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

I also got handed over to my onco nurse but will contact the breast nurse if there’s anything I need to discuss. It’s not brilliant that their communication isn’t brilliant @chococakey

re the Picc, I was scheduled for 16 chemos, which also means 16 blood tests. I had my Picc fitted the morning of my first chemo and have had all blood tests and chemos via it. I’ve had to work round it when bathing but it’s not been a huge deal. I am looking forward to getting it out on my last chemo, a step towards onwards. My veins are feeling achier now I’m on EC, so I don’t know how they’d feel if the chemo was running directly through them. They’ve given me an extra long saline flush for the past couple of weeks and I’ll ask if they could do similar on my final one. Very much a personal choice, but I am glad I had it done this way as I also bruise very badly with any cannula or injection puncture wound.

@Fillybuster I hope you can find a way to enjoy the party. Sometimes it just feels too much.

So thats me officially joining the ranks and reporting for duty with an unexpected item in the boobage area !! Biopsy results this afternoon Grade 2, 9mm oestrogen receptive breast cancer ! Need to decide between lumpectomy and radiotherapy or mastectomy, have a couple of weeks decide before surgery planning appointment. Will have hormone tablets following surgery too. They will also be taking samples of armpit lymph nodes during the surgery too and will be having genetic testing too.
Dr very positive and said it’s caught very early and very treatable.
BCN lovely and has given me lots of information to read to help me decide!
Having wine and a takeaway tonight!!

@TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere I'm sorry you got these results and the next few months will be nothing like you planned. The good news is that it's so small and grade 2. Has it spread or is it contained? Now you are in the system everything will hopefully move very quickly and in 3 -4 months you could have the main treatment over and just dealing with the drugs. You can do this. There is also a lot of support on the Breast Cancer Now app and various support groups on Facebook.
In the meantime, your head will be all over the place and the weeks in between appointments will seem like months. Give yourself lots of treats and enjoy that wine.

Thank you @Yamyamabroad . Yes not how I expected the next few months to be like but just want to crack on with things now !
Hasn’t spread to lymph nodes which is a relief but they will still be taking samples during surgery too and be completely sure.
Glass of red is tasting delicious this evening and very much needed🍷

Sorry that it has been confirmed @TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere but good that it is so small and no nodes involved on scan (I know they will check at surgery).

Good to have some time between the discussion and surgery to think and process. People here and in real life can let you know how things were for them but you will find out what works for you - everyone is different. Enjoy the breathing space.

Really sorry to hear this @TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere You have a good plan / options forward and time to consider and ask questions. You’ll find the answers that are right for you.

@TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere I was exactly where you are 5 years ago. Exactly same diagnosis except my tumor was a bit smaller. It's a horrible shock but is totally treatable with an excellent prognosis. In the end I went with a therapeutic breast reduction (basically a lumpectomy but they reshape the entire breast to be smaller). Then a couple of years later I had my other breast reduced and shaped to have symmetry again.

These threads were such a haven for me back then. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have? Glad the wine is hitting the spot.

Oh gosh @TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere sorry to hear this confirmed for you.

"unexpected item in the boobage area" totally cracked me up!

Caught early, a plan forming all going in the right direction, big decision re lump/mastectomy though. Nothing quite like hearing those cancer words. Life pauses just for a minute while you recalibrate everything you thought was certain.

With sisterly solidarity, Spartan x

Thank you @quietmaelstrom , @dancingwhilstfacingthemusic and @Arraminta . Definitely lots to take in and things already me and DH need to check again so going to give the BCN a call .
@Arraminta , Dr I saw today said about the reshaping and also a breast lift. I have flat spaniels ears breast after breast feeding so will take a lot of lifting !!
She said the other breast would be lifted too for symmetry!

@chococakey hope it goes ok tomorrow for your first chemo. I'll be thinking of you x

Thank you @spartanrunnergirl , yes the word cancer definitely stops you in your tracks doesn’t it !!
Glad to have made you laugh with unexpected item !!
The support on this thread is wonderful !

Trust me, these breast surgeons can work wonders. My boobs look better now than they did when I was 30!

Because of COVID I spent 2 years with one perky 34E boob and the other a very droopy 34G! Presumably you will get surgery on both at the same time?

This weekend marks the 17th anniversary of my mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. I was 51 and it was picked up at my first mammogram. Solidarity to all the ladies in the club.

I still use the silk pillowcases!

@Arraminta yes it would be at the same time ! She said it would be one of the oncoplastic surgeons doing it. My DH used to work with them all so knows they are all good , although getting my tits out for one of DH former colleagues was never on my bingo card !!
Glad you’re all symmetrical now , that’s great .

@TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere Sorry you've joined the club, it's shite. However, it sounds like good news when you really need good news. My tumour was 3 cm and remained contained thank goodness so I had a lumpectomy. I think because it was during lockdown and at the height of the pandemic I was never offered surgery for symmetry so I'm slightly lopsided but I can live with that! It's not noticeable in a bra.

I hope that the treatment going forward is as easy as it can be and know that this is a bloody nuisance that will pass.

Wow that's amazing! So glad to hear you're well!

@TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere Hello formally this time, and thank you for making us laugh with your unexpected item.
I guess your news is a shock but not a surprise- I think you knew it was coming. Your diagnosis is exactly the same as mine (smaller though) six years ago- and sounds very dealable. Great news that it was caught nice, early and small- the availability of early identification for BC is such a game changer- I hope whoever invented the mammogram won a Nobel prize.
You have put me in mind of my BF's breast surgeon at a swanky London clinic who bounced in to see her post surgery like Tigger, exclaiming 'God, I REALLY knocked it out of the park with your boob!', with one newly pert breast but the other one very much victim of gravity. A promise of symmetry is not to be sneezed at!
Good luck with the next few weeks- go easy on yourself and enjoy your glass of red.

@YourWinter that’s fantastic , glad you are doing so well.
May I ask what the silk pillowcases are advised for ?

Super quick late night post….mainly to wish @chococakey all the very best of luck for tomorrow - I hope it goes as easily and smoothly as possible. Sending all the good vibes your way 💜💐

But also, sadly, to say “arse!!” at @TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere’s news 😩 As much as it sounds like you have great information and support (although having DH’s colleagues sort out your tits might be a little close for comfort!), I’m just so sorry you’re having to go through this.

And finally @SunnyValemin sorry - I forgot to say yesterday - might massage or an osteopath be able to help with your shoulder? Or is that completely off track? Either way, I hope you had a lovely day out with your mum & sister, and that your dodgy shoulder didn’t bother you too much?

Final radiotherapy treatment first thing tomorrow, then, hopefully, all over bar the grumbling….

Hope everyone has a peaceful night 💜

Oh that is good news. Being so asymmetrical for a couple of years was a pain in the arse when it came to buying bras etc.

My surgeon helpfully pointed out to me that if he had been giving me a breast reduction + lift on his private list I'd have had to cough up £10K! So, silver linings and all that.

Thank you @TheFormidableMrsC and @PemberleynotWemberley .
Yes it did seem like good news amongst the bad news of cancer that they’ve found it early and it’s still small and very treatable. The breast doctor was very positive!
I agree that the mammogram inventor definitely needs recognition! I can’t even feel my lump so would’ve had no idea at all without it being picked up on by mammogram!!

Thank you @Fillybuster . Hope all goes well for your last radiotherapy tomorrow.
@Arraminta , I have trouble finding a decent fitting bra with my spaniels ears as so flat at the top and then droop looking very sad and unsupported in most bras ! One of my DSis did say I’ll end up with the best pair of boobs out of me and DSis’s !!

Popping back in to say all the best to @chococakey for her first chemotherapy session tomorrow

Also to @Fillybuster for the last radiotherapy session tomorrow - well done for getting through the week. Hope you aren't too shattered to enjoy your weekend with friends.

I now have an appointment for a radiotherapy planning session next week, and hopefully should have my radiotherapy mid-March.

Thank you everyone for the well wishes for tommorow. I'm so nervous and fearing the unknown. I will let you all know how I get on. Really appreciate the kind thoughts xx

Good luck @chococakey . I will be thinking of you. @TheHonourablePenelopeBuntyWindermere I am sorry this news has been confirmed for you and hope everything from here is smooth. I read 'lifting the other breast in symmetry,' as 'in sympathy ' which also seems plausible!.