resolve this was to apply for internet banking with DBS. It was a hassle as I went chasing for the token and all and by the time I got my payment through, it was about 2 weeks later.
Nov 07 - I started coughing. I cancelled an appointment with my oncologist as I knew that they would pressure me to do chemo when they see my condition.
I completed the anti-oxidant hotbed treatment and stopped seeing the nutritionist. I went for high doses of vitamin C by intravenous feed. I was also already taking so many kinds of supplements and naturopath doctor increased my supplement intake. I was swallowing close to a hundred pills, capsules a day.
My cough did not seem to improve, but I felt that there seemed to be some control over the cancer.
Dec 07 - Jan 08 - A relative recommended me to traditional medicine. I was told to stop all medications and supplements while taking his medicine.
I stopped Carnivora for 3 weeks and realised that the cancer had started spreading again. It was a mistake. I did not know that the herbalist was only 'balancing' my system in the first few weeks. It was his style not to start treatment on any illness until the body was ready.
My cough was getting very much worse. I seemed to have a lot of fluid in my chest. I was having problems breathing and sleeping. I could not lie down flat and sleep as I would be coughing out a lot of fluid. Most of the time I would be sleeping on the easy chair reclined at about 45 degrees. Throughout the day, I would be coughing out a lot of fluid. My cough was so bad that I could not even talk. Whenever I answered the phone with a 'hello', I would be coughing non-stop for the next few minutes.
I should have been prepared, but was complacent. It was like a wake-up call that I should have been more cautious and not take things for granted.
I approached the nutritionist who was treating me earlier. She arranged for me to have an electrogram scan (I think that was what it was). I stood with two feet on seperate metal plates and placed my palms flat on another two metal plates. There was sensor pads on my forehead as well. The reading took only some minutes and I received a nine-page report some hours later. It was a complicated report with different colours meaning different things. I didn't fully understand the report and only saw the remark that my condition was not serious enough to be alarmed about. I was told that my energy level was very low.
The nutritionist took steps to boost my energy level and immune system. I think the reaction to my relapse was too slow as my cancer cells were the most aggressive kind.
I was also introduced to a high heat treatment (like a spa) in an anti-oxidant environment. I lie on anti-oxidant-treated tiles and the room was heated to 41 degrees celcius. However, this did not seem sufficient to check the spread of the cancer. More lumps appeared, and there was even one on the base of the right side of my neck.
I re-ordered the Carnivora products (which I had stopped using months before). Unfortunately, I ran into problems with my Paypal account and this caused a delay in the shipment of my order. DBS had some security problems with some of their cards and issued new ones to those who had made payments online. I did not have my new card verified by Paypal and my payment limit was restricted. The fastest way to resolve this was to apply for internet banking with DBS. It was a hassle as I went chasing for the token and all and by the time I got my payment through, it was about 2 weeks later.
Nov 07 - I started coughing. I cancelled an appointment with my oncologist as I knew that they would pressure me to do chemo when they see my condition.
I completed the anti-oxidant hotbed treatment and stopped seeing the nutritionist. I went for high doses of vitamin C by intravenous feed. I was also already taking so many kinds of supplements and naturopath doctor increased my supplement intake. I was swallowing close to a hundred pills, capsules a day.
My cough did not seem to improve, but I felt that there seemed to be some control over the cancer.
Dec 07 - Jan 08 - A relative recommended me to traditional medicine. I was told to stop all medications and supplements while taking his medicine.
I stopped Carnivora for 3 weeks and realised that the cancer had started spreading again. It was a mistake. I did not know that the herbalist was only 'balancing' my system in the first few weeks. It was his style not to start treatment on any illness until the body was ready.
My cough was getting very much worse. I seemed to have a lot of fluid in my chest. I was having problems breathing and sleeping. I could not lie down flat and sleep as I would be coughing out a lot of fluid. Most of the time I would be sleeping on the easy chair reclined at about 45 degrees. Throughout the day, I would be coughing out a lot of fluid. My cough was so bad that I could not even talk. Whenever I answered the phone with a 'hello', I would be coughing non-stop for the next few minutes.
Reflections - Treatment Choice
I do not regret opting for alternative treatment after the surgery. I do admit that I underestimated the power and aggressiveness of the cancer cells and that I had let my guard down. Initially, when I had decided on alternative treatment, I met with so much objection, that it became so overwhelming that I actually felt the pressure and began to doubt myself.
Fortunately, I had some support, though few, they were the encouragement that helped me to stick to my decision.
One told me, "I support your decision."
Another said, "At least you are doing something about it."
I realised that a lot of us tend to thread on the tried and tested path. Where a situation like this is concerned, we dare not look at alternatives. We listened dutifully to the doctors - they must be right afterall, they are the doctors. However, I beg to differ. Sometimes, doctors can be wrong. By all means, listen to the doctors, but listen to your body as well. You and your body are one, pay attention and you will find that sometimes the body is sending messages. Unfortunately, most of the times, we tend to ignore.
If I could afford it, I probably would have gone for whole body hyperthermia in Germany.
Of course, conventional treatments should not be ruled out.
Take your pick and be comfortable with what you have chosen. Bear in mind that everyone is different and not everyone responds in the same way to any particular treatment. In some cases, it would be ideal to have the conventional and alternative treatments complement one another.
It is unfortunate that Singapore should model itself after the US in terms of medical treatments. Europe would have been a better choice as they do not limit themselves to certain treatment forms. At least now Singapore has recognised traditional Chinese medicine as a complement to conventional treatment. Better late than never.
This book, 'What your doctor may not tell you about Breast Cancer', by John R Lee, MD is an interesting read.
Fortunately, I had some support, though few, they were the encouragement that helped me to stick to my decision.
One told me, "I support your decision."
Another said, "At least you are doing something about it."
I realised that a lot of us tend to thread on the tried and tested path. Where a situation like this is concerned, we dare not look at alternatives. We listened dutifully to the doctors - they must be right afterall, they are the doctors. However, I beg to differ. Sometimes, doctors can be wrong. By all means, listen to the doctors, but listen to your body as well. You and your body are one, pay attention and you will find that sometimes the body is sending messages. Unfortunately, most of the times, we tend to ignore.
If I could afford it, I probably would have gone for whole body hyperthermia in Germany.
Of course, conventional treatments should not be ruled out.
Take your pick and be comfortable with what you have chosen. Bear in mind that everyone is different and not everyone responds in the same way to any particular treatment. In some cases, it would be ideal to have the conventional and alternative treatments complement one another.
It is unfortunate that Singapore should model itself after the US in terms of medical treatments. Europe would have been a better choice as they do not limit themselves to certain treatment forms. At least now Singapore has recognised traditional Chinese medicine as a complement to conventional treatment. Better late than never.
This book, 'What your doctor may not tell you about Breast Cancer', by John R Lee, MD is an interesting read.
Reflections - Diagnosis & Biopsy
When the surgical oncologist confirmed that it was cancer, I was devastated as I had been half hoping that it was only a fibroscystic lump. I had told a cousin that I was prepared for the worst, but I realised that no matter how mentally prepared I was when the truth was delivered, it was like a stunning blow. Fortunately I did not break down until the onco mentioned my children, only then did I had to fight back my tears. I found out that when one objected to conventional treatments, the onco will use your dear ones, especially the children to break down your defence.
After the initial shock is over, allow time to grief if necessary, but quickly master the courage to take control of the situation. I met a fellow patient who told me that she cried everyday for 1 whole month when she was diagnosed. She had an 8-cm tumour and had 11 out of 12 lymph nodes affected. She wanted chemo but could not due to some problems with the production of her blood cells. When she talked to me, she still appeared very flustered. I wonder how she is doing now.
Approach with a positive mind, do not let the cancer control you. Even with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer, there is still time to seek a second or third opinion.
In reality, it is very difficult to find a professional who can give fair advice based on each individual's condition. One either gets a pro-conventional treatment or anti, who are the naturopaths. Anyway, it is a gamble and it is up to the patient to take the gamble.
Open up and talk to people, especially those who have gone through the same experience. Go through the reports whenever you get them and ask the oncologists questions. I know that the oncologists at NCC are very busy and there are just too many cases for them to handle.
My surgical oncologist attends to patients in two or three rooms. The staff helped to prepare the patients in the rooms and as soon as she is done with one, she hops to another in the next room.
My mistake was in not talking to people initially and only restricted myself to very few people. Otherwise, I would have learnt that a biopsy is not exactly necessary as I had already decided on surgery. Whatever samples needed could be taken during surgery. I would have saved myself from unnecessary pain and lessen the risk of the cancer metastasizing.
After the initial shock is over, allow time to grief if necessary, but quickly master the courage to take control of the situation. I met a fellow patient who told me that she cried everyday for 1 whole month when she was diagnosed. She had an 8-cm tumour and had 11 out of 12 lymph nodes affected. She wanted chemo but could not due to some problems with the production of her blood cells. When she talked to me, she still appeared very flustered. I wonder how she is doing now.
Approach with a positive mind, do not let the cancer control you. Even with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer, there is still time to seek a second or third opinion.
In reality, it is very difficult to find a professional who can give fair advice based on each individual's condition. One either gets a pro-conventional treatment or anti, who are the naturopaths. Anyway, it is a gamble and it is up to the patient to take the gamble.
Open up and talk to people, especially those who have gone through the same experience. Go through the reports whenever you get them and ask the oncologists questions. I know that the oncologists at NCC are very busy and there are just too many cases for them to handle.
My surgical oncologist attends to patients in two or three rooms. The staff helped to prepare the patients in the rooms and as soon as she is done with one, she hops to another in the next room.
My mistake was in not talking to people initially and only restricted myself to very few people. Otherwise, I would have learnt that a biopsy is not exactly necessary as I had already decided on surgery. Whatever samples needed could be taken during surgery. I would have saved myself from unnecessary pain and lessen the risk of the cancer metastasizing.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Contributing Factors
I had the opportunity to talk to one of the nurses at the National Cancer Centre (NCC) and learnt that the following are considered factors contributing to breast cancer. Note that breast cancer is not limited to females only. NCC has records of several males with breast cancer.
Early starting age for menstruation (for females) - aged 12 and below
As a solution, young girls are encouraged to engage in sports or be more active physically to
delay the onset of menstruation.
Late birth of first child - aged 30 and above
Mid-night shift
Stress
Anger
Insufficient rest
Diet
Lifestyle
(I am sure there are others too.)
In her book, 'The Pursuit of Life', Dr Lai Chiu-Nan mentioned that 'various medical studies have shown that emotions and illnesses are linked'.
The book also mentioned that 'depending on the nature of the emotional shock or conflict different cancers would result'. Like
fear of death - lung cancer
conflict between mother and children - cancer of left breast
other conflicts - cancer of right breast
conflict over territory in the workplace can induce - cancer of the colon
repressed anger and bitterness - liver cancer
loss of sense of worth due to change in job status - bone cancer
conflict with close family members - stomach cancer
trauma involving water - cancer of the kidney
It is an interesting book and I don't think I should mention more otherwise I will be in trouble for copyright infringement. Dr Lai's website is : http://www.lapislazulilight.com/index.php
Early starting age for menstruation (for females) - aged 12 and below
As a solution, young girls are encouraged to engage in sports or be more active physically to
delay the onset of menstruation.
Late birth of first child - aged 30 and above
Mid-night shift
Stress
Anger
Insufficient rest
Diet
Lifestyle
(I am sure there are others too.)
In her book, 'The Pursuit of Life', Dr Lai Chiu-Nan mentioned that 'various medical studies have shown that emotions and illnesses are linked'.
The book also mentioned that 'depending on the nature of the emotional shock or conflict different cancers would result'. Like
fear of death - lung cancer
conflict between mother and children - cancer of left breast
other conflicts - cancer of right breast
conflict over territory in the workplace can induce - cancer of the colon
repressed anger and bitterness - liver cancer
loss of sense of worth due to change in job status - bone cancer
conflict with close family members - stomach cancer
trauma involving water - cancer of the kidney
It is an interesting book and I don't think I should mention more otherwise I will be in trouble for copyright infringement. Dr Lai's website is : http://www.lapislazulilight.com/index.php
Support
Throughout, I had relatives and friends who were and still are so concerned about me and gave me a lot of support in all areas. I am so touched by their generosity.
It is never easy to take this fight alone. My group of support is always there when I needed someone to talk to, like the times when I was so confused, or when the progress was not as expected that I felt down.
There are also a lot of formal support groups around, like
The Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.bcf.org.sg/home/index.php
The Revival Connection
Kampung Senang
http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/
There are also some other smaller informal groups.
One of the reasons I am sharing my experiences on this blog is that I hope that the information here may come in useful, that is, I hope people can avoid the mistakes I made, or know what to expect in certain situations.
It is never easy to take this fight alone. My group of support is always there when I needed someone to talk to, like the times when I was so confused, or when the progress was not as expected that I felt down.
There are also a lot of formal support groups around, like
The Breast Cancer Foundation
http://www.bcf.org.sg/home/index.php
The Revival Connection
Helen Hee
Programme Leader,
The Revival Connection
(A support group for persons with cancer recurrence)
Patient Education
National Cancer Centre
11 Hospital Drive
Singapore 169610
Website: http://www.nccs.com.sg/support
Note : The Revival Connection can make arrangements for someone to accompany a cancer patient for therapy sessions.Kampung Senang
http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/
There are also some other smaller informal groups.
One of the reasons I am sharing my experiences on this blog is that I hope that the information here may come in useful, that is, I hope people can avoid the mistakes I made, or know what to expect in certain situations.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Mastectomy - After and Physio
During surgery, a plastic tube is put in place to drain the body fluid accumulating in the affected area. One end is inserted into the chest and the other end is connected to a small plastic bottle. This tube is held in place by being stitched to the skin. The contents in the plastic bottle is drained into a measuring jug everyday and the quantity is reported to the nurse.
To prevent the contraption from swinging about, I used a big safety pin and either clipped it to the waistband of my pants or a string tied to my waist. This is also to hide it from public view (you know - we don't want to frighten people or put them off their food).
Normally, this is in place for about 10 days, but because my skin is sensitive that it was turning red and painful, I tolerated it for only a few days. After I had it removed, excess fluid had to be drained by using a syringe.
As the surgery affected the muscles and nerves, movements to the affected arm were limited. Initial movements had to be very slow, as sudden movements will cause a sharp pain, like someone stabbed me with a sharp object. The first time it happened, I was doing the 'wall climb' with the physiotherapist and I thought she poked me.
Anyway, it took some weeks, but in time, I do get full mobility of my right arm.
I was advised not to use my right arm to carry heavy stuff as it might cause lymphedema (swelling). Someone from the support group advised us to always carry a tube of antiseptic cream so that we can apply it on insect bites or cuts. As some of the lymph nodes have been removed, my right arm will be prone to infection from punctures.
To prevent the contraption from swinging about, I used a big safety pin and either clipped it to the waistband of my pants or a string tied to my waist. This is also to hide it from public view (you know - we don't want to frighten people or put them off their food).
Normally, this is in place for about 10 days, but because my skin is sensitive that it was turning red and painful, I tolerated it for only a few days. After I had it removed, excess fluid had to be drained by using a syringe.
As the surgery affected the muscles and nerves, movements to the affected arm were limited. Initial movements had to be very slow, as sudden movements will cause a sharp pain, like someone stabbed me with a sharp object. The first time it happened, I was doing the 'wall climb' with the physiotherapist and I thought she poked me.
Anyway, it took some weeks, but in time, I do get full mobility of my right arm.
I was advised not to use my right arm to carry heavy stuff as it might cause lymphedema (swelling). Someone from the support group advised us to always carry a tube of antiseptic cream so that we can apply it on insect bites or cuts. As some of the lymph nodes have been removed, my right arm will be prone to infection from punctures.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Alternative Treatment
I had been a subscriber to several online health newsletters and was aware of several types of natural therapies.
I had decided on Carnivora, a product made from the extract of the Venus flytrap. This product has also been in use in the US and Europe for more than 30 years. The company that supplied Carnivora also had Graviola, another plant extract. Carnivora is in liquid and capsule form and Graviola is in capsule form only.
I completed the 16-week treatment course and was supposed to go on maintenance, but I did not, and that I think, was a very serious mistake. I had been ignorant and underestimated the aggressiveness of the cancer cells.
At the same time, I was also treated by a nutritionist who is also well-versed in pharmaceutical products and chinese herbs. She treated me with enzymes, supplements and other stuffs.
All went well, until the middle of 2007, when I noticed that my immune was low. Due to my ignorance, I had been over-cautious with my diet. I had practically cut off all meats, except for some fish. Unfortunately, my body was not absorbing the nutrients even though I was taking a lot of supplements.
I had decided on Carnivora, a product made from the extract of the Venus flytrap. This product has also been in use in the US and Europe for more than 30 years. The company that supplied Carnivora also had Graviola, another plant extract. Carnivora is in liquid and capsule form and Graviola is in capsule form only.
I completed the 16-week treatment course and was supposed to go on maintenance, but I did not, and that I think, was a very serious mistake. I had been ignorant and underestimated the aggressiveness of the cancer cells.
At the same time, I was also treated by a nutritionist who is also well-versed in pharmaceutical products and chinese herbs. She treated me with enzymes, supplements and other stuffs.
All went well, until the middle of 2007, when I noticed that my immune was low. Due to my ignorance, I had been over-cautious with my diet. I had practically cut off all meats, except for some fish. Unfortunately, my body was not absorbing the nutrients even though I was taking a lot of supplements.
Choice of treatment
Nov 06 - My surgical oncologist referred me to a medical oncologist for follow-up treatment.
Due to the stage and aggressive nature of the cancer cells, my medical onco told me that I would be getting 'the whole works' - 8 doses of chemotherapy, 5 weeks of radiation, 1 year herceptin, 5 years tamoxifen and hormone therapy thrown in somewhere along the way.
At the same time, she also told me of the side-effects and long term risks of the conventional therapy. She was very frank and told me that there was no guarantee that after the therapy the cancer would not return, but that it would reduce the chances. Also, there is the long-term but small percentage of getting other cancers like bone cancer, etc.
Well, I had made up my mind, and against her advice, I turned down conventional therapy and opted for natural treatment. In the meantime, I would still go for the quarterly check-ups.
Some of my relatives and friends think I was very brave to opt for natural treatment instead of chemotherapy. Brave? Nah! They were wrong. I was afraid, very, very afraid of chemotherapy. I see chemotherapy as 'carpet bombing' - the good get slaughtered along with the bad.
Dr Susan Love, M.D., breast surgeon and author, aptly termed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for breast cancer as 'slash, poison and burn'.
Due to the stage and aggressive nature of the cancer cells, my medical onco told me that I would be getting 'the whole works' - 8 doses of chemotherapy, 5 weeks of radiation, 1 year herceptin, 5 years tamoxifen and hormone therapy thrown in somewhere along the way.
At the same time, she also told me of the side-effects and long term risks of the conventional therapy. She was very frank and told me that there was no guarantee that after the therapy the cancer would not return, but that it would reduce the chances. Also, there is the long-term but small percentage of getting other cancers like bone cancer, etc.
Well, I had made up my mind, and against her advice, I turned down conventional therapy and opted for natural treatment. In the meantime, I would still go for the quarterly check-ups.
Some of my relatives and friends think I was very brave to opt for natural treatment instead of chemotherapy. Brave? Nah! They were wrong. I was afraid, very, very afraid of chemotherapy. I see chemotherapy as 'carpet bombing' - the good get slaughtered along with the bad.
Dr Susan Love, M.D., breast surgeon and author, aptly termed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for breast cancer as 'slash, poison and burn'.
Mastectomy
13 Nov 2006 - Had the mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) done. The surgery lasted a few hours. I was still very groggy when they sent me up to the ward and could not stay awake when my friends visited. On top of that, I kept vomitting due to the gas.
I hadn't opted for reconstructive surgery as I didn't want to be knocked out for that many hours and I also didn't want to be in pain after that. Anyway, I am not well-endowed to begin with and I just feel that it is not necessary. Just get rid of the tumour, I can live with the scar.
The diagnosis :
Estrogen positive - ER 2+ 90%
Progesterone positive - PR 2+ to 3+ 80%
Her2 positive - CerbB2 3+ 95%
Stage 3 with grade 3 cancer cells (the most aggressive cancer cells)
Infiltrative ductal carcinoma
4 of 9 lymph nodes removed were affected
Tumour size : 5cm
This diagnosis wss definitely not good news, but at least the surgery was successful, meaning that the margins were clean.
I hadn't opted for reconstructive surgery as I didn't want to be knocked out for that many hours and I also didn't want to be in pain after that. Anyway, I am not well-endowed to begin with and I just feel that it is not necessary. Just get rid of the tumour, I can live with the scar.
The diagnosis :
Estrogen positive - ER 2+ 90%
Progesterone positive - PR 2+ to 3+ 80%
Her2 positive - CerbB2 3+ 95%
Stage 3 with grade 3 cancer cells (the most aggressive cancer cells)
Infiltrative ductal carcinoma
4 of 9 lymph nodes removed were affected
Tumour size : 5cm
This diagnosis wss definitely not good news, but at least the surgery was successful, meaning that the margins were clean.
The Biopsy
18 Oct 2006 - I had an ultrasound guided trucut biopsy done. 4 samples were taken, and the needle was inserted via the same spot. I could see the proceedings from the monitor, and in my opinion, the tumour was all a mess by the time the procedure was completed. A nurse helped me to stop the bleeding by compressing the area, but I still bled after 2 hours. And for the next few days, the whole area was all black and blue.
Several days after the biopsy, I woke up in the mornings with soreness in the upper back area. Also, I was getting a dull feeling near the right armpit area.
A consultation with a private surgeon (second opinion), confirmed that there was a big lump in one of the lymph nodes. This consultation was done about 2 weeks after the biopsy and the surgeon was horrified to learn that I had not gone for surgery yet. He said the surgery should preferably be done within 2 weeks after a biopsy.
Several days after the biopsy, I woke up in the mornings with soreness in the upper back area. Also, I was getting a dull feeling near the right armpit area.
A consultation with a private surgeon (second opinion), confirmed that there was a big lump in one of the lymph nodes. This consultation was done about 2 weeks after the biopsy and the surgeon was horrified to learn that I had not gone for surgery yet. He said the surgery should preferably be done within 2 weeks after a biopsy.
Continuation of blog
The past few months went really wild for me and I thought I had lost this blog. I am surprised to find it still exists and may as well update it with the tons of info that I had accumulated over the past months.
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