Likely breast cancer after ultrasound- thread 3

[SpartanRunningGirl]

Welcome. Previous threads :

Thread 1
Thread 2

The original thread 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).

Two full threads 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 💗)

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 breast cancer diagnosis.

You are not alone.

This is the awful club - full of awesome women💗

@GrannyGogglesI know the post wasn’t meant to be aimed at me but I want to thank you for it anyway, because you are wise and correct xx

With my first BC ( young mum) I kept telling myself that nothing had changed. Today is no different except I have had some bad news. It’s really really hard to wait to know what’s what but in reality so far nothing HAS changed from last week. ( or whenever you went to the breast clinic) Also what the hospital have often said to me in various ways’ is let us manage it.. leave it on our shoulders… ‘ trust them because they do know what they’re doing particularly with BC. I’m on my third run in ( over 24 years) and this time GP gave me anti anxiety tablets which have been a huge help tbh.

Psych assessment done (checking that I was in my right mind asking for a double mastectomy, basically). It was fine, I actually wasn’t teary but her questions weren’t overly in that direction either.

Pre-surgical meeting tmrw evening and thankfully my lovely friend is coming along to hold my hand.

I think I will be increasingly emotional and possibly irrational from here on out so building in lots of time with friends and in the fresh air.

@KimonoQueen So sorry to hear that you have further delays to your surgery, you just want to get on with it. I think you are right to contact PALs.

@PoptartPoptart glad you are home and in your own bed, hopefully you can rest before your treatment on Friday.

How are you doing @LoudSnoringDog ? Hope your recovery is going okay.

I am 8 days post op (lumpectomy and SLNB). Feeling very sore and swollen under my arm, boob mostly numb which is a bit disconcerting. Had the dressing off today and was a bit taken aback by how big the scar is. Still, my boob doesn't look too dissimilar to its twin, so I can't complain. I am getting out for a walk everyday and doing the physio exercises 4 times a day. I am still really tired and not comfortable when sleeping, but I suppose it is early days.

Wishing everyone well.

@MrPanksthank you for asking! I would say I feel ok now. It took me approx 3 weeks though before I got to feeling approx 75% “normal”.
I have my post op review next Tuesday. Hopefully nothing much has changed from my initial meeting

@LoudSnoringDog glad to hear you are feeling much better now, that is good news 😊

Hope your review goes well next week. Am I right in thinking that it’s your birthday on that day too? Not the funnest way to spend your birthday but I hope you will have good news. I’ve got mine on Friday (birthday Thursday!).

Ah a fellow Capricorn. We are too stubborn to let this inconvenience our birthdays! X

@LoudSnoringDog yes indeed! Cancer can do one, the day is mine!

Hope everyone is doing well today. I met my surgeon this morning who was very professional and reassuring and told me about oncotype testing and post-surgical plan. Then the nurse talked me through aftercare and I had my pre-op tests. Just over two weeks now until the bastard thing is gone. I’m feeling positive but also very tired after a busy day as I also saw a psychologist in the afternoon. I’m now on the sofa with the no brain required viewing of Emily in Paris!

Afternoon everyone, hope everyone is coping ok with the crap situation we’re all in.
I got my post op results just before Xmas and it showed my tumour was bigger than thought, with lymph nodes affected, extra capsular involvement and unclear margins and needed a CT scan to see if it’s metastasised. I then endured a nightmarish rollercoaster ride of emotions for 2 weeks because I have been getting aches and pains. I wasn’t sure if they were due to suddenly coming off HRT, anxiety or mets ! I got my results back the other day and it’s all clear ! The margins were actually ok on checking op notes.

I’ve been staged at 2B, er,pr pos , Her2 neg.

I’m going back next week for a treatment plan but won’t need further surgery. Probably chemo, radio then letrozole.Then hopefully that’s it. I know it’s not going to be an easy ride . I feel
like I’m not so much in limbo now as I have been since October when it all started

I hope this helps other ladies in similar position keep their spirits up and stay positive. Sometimes it seems things have got really bad then things are looking up again xx

@OMGitsthebigC that’s really positive news! You must be relieved. Like you say, you’ve still got a way to go, but things are way better than expected - you got this!

Sorry for being forward but what grade did you start at? Mine is grade 1 non specific type. no known node involvement that was picked up on ultrasound or mri. 1.4cm of tumour 4cm taken.
It was removed on 22/12 and results of pathology next Thursday. This is my biggest worry that im going to go and it’s all turned on its head.
im glad yours didn’t need extra surgery bless you I hope the rest of your journey goes smoothly xx

@OMGitsthebigCSorry for being forward but what grade did you start at? Mine is grade 1 non specific type, HER2 negative, ER 7 +, no known node involvement that was picked up on ultrasound or mri. 1.4cm of tumour 4cm taken.
It was removed on 22/12 and results of pathology next Thursday. This is my biggest worry that im going to go and it’s all turned on its head.
im glad yours didn’t need extra surgery bless you I hope the rest of your journey goes smoothly xx

@PoptartPoptarthope your chemo goes ok for you tomorrow x

Thank you. I’m very nervous - it feels like I’m starting all over again.
I’m sure it will be fine 🙏

Thank you. I see you're due your first chemo tomorrow. I hope it goes well xx

I was grade 2 to start with, non specific and ER/PR 8 Staging has taken place after the results of the pathology report as my tumour was nearly 5cm.
I had two 1cm tumours which were 3cm apart. Post op results showed it to be a 4.7cm tumour as there were cancer cells in between them, This potentially made it more serious and met the criteria for staging. ( I thought all cancers are staged but apparently not)
My ultrasound showed no lymph nodes involvement but the 2 nodes they took were affected as seen under microscope.
On these findings, they suggested CT scan of chest/ abdomen/pelvis which I had the following day.
CT showed my remaining lymph nodes as likely unaffected because they looked like the nodes on my “ good” side.Otherwise clear. So I’ll only need radiotherapy.I was given the option for clearance but I don’t think I will.
The waiting is really the very worst of it. Youre still at that stage and it’s awful but try not to worry. It’s something we’re all having to go through.
My CT did show an incidental finding of a small gall stone ( no symptoms) and I’m currently feeding it crisps and chocolate and gin while I watch Netflix 😁

@OMGitsthebigC what a relief for you, glad you have a clear treatment plan.

@PoptartPoptart all the best today.

@OMGitsthebigCthank you for replying.
I feel a bit reassured now, i felt fine these last 2 weeks while recovering- my thought process was well it’s out now the hardest part is done. It’s out of my body. But then when you think about it you don’t actually know if it is, if it’s worse.
macmillan told me to trust the process and my consultant but it’s hard when you hear things spiralling for others or having change of plans etc.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. The not knowing what you’re dealing with completed floors you. No one knows what it’s like unless you’ve been there. I was getting people saying to be positive etc and they all mean well but in myself I felt completely alone.
They did say they also found scattered DCIS but they weren’t concerned about that as the chemo will deal with it.
I think you’ll feel better when you get your results from the op and then a treatment plan. When do you get your results ?

@OMGitsthebigCthe 15th, next week. I’m due radiotherapy and the hormone therapy tablet

I hope you get positive results and don’t need chemo. Fingers crossed for you.
I’m to get the hormone therapy too. I think that comes after the radiotherapy ? Not sure yet but hopefully will get a clearer picture next week.

I do hope the snow did not get in your way and that all went well.

Chemo hasn’t been mentioned really as don’t think it’s that “sort” ?
yeah I believe you have radio, then oncology contact you to prescribe tablets? When’s your appointment?