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💗

Good morning TheFormidableMrsC
Thank you for your response. Reading these positive posts helps enormously. I too am HER2+ and was told I’ll have chemo before surgery then radio. CT scan will determine final decision. Just want it started.
Sue

@TheFormidableMrsC thank you for the positive response. Fingers crossed mine hasn’t spread, hate this waiting game. I too am HER2+ IDC so hoping I can say the same as you in 5 years time ! Sue x

@LovingPeer mine was also grade 3 IDC but not HER2+. I also had no lymph node involvement, are you having further imaging because they suspect lymph nodes?

My plan will be a bit different to yours but if it helps to get an idea: I had surgery first (mammoplasty) and I’m in the midst of EC / Paclitaxel chemotherapy. Once that’s done it’ll be radiotherapy.

The waiting is truly hard, I hope you can get a plan sorted as soon as possible. Big hugs.

Hope everyone is doing as well as can be following surgeries and in the throes of treatment.

Fellow chemo buddy@mightneedalargesnifter , you are not useless, you’re going through the wringer!! I think the anti sickness meds make me very depressed because I snap out of it when I stop taking them. Good luck for your appts.

@AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc how are you getting on with your chemo?

I had my second paclitaxel round yesterday. I’m finding it a lot easier to deal with than EC even on a weekly schedule, however last night I got about two hours sleep so I’m feeling crap today. 10 more to go. I’m still capping and I’m seeing some little areas of growth where I had lost hair. Hair for Christmas is the goal!

Hi @MonOncle , I have just heard I have my ct scan later today so that’s good news at least. MDT sit on Tuesday so hopefully hear more next week 🙏

Thanks @MonOncle and @quietmaelstrom definitely feeling better today. Hope you’re feeling a bit better today too @MonOncle. Hard isn’t it!
Had MRI yesterday, the anticipation is always worse than the scan. I’m getting better at clambering on the machine for a start! Actually dragging DH out for lunch today so all good.
Hope everyone is doing ok, sending love (as can’t send wine)

I have one more round of EC to go and then on to paclitaxel (4 rounds, every 2 wks). I feel awful, I was hoping I was going to find someone who said paclitaxel was better. Have also lost a lot of hair despite cold capping.

I had minimal side effects with Paclitaxel. I never felt sick or very tired. I did feel a bit blotchy and spotty. It’s a lot gentler as far as chemo goes.

I also found paclitaxel much easier than EC.

@Vcal2017 @LovingPeer sorry you're in the horrible waiting zone - hope you soon have results and a clear way forward 💐

@MrTiddlesTheCat hope all is OK and you're feeling better

Glad you're feeling better @mightneedalargesnifter

Had my follow-up oncoplastic appointment with my surgeon, so asked him about the lump. He agrees there is one, and thinks it's a reactive lymph node from the radiotherapy - he says there's still some oedema about from that (I thought it had all cleared - it's taking a while).

He's not worried but is arranging an ultrasound scan to check. I'll be relieved when I know that's clear.

Morning everyone 👋🏻 The thread has gone very quiet so hope everyone is ok.
Ive had MRI results and the tumour is reducing. They have also seen that the other part of the breast they were concerned about is fine so may be lumpectomy after all after chemo which would be good. It was a slow recovery after chemo last time and I’ve just had another (Friday) so not expecting much this next couple of weeks! Will get some jobs done today though! One more to go. Cold capping still working ok. Hair thinning but ok. DH is feeling a lot better so I’m encouraging him to get out and about. No point in us both being practically housebound! I’ll be glad for the next round to be done, and to get on with the next stage. Thinking about you all.

Morning all, I've been quiet as despite my initial diagnosis on 21 Aug, I'm not any closer to having a confirmed treatment plan. Had an MRI on bank holiday Monday which showed a couple of areas they need to investigate further. On Thursday just gone, I had 4 biopsies and markers put in then another MRI yesterday. Things seem to be moving so slowly 😞

Sounds about right time wise. I had heart scan and kidney function tests before any treatment as well. I hope you get a plan soon 💐

Morning everyone, my initial diagnosis was end of August, biopsies done HER2+ bc, still awaiting treatment plan. Chemo to start then surgery and radio apparently. Appointment tomorrow with bc surgeon then oncologist next week. The waiting seems to go on and on doesn’t it?! We’re all in this together, love to all xx

@MissFizzyPopsorry your going through this it’s rubbish isn’t it. It does take a while for everything to get moving but it will and before you know it you will have a treatment plan in place. I was diagnosed at the beginning July and had a lumpectomy on 5th September, it seemed to get forever to get to this point but so glad it has. As my doctor said they need all the correct info before going ahead with any treatment, the waiting is awful though so hope you get some news soon 😊

Sorry wrong person, my post was meant for @LovingPeerI blame menopause 🤦🏻‍♀️

Thank you 🙏

Hello All, yes also very quiet as just in the waiting stage at the mo myself. Had surgery on the 1st Sep of a mammoplasty to remove three tumours and all lymph nodes in right armpit. Recovery is going well but still struggling mostly due to pain and nerve damage in right arm. I have an appointment this week to see if they were successful in removing all the cancer and how much involvement there was in the lymph nodes. I have had a CT scan also which I am hoping I will also get the results of. I am very much trying to keep busy and stay positive but am also pretty terrified.

Sending lots of love to you all. 💗

@BettyMagoo hope all goes well with results. We have to stay positive and keep busy, but it’s not easy! 🩷

Good news @mightneedalargesnifter!

Best wishes for appointments @LovingPeer @BettyMagoo

Sorry things are moving slowly @MissFizzyPop. It will be best eventually when they have all the information they need but it is horrible going through it (I had some extra biopsies so can empathise)

Ultrasound scan for me this week as surgeon thought it was best to be sure. Not looking forward to sitting in the clinic waiting again ...

Thank you 😘
@MissFizzyPop totally get your frustrations. It is so hard. I also had additional biopsies which resulted in a different surgery to originally planned. Though I was disappointed it was important that my consultant knew exactly what was going on and what actions to take. Sending positive thoughts your way. Your next appointment will give you the answers you need.

@LovingPeer thinking of you for your appointment today.

So appointment cancelled as I’ve transferred to a nearer hospital. Oncology appointment there next Monday…… more waiting 😭

Thinking of those going through the whole waiting game at the moment...

Can I ask anyone who is taking Tamoxifen -do you stick to the same brand ? If so which brand and are you ok on it? I'm new to it but this last prescription has been a different brand (Tillomed) from my first and I am cautious about taking it when I was doing ok on the first brand (Genesis).

I have just had a massive allergic reaction to Tillomed and developed a severe hives response and I’m now taking steroids and large amounts of antihistamine. Chemist has just swapped. I am going to make an appointment with oncologist to discuss. I have also had a period for the first time in five years and now need a scan although BCN wasn’t concerned. This was also just after I started this brand. May be unconnected but it seems coincidental.