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'll be thinking of you today @chococakey

Well done for getting to the end of your radiotherapy @quietmaelstrom How did you find it? I have 15 sessions of RT, probably starting the third week of March. I feel more anxious about that than I ever was about chemo!

Good luck! You'll be ok. Grit your teeth through the initial freezing of the cap and see how you go with that.

I'm just about to start @BatshitCrazyWoman - @Fillybuster is finishing today so will have the most up to date information.

I'm a bit nervous but keen to get started. I've been told I need 5 sessions rather that 15 so pleased about that.

I'm starting radio in March - 5 sessions -so any tips or advice gratefully accepted.🙏

@quietmaelstrom @Yamyamabroad

I had 5 sessions of RT nearly 5 years ago. Honestly it was absolutely fine. Infact it took longer to undress than it took to for the actual procedure. You're in and out in seconds. You won't notice anything at all x

Hi @BatshitCrazyWoman The actual radiotherapy for me was straightforward. I got chatting to some of the ladies at the cancer centres and those who had had chemo said radio was by far the 'easiest' part of the treatment. The planning meeting is quite involved - but all you do is lie on your back on the scanner while they scan and measure. All tits out of course... so can get a bit chilly. I had 15 sessions: whole breast and boost to the tumour bed at each session, which took 20ish minutes each time.

Most of each session is taken up with CT scan to get the position exactly right before they then did the radio zapping. I did not have tattoos as my machine lined up using lasers and CT scan. I had to do breath hold which is ok once you get used to it (they teach you how to do it) and the machine has sensors so it stops if you stop holding.

I had skin issues - like mild sunburn progressing to some broken skin after the radio was finished - think eczema type sore. Breast tissue got inflamed also - if you have breast fed think full of milk/ mastitis type feeling. Soft crop tops were really useful, to sleep in and to wear under my sports bra etc. My best buy through the whole process actually - just cheap ones from Tesco. I was given a tube of flamigel which is specifically for radiotherapy skin care. I found Aveeno good too.

I got very used to going everyday and really enjoyed catching up with the other ladies if our appointments were similar times. It felt a bit like a face to face version of this thread! Sharing our stories and experiences.

Thanks everyone! It sounds like I'll spend more time on trains there and back (I'm being treated in central London) than being radiated.

If you're going to Guy's the team there are really lovely, @BatshitCrazyWoman. Just don't fall asleep on the homebound train!

So I go to hospital for my chemo and sat there for 3 hours just to be told it was cancelled due to some emergency with another patient. Meant no beds/chairs available for me.
Have to go back Monday. Really upset as I had got myself all pumped up for it.

Hope you get on ok today Filly. Last one!

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis TheHonourable. It is a shock but treatable. I've had surgery and was meant to start chemo today.

Oh I really feel for you, how sickening. You get yourself all hyped up and now all your adrenaline has nowhere to go. I think a stiff drink might be in order?

Argh, that's pants, @chococakey. I think one of the hardest things can be the feeling of not being in charge of what's happening. It's easier to surrender control to the experts when they are getting everything right, and a little harder if you see their feet of clay. And so frustrating when you're all psyched up to start your treatment.

Oh no - that's such a shame @chococakey! Everyone understands emergencies have to take priority but it's horrible when you're psyched up and ready for something (and awful that you had waited so long).

Hope all goes smoothly on Monday.

Thanks all. Thinks I'm going to treat myself to some wine tonight!

Bloody hell @chococakey what a palaver. You must have been gutted and so upset. So sorry, that is not what you need. Xxx

@chococakey so sorry, what a shit day you’ve had today! Enjoy the wine, you deserve it. Hope you can have a relaxing weekend and all goes well on Monday.

Oh that's shit @chococakey

I am being treated at Guy's - and nearly falling asleep on the train is definitely a possibility!

What a let down @chococakey when you are steeling yourself to get on with it.

@chococakey you poor thing, after that build up and getting there. I hope you can distract yourself this weekend and that all goes smoothly on Monday. I hope that wine is going down well.

Good things can happen too. My specialist was happy with bloods, etc and has given me permission to travel away this weekend for the birthday trip we planned for ds2 before I even knew I had cancer. I booked special assistance for myself so I could go through the security track which understands medical conditions (ds2 usually has this for his medical condition). This was at a NW airport. I was so impressed at the knowledge and discretion of the staff - I will be emailing to thank them on our return. I still have a Picc, which was flagged in the body scan. The lady who then needed to check was kind and sensitive to needs, very gently checking the area. If my partial prosthetic boob as flagged on the scan, it wasn’t mentioned. At the other end, security staff quickly spotted our lanyards and guided us through the fast lane for passport control.

I’ve been to the shrine for Joan of Arc today, lit a candle and had a quiet word for Warrior women and families. (I’m not particularly religious but it felt right).

We’ve also done a lot of lovely art and eaten huge amounts of cheese and cake.

@Fillybuster last radio today for you 🎉 I remember my last session, skipping out of the hospital and then my nephew stuck stickers on my face because he noticed my eyebrows had finally fallen out 😂 I've been doing massage myself but not sure I am quite firm enough. I'm going to ask the nurse about it again next week and ask for a referral to someone!

@chococakey I'm so sorry you have had such a nightmare today. I hope you enjoy your weekend. A small silver lining - hopefully you'll get some good days before each cycle and they'll be weekends so you might be able to do things. My good days were Wednesday and Thursday and everyone was working so I'd be very bored 😂

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend xx

They’re gentler than cotton on fragile hair. I opted for the cold cap during 7 months of chemo, my hair still thinned a bit but it wasn’t too obvious!

Silk pillowcases are also great for temperature regulation when Tamoxifen or other hormone changes cause overheating at night. The silk always feels cool.

Yes absolutely. I had hot flushes for two years on Tamoxifen, then as I was post-menopausal I switched to Anastrozole for the next three years and the flushes stopped. I used a Chillow too.

Thank you @YourWinter and @PemberleynotWemberley . Dr said I don’t need chemo but will be on hormone medication so will get one in case of hot flushes !

That's great to hear you've managed to get away for a holiday. Have a lovely weekend x