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💗

@MonOncle & @mightneedalargesnifter best of luck today to you both 🍀
One step closer to the finish line. You've got this !

Sorry I am rushing around before my appt but just wanted to say good luck @mightneedalargesnifter , am thinking of you! Hope it all goes well. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Just checking back in - waves to everyone

All the best for today @MonOncle and @mightneedalargesnifter

Welcome @Tearsofthemushroom. I also had lumpectomy & reconstruction. As my breast is small we thought I would need a mastectomy if any margins weren't clear but I had one margin not clear and a 'margin clearance/shave' which worked (in fact there were no cancer cells found in that tissue) so it may be possible for you too.
Hope your recovery is smooth.

I’m now facing the decision of reconstruction (and which type) vs flat on one side. Annoyingly I was only offered reconstruction this week, with 2 weeks to decide, so I’m finding it quite stressful! My last surgeon told me I could only have delayed reconstruction as I need radiotherapy, but then my BCN told me that’s not actually true and other surgeons in the hospital will offer immediate.

After coping quite well with 6 months of chemo, my head is all over the place now. It was easier just being told what to do!

Thanks for all the support. Chemo was fine and I managed to keep the cold cap on. As everyone said the first 20 mins or so were the worst and once that was over it was fine. Lots of medication home with me. They have married up the phesgo with the chemo so don’t need a separate visit for that. DH has training on flushing the picc line next week so that can cancels that visit out. Hope everyone is ok tonight, just watched Lewis Capaldi at Glastonbury. His song Survive resonates

Hope you feel ok today @Tearsofthemushroom so glad you have joined the thread, you will find very good support here 💐

Thanks everyone. It feels better to have had the procedure done now. The worry is so often the worst bit

@Tearsofthemushroom i can relate to needing to be positive to people IRL, this is a great place to let off fears and steam. We’re here for you.

@Purple1181 its so so hard to make these big decisions under time pressure!

Chemo/EC itself was fine, cold capping totally manageable. I felt awfully sick in the evening and was hanging out to take the anti sickness tablets at 10pm as instructed but didn’t make it. Feeling a lot better this morning which is a huge relief, just the bad hangover feeling.

@MonOncle maybe mention the nausea at your oncology review and see what they advise. I often feel sick after EC while I’m waiting for cold cap to finish and the nurses always ask if I have any metaclopramide with me. That usually helps before I have my ondansetron at night. Glad you feel better today. Hungover or pregnant is usually how I describe it!

@MonOncle Glad you feel better today. I have slightly sore head but yes like a mild hangover!

@MonOncle & @mightneedalargesnifter how are you both feeling now a couple of days in ? I hope you are coping OK

Hi @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc thanks for asking . Feel wiped out, very tired and of course hot! I’ve slept a lot. Luckily hospital appointment was cancelled but have an MRI tomorrow evening so hope I’m a bit more productive n my game by then. Slight headache but no nausea or anything so ok! How are you doing?
@MonOncle Hope you are doing ok?

Hiya @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc @mightneedalargesnifter thanks for checking in. I’m absolutely wiped out today, feeling very tired but I can’t sleep or concentrate on anything like TV or a book. Ugh.

Yesterday I had a really, really good day and felt able to do bits around the house. I had my last steroid that morning so I wonder if that’s why there’s such a stark difference.

Do I remember right that you have an appt this week @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc ?

Well it sounds like you are feeling both very similar. I hope the tiredness eases up a bit today but after the heat last night, may be wishful thinking.
Good luck your MRI this evening @mightneedalargesnifter

Yes, Thursday. I'm fully expecting to be on the same path as you guys soon.

How did you get on today @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc ?

Hi @MonOncle , as expected I need chemo, radio, hormone therapy and bisphonates. Got to wait for an appointment for oncology which should hopefully be in the next 2 weeks.

To be honest, it’s exactly what I expected. No nasty surprises. I’m just glad to be moving on really, it feels like no progress has been made in the 3 months since my diagnosis. Although, the words all the cancer is gone today was very welcome.

How have you been this week ?

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc I’m
so glad it was what you expected going forward and will be belt and braces approach which is just what you want. To get the words all the cancer is gone is amazing! Fantastic news💪🏻

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc there is so much to take on board at these appts. Excellent news that you’re cancer free! That’s worth a celebratory glass of SB I’d say. I’m really sorry about all the rest of it, we’re here for you.

Physically and cognitively I’m feeling much better and I worked around 5 hours today (desk job, from home, but I need a functioning brain). I’ve never been so pleased to be able to work!!

Hope everyone else is doing ok 💛

Good news re the cancer gone @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc Sorry to hear there’s a bit of a road ahead but we must all do what it takes.

lots of love to you all from a Spanish mountainside, almost a year since my first op. Hoping that better times will come for all. X

Morning everyone.
@Bimblesalong I hope you are having a lovely time.
Update from me is that I feel almost back to normal today! I’m very lucky as I could just rest as much as I needed to with no responsibilities. My headaches have largely gone . Last injection yesterday so no drugs at all now and no hospital appointments this week! That feels amazing. DH has been great on the food front. Mango ice lollies were a win. I hope everyone is doing ok.

Hi everyone, I am new to this thread unfortunately, I was diagnosed last Wednesday with breast cancer. It was my first mammogram as I have just turned 50, still can't get my head around and feel myself getting more and more anxious by the hour.

I have been told they have caught it early and I will be fine, its 6mm on my right breast, fully treatable an operation and maybe some radiotherapy. I do feel lucky as it could be so much worse but its still terrifying.

Waiting now for the hospital referral, they said two weeks its been 6 days and I keep thinking what if they have forgotten about me, or will it be more than 2 weeks, silly I know but I just want a plan in place and know what is going to happen.

I am so sorry everyone on here is on this journey too

Hi @Lovewine1975 I’m
sorry you are here and have had a cancer diagnosis. Once there is a plan in place you will fell much better and hopefully less anxious. I can reassure you that they will not forget about you. I saw the specialist within the two weeks and since then everyone had been fully on the case. I know it’s a shock, was for me too but looks like they caught it early. Thank God for mammograms. Look after yourself in the meantime 💐

Well I’ve had my first full on snotty tears meltdown this evening as I’ve got my first oncology appointment through for next week.
My daughter’s 21st birthday. I know it is what it is and I just need to get on with it but I am absolutely gutted

Sorry for you find yourself here @Lovewine1975 but I’m sure you will get lots of useful advice and support

Sorry that you have to be here @Lovewine1975 but you’ve found support in this band of compatriots against this nonsense. I mucked up my user name when I posted on this thread and am usually Dancingwhilstfacingthemusic when I’m on the cancer boards.

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc have a massive box of tissues and an un mn hug. Having a good old blub is part of this, but the deal is that we then try to get our chins up and crack on. That’s crap timing on your appointment but at least you’ll know what you’re facing and will count down the stages.

I’m coming up to a year since my first op this Sat and then a year since my dad died next Tues. Lots of feelings going on. I’m going out of the country again for a few days as a distraction/ therapy.