Likely breast cancer after ultrasound

[spartanrunnergirl]

Hi all after routine mammogram I was referred for an ultrasound, which I had today and the radiologist said it's likely a cancer, thus did a few core biopsies. I did not know that cancer could be detected at ultrasound stage but she was pretty certain it was cancer and said the biopsies were to see what they were dealing with. Has anyone else had this? Thank you

Also has anyone had their chemo ended early ? I had allergic reactions to two chemo types so they’ve ended it after 5 of 6 cycles although the fifth cycle didn’t complete properly due to the reaction . I’m. Bit concerned that I haven’t had all the chemo that Wouid be ideal and standard . They’re bringing the operation forward though which is a relief !

@lisalisa I bought a two pack of mns firm pillows (£18) and found them so helpful. I used in addition to my existing pillow, shaping them to a v so I could sit up. I think I may have had an additional pillow on my lap or possibly under my knees to bend my legs. As I recovered I’ve been able to use one under my back on the mastectomy side to prop myself leaning up slightly although lying down. The other goes between my boobs to support the mastectomy side.

Button up pyjamas have been helpful. I had a couple of issues with my drain so having a change of nightwear has been good. Now I’ve gained some chemo weight I sleep in an oodie sleep T shirt, which is very comfy. I hope you can find yourself some little treats to give yourself a bit of nurture. Not sure if mns are still doing their “time to unwind” box for £30 but I found most of the products in that to be lovely and suitable for me to feel indulged at my stage of treatment. The face creams and hair masque can wait!

Thank you @dancingwhilstfacingthemusic what is mns?

@lisalisa I had this pillow after my mastectomy. I used it on the sofa and when I was sleeping. https://www.dunelm.com/product/fogarty-v-shaped-orthopaedic-firm-support-pillow-1000004508?defaultSkuId=30056246&branchCode=0175&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=QandP_Duvets_%5BGOO-LIA+PSB-QANDP-QUILTS%5D&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD55GfT66iBcmNbN0LPG8-0sexDUxqnDSjUIAmxZBfTWgerC1DB4UwlYaApNzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have a friend who had their chemo finished early, as they were so poorly it was deemed that having more chemo would have been detrimental to her health. Good luck with your treatment x

@SunnyValemin thsnk you ! Is your friend ok now ? It didn’t affect her eventual outcome ?

Sorry, autocorrect fail! mns is Marks and Spencer (M&S)
www.marksandspencer.com/the-wellness-box-2025/p/hbp60734668

@lisalisa as far as I know it didn't affect anything 😊 she had chemo after surgery though, not sure if that makes a difference

@dancingwhilstfacingthemusic thanks you so much !
@SunnyValemin thsnk you too ! I’ve ordered the pillow !

Is your surgery imminent, @lisalisa? Very best of luck with it- we'll all be rooting for you. 💐

I've been given appointment with my surgeon for next Thursday. I had a 3d mammogram, ultrasound and 3 biopsies nearly 2 weeks ago.

This will be my second rodeo, same breast following a lumpectomy for DCIS in 2021.

They wouldn't call me in if it was nothing would they?

@catin8oots it would be worth phoning your breast nurse to talk about this and ask if there is anything that can be shared ahead of time. I can’t answer for protocols on results. I really hope it’s a good outcome for you - eg non serious but may need attention, hence a surgeon appt. I’ve had friends who’ve had cysts removed after scans.
The wait really is the worst time.

@catin8oots keeping everything crossed for you 🤞 Waiting (& worrying) is the worst.

Had my second surgery Tuesday evening, came home yesterday afternoon. Feeling pretty rough right now, but that’s mainly my fault for massively overdoing things today. I suspect that I was a bit in denial about having to go back to day 1 post op recovery….anyway, lesson learnt. It appears there’s no fast track option just because I did it already. Sigh.

How's everyone else getting on? Sending love and hugs to all ❤️‍🩹

Thanking you @dancingwhilstfacingthemusic for the reassurance.

@Fillybuster glad second surgery went well but you need to REST! General anaesthetics always wipe me out for days (plus I'm always starving like the hungry caterpillar) 🐛

@catin8oots The waiting between appointments is the absolute worst. It's one of the things I've struggled with the most throughout this whole process so far. I'm waiting for an appointment on Tues to see oncology. I had my surgery before Xmas so it's been a long wait to get to this next step! Wishing you all the best x

@Fillybuster Take care of yourself post surgery x

@BatshitCrazyWoman Good analogy of putting one foot in front of the other. I've got to be patient and wait for my appointment Tues and hopefully a clearer plan will be set out for me.

Hope everyone is ok as we head into the weekend. I'm baking like crazy trying to keep myself busy....but it means my kitchen is just filling up with cakes to the point that even my 6yo is getting sick of cake! Haha! Delivering some to my neighbour and my dad this afternoon.

How's everybody doing today?

I'm feeling very apprehensive as I have my first oncology appt tomorrow to discuss what's next for me in regards to having chemo, radio etc.
I was feeling ok but as the appointment has got closer I've got more and more nervous.

How's everyone else doing?

Big appointments coming up for you @catin8oots and @chococakey this week. I hope you are coping ok with the nerves and wait. Hope they go ok for you x

Good luck with your appointments this week. I've just had my mammogram back - all clear 🎊

Hurrah that is fantastic news! Let's hope for happy boobs for everyone on the thread this week! X

@SunnyValemin I see a Mexican wave of pompoms all cheering your news. Delighted for you! X

@SunnyValemin fab news! x

@SunnyValemin a flurry of pom-poms here for you too!

Thanks @catin8oots, @PemberleynotWemberley, @chococakey and @dancingwhilstfacingthemusic ! It is a relief xx

Evening all, how is everyone doing?

So finally I had my oncology appointment today. 7 weeks to the day since my lumpectomy surgery.

I've been told I need 8 cycles of chemo (4 EC and 4 Paclitaxel) followed by 20 sessions of radiotherapy and then start on oestrogen blocker tablets. I've been told to expect to start chemo in 2-3 weeks from now.

In some ways I'm feeling happier now I have a plan. But I am really very nervous about the whole thing!

I've also been given the option to freeze my eggs, but I don't think I'll be taking up that offer. He said I need to let them know for certain by the end of the week but me and my DH were happy with the one child anyway so I think that chapter is closed. But nice to be given the option I guess.

So any top tips from those who have been through it on what I should do in the next 2-3 weeks before starting my chemo, things to buy or stock up on?

Hi @chococakey glad to hear you’ve got a plan but wish it was to be sent off on holiday rather than chemo, radio etc. That’ll clobber anything lurking though. Will you cold cap? I’ve used cold mitts as well as cold cap as I started to get problems either my fingers. I’m the only person I’ve seen on my unit with them. The issues paused once I started using them. I’m also using polybalm on my finger and toenails, this is expensive but I was gifted it so it wasn’t so ouchy!

Once you have your letter confirming treatment, apply to little lifts. They’ll send you a lovely goody box.

I’m finding fruit sherbert sweets helpful on EC to cut through the chemo mouth. A friend gave me a sleep headband with headphones in it which is useful if I need to nap during the day. Unperfumed moisturisers are helpful. I had a nice tube of moogoo in my little lifts box. My skin got really sensitive so I needed to switch up face products I have mature skin which has been very dry during chemo so I’m using a good facial oils morning and night.

Do get a dental check - have they mentioned bisphosphonates?

i listen to podcasts during treatment. I spent over 3 hours in the chair as I’m cold capping, so I use my AirPods under the cap. I have a nice snuggly blanket to doze under and to help to keep my core warm whilst I cool my head and extremities.

EC #2 of 4 tomorrow, bloods allowing. It’s doable a day at a time but can be overwhelming looking at the entirety.