Likely breast cancer after ultrasound - thread 2

[spartanrunnergirl]

Welcome. The original thread (linked here ) was started after I had a mammogram recall and was told at the ultrasound that it was likely I had breast cancer - before biopsies were taken, and before I was ready to hear that (if you are ever ready to hear that).

I drove home gulping down tears with no idea what to do and no idea how to get through the days until my biopsy results. So I opened Mumsnet and made the original post, hoping someone might read it, and they did! One full thread later we are still sharing support, experiences, and advice. We’ve celebrated breast cancer wins and thrown virtual hugs around those who’ve needed it. (We’ve all needed it 💗)

For anyone opening this thread because they’ve found themselves in the same situation I was in … this is a hugely kind and caring bit of Mumsnet - where we’ve all felt that awful fear waiting for scans, tests, results, or with an early and uncertain diagnosis.

You are not alone.

This is the awful club - full of awesome women💗

@mightneedalargesnifter that sounds gruelling. Hope your tummy settles down for today.

I have a bit of good and bad news.

Good news, I found out this weekend that the medicine I've been taking for my osteoporosis, which is truly horrible to take, has the side effect of halving the risk of distal recurrence of breast cancer. I love you horrible medicine infusion.

Bad news, you may remember when I first joined you that I had what was thought to be a non-cancerous tumour in my kidney that was discovered last year. My GP has decided more testing is now required as a result of my breast cancer diagnosis. Back to the waiting anxiety I go.

Oh @MrTiddlesTheCat I am so sorry you have to go through the waiting anxiety again. I mean, it's good they are being thorough of course but I can imagine the anxiety.
But yes that is good news and very interesting about the osteoporosis medicine - what is the medicine?

Im so sorry to hear this @MrTiddlesTheCat. Hope you get a good result soon. Definitely waiting is the worst bit of all this. Glad there was a bit of an upside for you though!

Aclasta (zolsomethingorother acid). Some women on hormone therapy get given it as a preventative to stop them developing osteoporosis. The cancer prevention side effect is a bonus.

Sorry you had such a tough day yesterday @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc. Glad today is better.

I think it's important to acknowledge when we have difficult days and are feeling sad or down. I don't think we would expect ourselves to be positive 'all the time' in any other difficult situation.

Wave back to @chococakey - you really are motoring through the chemo! So glad you can see the end in sight.

All the best for tomorrow, @PreferablyWithFood

Thoughts with everyone else who has hassly things happening.

@PreferablyWithFood all the best tomorrow. Pub is a good call.

@MrTiddlesTheCat how do you take your zolendronic acid? I have an infusion in a couple of weeks and am a bit nervous about side effects. I have six scheduled over three years. That’s crap about going through the worry again.

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc it really does seem to be everywhere. Sadness is part and parcel of all this. I have lots of feelings when I see women with their own two boobs seeming to sail through life - but I’d hazard a guess that many have had their own issues and even bc themselves. Glad you got out. I’ve been swimming at a nice local pool which feels a relaxing place to go to.

@mightneedalargesnifter i hope things soon settle down.

waving at all others.

@Bimblesalong I'm on zoledronic acid, got my second infusion in 3 weeks. I had bad flu symptoms for about 3-4 days after my first one, the day after was the worst. But it didn't last long and I've not noticed anything since (then again, I'm on such a cocktail of drugs i wouldn't know 😂). Hope you aren't too bad with it xx

Er, yay! @SunnyValemin 😬😵‍💫. I’ll get the meds in! Hope your next one goes better. How soon did it kick in for you?

@Bimblesalong it's the gift that keeps on giving isn't it! I think it was more or less 24 hours after (I had the infusion on Christmas eve 😭). I was told it was 50/50 though whether I'd be poorly with it and I'm assured it gets easier as the infusions go on. I hope you are luckier than me and it's not too bad for you! X

Thanks. Fingers crossed - it’s not for a couple of weeks and I have my annual mammogram first. It’s a box of delights isn’t it?

(I’m Dancingwhilstfacingthemusic- forgot to change name!)

As per the username I’m devastated to be checking in here. Found a large lump 10 days ago and spent the afternoon at the breast clinic. Mammogram, mammogram with contrast, ultrasound and biopsy. Told it’s probably cancer but they won’t give a diagnosis until the biopsy results are back in a couple of weeks. They said they are expecting it to come back as cancer though.

Same for me. I get an annual infusion. I felt fine for the rest of the day and wondered what the whoha was all about. Woke up the next morning and felt like I'd been run over by a bus in my sleep. But it was all gone a couple of days later and have been fine since.

Hello @Devastated99 I’m so sorry. It is such a terrible shock and now the wait for results. All of us here know how hard this period is. Hoping you cope ok during this time. There is lots of support here and you will find that once confirmed results are in a plan will begin to form and that helps to start getting a handle on what is happening xx

@Devastated99 so sorry you may be joining us, the wait for confirmation is so hard.

@TheFormidableMrsC i took your advice and called Breast Cancer Now today and the nurse I spoke to was empathetic and most importantly helpful. Gave a donation today as well, what a brilliant service.

@MonOncle It seems to be a trend with younger doctors to ask what you want them to do. Now I understand that some people are knowledgeable about there conditions and have strong views about treatment. All very well on something minor. However this is not the time for it.
I feel that giving you choices is making you feel too much responsibility. If you decline treatment and the cancer comes back you will feel it was your fault, not that you were wrongly or inadequately advised.
My view was that I would take everything on offer so there could be no possibility of regret.

Hi, I'm officially part of the club. I'm fine, honestly, I think I'd processed it before I got my results.
A 4.99cm tumour and two "borderline " lymph glands so I had 3 breast biopsies and two lymph nodes biopsies, all totally painless and I need a CT scan.
I've already got my CT scan appointment through and I'm back to see my consultant on 18th June when all the scan and biopsy results should be back and we'll have a treatment plan
I recently watched Victoria Derbyshire's diary on the iPlayer and found that to be incredibly reassuring so I've told my mum and husband to watch it.
Madness.

@PreferablyWithFood sorry you are here to stay but you're in the best possible place. It's good you have appointments booked and things are moving.

@mightneedalargesnifter I'm sorry they found another area of concern. I hope you get some answers about that soon. How was your oncology apt ?

@MrTiddlesTheCat I'm sorry you've had another bump along the way. Positive thoughts coming your way

@Devastated99 sorry you are here. I hope it's just a fleeting visit and you are on your way soon.

@MonOncle I'm glad you spoke with BCN. I hope you are feeling a little better for it.

I've just had a call from the hospital. I have nothing I am expecting to hear from them about and have my next surgery booked so the news I've got an appointment next week after being discussed as this mornings MDT was a bit of a surprise.

No other info given so now just floating around, wondering again 🙄

Hi, please may I join the club? Recalled following first mammogram, have had biopsies today, feeling sore but ok. Sonographer seems hopeful that "it" is age related changes rather than something sinister - results due Friday 13th( great!), 2 days before my birthday 😞I can deal with whatever I need to deal with, just so worried about having to tell my daughter and my mum if it's not okay. Please can anyone advise?

edited for spelling!

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc someone on the previous thread likened it to a ghost train - never sure what was going to jump out at you! Hope it turns out to be some useful clarification rather than more unpleasantness.

Sorry you are now 'official' @PreferablyWithFood but this is one of the most supportive places to be

@Devastated99 this waiting time is horrible - even if there is bad news you then know and can deal with it - and there are wise people here who can help

@7catsisnotenough I do hope it turns out only to be the age-related changes mentioned.

When I had my biopsies the only person I told anything about it was my husband, who supported me at all my appointments. I decided I wanted to know what the problem was and have an idea of the plan before telling anyone else. Once I had it clear in my head, I then told my parents (video call) and siblings (individual telephone calls). I think it helped them as well that I could tell them what the next steps were.

It's obviously different for each person. If you do have cancer, you will have a breast care nurse as key worker - they can sometimes help support with telling families.

Me too - they asked me to go for radiotherapy planning next week but I am still so swollen and bruised that I rang and asked if they needed to put it back [(had op 20th May) - she is going to speak with oncologist and come back to me. I still look like I have been hit with a baseball bat - I think it’s going to take a while to settle and radiotherapy needs to be precise

Can I join?

Diagnosed in December

Stage 1
Grade 3

Had Lumpectomy January, four rounds of chemo and then a short break.

Started 12 weekly sessions last Friday, Paxi and Carbo double dose, this hit me hard. Anyone else have the same experience?

Radiation to follow.