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💗

@MrTiddlesTheCat it really is the worst. As much as I have a whole load of other feelings now I have been diagnosed, I genuinely believe the waiting was / is the worst.

I found keeping myself busy and distracted the only thing I could do. But then I was exhausted. It's so difficult.

Be kind to yourself.

@MrTiddlesTheCat as others have said, keeping busy. When I got emotional I did have a good cry but I knew it wouldn’t help me doing it all day. What worked for me at times were disco walks, putting on disco on my headphones and walking it out. That and, strangely, dusting and washing up. I guess I need to be busy and active but that didn’t help at 3am.

@Iknowitsover so sorry you’ve had to be here too. I had a similar dx, and it seemed a quick helter skelter to my first op (had 3, culminating in mastectomy and reconstruction). Make sure you’ve lots of pillows for your bed once you’re home, so you can get yourself as comfy as possible. I had very little pain after my ops - it’s amazing what medics can do for us. Do you need any suggestions for hospital / home ?

Almost 6 weeks post chemo and 3 on letrozole. I had a liver scan yesterday as my liver did not like the chemo and almost delayed sessions a few times due to elevated alts and asts. It’s showing as more fatty which the radiographer explained as being a reaction to medication (as well as age). I’ve had bloods done too and will wait on my liver specialist’s comments. The letrozole raises cholesterol so I’m continuing to work on diet and exercise to manage this before making a decision about statins. Sigh. I’m fairly slim, don’t drink or smoke, eat a vegetarian diet and we tend to cook from scratch. I’ve given up butter and most cheese now in an attempt to to help my liver. When the extremely grumpy GP contacts me to review I’ll ask to be referred to a dietician.

(Dancingwhilstfacingthemusic)

I had my last immotherapy last week after a year of chemo and a mastectomy and full lymph clearance. They are confident have got all the cancer. Ive has expanders in. (Looking like dolly parton currently). They will be in for a few months then a boob job. All good. For anyone just starting this. It's really not that bad. I wasn't ill during chemo , still more tired than normal but that's it. I had a great wig all was fine what did get to be was the constant cycle of treatment and appointments. My last blood test tomorrow for 6 months the end is in sight. :). Holiday booked next weekend. All is looking rosy

@Maddy70 What a message that is !!! Huge congratulations to you. Enjoy your bloody well deserved holiday

Hi all, I found a bit of a thicker part on my breast a few weeks back, went to my gpand was referred to the breast clinic. It’s been 2 weeks since my first biopsy, I had a 2nd biopsy last week as they couldn’t get to an area the previous week. My appointment to go through the results is a week today. I’m also going in this weekend for an MRI as I have dense breast tissue and they can’t see clearly from the mammogram or ultrasound.
The letter states that I have a ‘suspicious legion’ and some micro calcification.
Im 45 and have primary aged children. This wait is driving me mad, I feel like calling and asking if they have the results from the first biopsy, just so I can get an idea of what is going on. I’m guessing they want to see the full picture first though.

Now I'm really scared. The hospital just rang and I have an appointment tomorrow. The online appoinment confirmation recommends bringing someone with me. This is going to be bad isn't it?

Ah bless you. This is such a difficult time. The waiting is just awful. I found once I knew what I was dealing with and had a plan I was much calmer. Take each day as it comes. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Thinking of you.

It's so very difficult but try and flip your thought process to that this time tomorrow, you will have some answers. I tried to go with the mantra of prepare for the worst, hope for the best (although, I knew my outcome before my appointment - my gut worked well for me here).
Best of luck tomorrow

This is such a horrible time, I feel for you. Will be thinking of you tomorrow x

It's such an awful time when you're waiting on news @Notjustabrunette

@MrTiddlesTheCat - I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Thank you to all the amazing women participating in this thread. Special thanks to Bimblesalong,* *Yamyamabroad and spartanrunnergirl for taking the time to reply to my late night post.
So glad that you understood the user name :) Did think of changing it to "There is a light that never goes out" before posting!
Had my appointment with the Lymphatic clinic today to discuss any potential issues with node removal. They were so reassuring and explained everything about the lymph nodes in our bodies and the amazing job that they do. Left feeling much brighter after a dreadful nights sleep. I know that I CAN manage this!
Operation on Thursday so I am going to do my best to relax and enjoy time with family tomorrow.
Feeling a lot more positive today.Life sometimes catches you unaware but I always think that by experiencing the sad times in life we can fully appreciate the wonder.
Much love to everyone that is currently going through the waiting and diagnostic period. It's absolute hell & you are allowed to cry, wail and be angry about the situation that you find yourself in. It's perfectly normal to feel like this right now.

Whatever the outcome be assured that you are not alone in your journey and you will find support & solace in this thread xx

❤

@Iknowitsover sorry you find yourself in this club of wonderful women. I had a full lymph nodes clearance early last year, let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck for your surgery tomorrow, I was in and out in a day and I didn't find it half as painful as I expected. Hope yours is a smooth x

On my way to the hospital now. I'm feeling remarkable calm. I think I've moved into denial as a coping mechanism.

Good luck @MrTiddlesTheCat calm denial is as good a way as any to get by.

Good luck @MrTiddlesTheCat 🍀

Good luck @MrTiddlesTheCat x

Wishing you luck today. I recognise that feeling. Even if it’s the news you fear, and I hope it isn’t, knowing brings some calm and control when you know what you’re dealing with. Thinking of you

@MrTiddlesTheCat another one thinking of you today. I hope the news is as good as possible. If not, as Mrs C says, you will have the beginnings of a plan. The big picture is overwhelming but taking things day by day is doable.

@Iknowitsover I hope you can have a lovely day today with your family. My operation process was way less scary than I had feared, I went to sleep, woke up what felt like moments later and pain was very well managed.

Glad you are feeling more positive today @Iknowitsover

Can you wonderful ladies please hit me questions I might want to be asking at my appointment tomorrow.
I'm hoping this is my treatment plan appointment. Should have the results of both sets of biopsies I believe (breast and lymph node). Initial loose plan was surgery then radio but I understand this can change with the outcome of these tests.

So - what did you ask / wish you had asked ?

A lot depends on the pathology. Sometimes they will do active treatment prior to surgery. Sometimes it’s surgery first. Without knowing the details it’s hard to predict.

I’m not great at these questions as my situation was very much “bish bash bosh” at some speed due to being at the start of the pandemic and any consultations after my diagnostic appointment were over the phone (and often without warning!). Regardless, you will have questions along the way, your BCN should be great for that (I hope!). To be fair, they were very clear to me what was going to happen. I chose not to look at literature or go on Google because protecting my mental health was paramount at the time. Sorry I’m not being very helpful here 🙃

It's cancer.

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc I agree with MrsC, sometimes the questions depend on the treatment plan.

I was quite lucky in that most of my results came back very quickly. My surgeon was very thorough and told me what I felt I needed to know. The only things I remember asking the surgeon was how long the recovery was and if id be in and out the same day. I was so happy to be getting rid of the cancer it didn't occur to me to ask much more. I preferred not having much information anyway, tbh. They did give me loads of leaflets which I looked through and they answered a lot of questions I had after the appointment. After my initial appointment when they confirmed surgery first I rang the breast care nurse to ask if I needed to buy a special bra, or what I might need at home and what to avoid doing.

This page on breast cancer now might help:

breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis/questions-to-ask-about-your-breast-cancer

I'm so sorry to hear that @MrTiddlesTheCat, I was really hoping for a different outcome for you xx

So sorry @MrTiddlesTheCat Have they given you an idea of what next?