The results for the lymph nodes came back neg, good so I should have listened when the ladies recommend to have a second opinion from my doctor and not have them all removed, this would of prevented the numbness in my right arm but I am happy for that news. Waiting to see the chemo doc to see what will be the next step. He got all the cancer around the tumor out but my ER/PR/HER-2/NEU were all positive, not sure of what that means but I will be meeting with him and the chemo doc in two weeks. Going to La to see my daughter graduate from college. Thanks again for your advice. This is a great website.
Mary
Hi Mary. Great to hear that your surgery went well. It's very good news that the lymph nodes were negative (better prognosis for you!), but don't you wish they could put them back? I had some fun teasing my surgeon about this and he had the grace to look uncomfortable. Hopefully, your numbness will get better with time.
Given your hormone and Her2 status, I would imagine that you will receive Taxol, Herceptin and Tamoxifen - a triple whammy, three means of killing off the cancer and guarding against recurrence. If the doctors mention Taxol (paclitaxel), ask about receiving it weekly if you can work it into your schedule. It seems to be the most effective way to take it and it does lessen side effects. I had this regimen for my second lot of chemo and the hair that had started to regrow towards the end of my first lot of chemo didn't fall out again. My understanding is that alopecia is unlikely with weekly Taxol. Do be on the lookout for peripheral neuropathy - numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. I also found that my toenails were affected by Taxol. If you do develop peripheral neuropathy, the doctors can reduce the dose to minimise the effects.
Three months of chemo is challenging - and fatiguing - but it's not too bad.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment and keep us up to date.
Sue