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💗

Wow @chococakey well done on getting the chemo behind you.

Congrats on finishing chemo @chococakey It feels like it will never end, I know - I had four and a half months of it. I hope the radiotherapy is going okay.

Congrats @chococakey ! I was so happy to finish chemo, it felt like the bulk of it was over. I found radiotherapy much easier so hope you do too - almost there 💕

Good news @chococakey. Hope the radiotherapy goes well.

@MonOncleJust 5 sessions for me. The hardest part was the travelling. A 3 hour round trip is a heck of a lot of driving, especially as most appointments were at 8.00 am. But I'm done now. Just need to ride out the side effects for the next few weeks.

So I’m having 3 x EC, 2 weeks apart and then 3 x Docetaxel, 3 weeks apart. If all goes to plan should be finished at the end of October 🤞🏼

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc good that you have a treatment plan sorted . When will you start? Looks like we will be finished chemo at the same time🤞🏻

Should have the necessary tests done in the next 2 weeks so last week of July / 1st week of August. I can’t have a port unfortunately as the referrals are taking ages and my oncologist says I would’ve finished chemo with a PICC before getting a port fitted 🙄

Are you all set for your next cycle @mightneedalargesnifter ?

I've been lurking on this thread for the past 2 months since getting a recall from my first post-50 mammogram. Ultrasound showed calcification in my right breast and I had a biopsy which was inconclusive but had to wait 4 weeks for second biopsy as they used too much pressure and caused a haematoma that took weeks to subside. Got the results of second biopsy today and it's 7cm of DCIS so they will be going straight to a masectomy. I've got a telephone appointment with a nurse next Friday to discuss what kind of reconstruction I'll have and then we're going to Italy for 2 weeks the next day. Not feeling in a holiday frame of mind! Sounds like it will be 6-8 weeks until the surgery.

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlancyes said that to me about the port. The picc line is ok. DH flushes it so saves an extra trip for me. Was looking up what I have. Phesgo, Carboplatin and Docetaxel every 3 weeks. Bloods tomorrow and chemo Friday so all set I think !

@xplodingkitten very sorry you are here but welcome 💐

I wasn't feeling too worried before the appointment as they said there was no sign of any tumours and I thought the worse case with non-invasive DCIS would be lumpectomy. Being told I definitely have to lose the whole breast has come as a real shock.

@xplodingkitten , it must be a huge shock. There is lots of support to be had on this page, FB and the Breast Cancer Now page to help you make decisions on the next steps. Lots of positive stories, especially with DCIS. Give yourself time to absorb the facts, then maybe start looking at some of these groups so you will have some prior knowledge of the options which will be given to you. You can do this, it just knocks you for 6 when you first hear it.

Must say I am super impressed once again with the slickness of the process. I've had phone calls today arranging my PICC line and also a telephone apt next week where they will confirm my start date / bloods / ECG and echocardiogram 👏

That’s great @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc, will be good to have your picc line in. I chased my wig referral today. The volunteer from McMillan was like a dog with a bone (her words) and got it sorted out ringing all and sundry. She was fantastic !

@xplodingkitten I'm really sorry to hear this. I managed to get my holiday in just before my first op, it was a good distraction but my mind was often there and I still think about the time I took my unwanted hitchhiker around the south of France and then Spain.

Now I’m back in the same holiday place (only minus a boob as I eventually had to have a mastectomy, but also minus my hitchhiker). Go easy on yourself

I got my appointment through with the Breast Care Unit for next Tuesday, I was told that they will discuss my treatment plan, which I am so pleased is happening but a bit scared at the same time, it can all be a bit overwhelming at times. But at least things will start moving forward now.

@Sunshinesmilingthrough hope your appointment went well on Wednesday.

Hope everyone else is doing ok and hanging on in there

My breast is so burnt. 😭 The bottom bit is my unradiated fat roll.

@Lovewine1975- It’s so tough & scary waiting I’m pleased you now have your appointment scheduled having a fixed date wont’t necessarily make the wait easier but I think it helped me having a date to work towards.
Sending hugs to you

i got my results on Wednesday and they confirmed what they had already told me after the biopsy.
i have invasive ductal carcinoma, hormone positive with high grade DCIS. My Her2 result was inconclusive so that has been sent for further testing.

I have a lumpectomy and lymph nodes (2 being taken) biopsy on 11th August. Should be radiotherapy after if the diagnosis stays as it is.

i have been bruised so much by the biopsy the surgeon couldn’t exam me properly. I am in again in a week or so for the surgeon to do an examination to ensure the lumpectomy is the correct procedure for me

The enormity of it all hit me yesterday. I’ve told the people I need to as I just needed that bit over and done with.

god knows where I’m at now - it’s all I’ve thought about it’s like I can’t remember how to think of anything else and I need to as I need to give my mind a rest x

You really need some cold aloe Vera gel and E45. The hospital can give you pads that will take the heat out. I used to freeze flannels and use them to cool it off. Bless you.

I have some steroid cream from the hospital and they said to use a fragrance free lotion twice a day, which I'm doing. They gave me pads which cushion it, so I can wear a bra. I'm scared of using anything else incase it irritates it further.

Whatever you’re comfortable with. My BCN told me to stock up on aloe vera and keep it in the fridge. It did work wonders. Maybe something to consider if it doesn’t ease off. I hope you feel better.

I'll keep it in mind. It hasn't peaked yet so I may still suspend my fear in search of pain relief.

If you do need to get it, I got mine from Holland & Barrett (100% aloe). It worked so well that I’ve now got a plant and use the aloe from that for any minor infections/burns/spots.

Thanks the Breast Cancer Now website was really helpful. I've got an appointment with the plastics team on Monday. Bit shocked at how quick this is as my telephone appointment with the Breast Care nurse isn't until next Friday