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💗

First Paclitaxel done. Only 8 more to go!
It was ok. The first session always takes a bit longer as they slow down the infusion to make sure no allergic reaction.
I cold capped, which also added time. In total I think I was there about 3 and a half hours.
I also used my Suzipads on my feet and hands. I felt like a block of ice 🧊 🥶
The worst bit was not having my hands free to scroll on my phone, although the antihistamines made me very drowsy, so I nodded off a few times.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes x

My appointment is 14th I’ll let you know how I get on.

Day before mine! I’ll keep
my fingers crossed for you 🩷

Hi all. So, some progress here. Had my psych consultation and “passed”, had a pre-surgical appointment - so now booked in for (at my request ) a double mastectomy, next Friday. Broadly feeling fine but leaning on some lovely friends when I need. The poor consultant got quite worn down by my questions about scarring etc but if nothing else I got my point across! And the breast care nurse was lovely and full of practical advice.

Hi all.

PALS letter seems to have moved mountains.

Had a call yesterday asking if I could come in today.

Sat in recovery now having evicted the unwanted lodger this afternoon!

Wow! That is some progress!

How are you feeling?

That’s good news that the uninvited guests has been evicted. Wishing you all the best for your recovery over the next few weeks.

Wow, that was quick ! Looks like they had forgotten about you.
Glad you've had the op now and wishing you a speedy recovery x

That is really good news. have a good and uneventful recovery.

Well done for passing your psych test 😄
All the best for next Friday. I’ll be thinking of you.
Update us and let us know how you get on when you feel up to it x

That’s amazing!
all the best for a quick and uneventful recovery

Hi just jumping in to say well dine on passing 😉 and dod they tell you how long the op is likely to last? Thanks !

Hi all, after 3 cycles of EC I’m due to start Docetaxel on 19th Jan. Not been told much about the side effects apart from tiredness and mouth ulcers. For those of you that have had it can you tell me how you got on, getting a bit nervous about it! Thanks x

After an absolutely shit not coping weekend where I cried almost none stop I have resorted to using some of the simplest severe anxiety relaxation tips. Walking helps but the streets were so wet and iced this weekend I could not get out the house. It did not help. I am close to writing on the bedroom mirror if they thought it really was that dreadful they would have done to me what they did when my DD was picked up. She was in a specilist oncology unit for further tests and surgery within 12 hours of her scans and TBH that really was scary.

You are all spot on, the waiting for full diagnosis based on biopsies and treatment plans is the absolute pits. Starting to feel a determination to find some way to live in between treatments even though is still unspeakable for now

I have now cancelled all the exhibitions I was invited to contribute to in this coming year so I can focus on doing what I need to do to be as healthy as I can as an when I need to do it. Found Port and Bello tops designed by a lady who herself has been through breast cancer chemo etc which look well designed and thought through.

Youngest DD has spoken with her ‘cancer friends’ who have all offered to share their tips on coping with chemo. Admittedly her bone tumours are benign and are managed with surgery as needed. She has lent me all her box sets of Grimm, her go to after repeated painful bone surgeries, as she found the hockum story lines a distracting world apart from her treatment. I am finding it’s a weird distraction too.

Did you get your pathology results @alsebcx

Port and Bello tops are very expensive. Have a look online at George at ASDA. Search for ‘adaptive clothing’
They have some great items - lots of choice - mostly for under £20.

Thank you for that suggestion. Much appreciated.

Due to have my first round of chemo tomorrow - Docetaxel and carboplatin, then phesgo, starting to get a bit nervous now about side effects and how I'll feel in the following days. Any advice from those who've been there already?

@Lovewine1975 I'll let you know how I go, if it's any help!!

@Snoopy1612 I hope it all goes well for you, does definitely make you feel a bit anxious when you don't know what to expect, sure it will all be fine and we are both worrying about nothing!🙂

@Snoopy1612 and @Lovewine1975
Good luck with the chemo.
It is very daunting starting for the first time or switching from one chemo drug to another.
I can’t offer any advice I’m afraid as I’m having weekly Paclitaxel, not Docetaxel (although I think they are similar).
But I do know how you feel as I was the same when switching from EC.
The thing I try and always remember is that it is rarely as bad in reality as what I imagine in my head.
Take care and keep us posted x

@PoptartPoptart that is so true and I always do that imagine the worst situation happening to me!

How have you been since Friday, are you feeling ok? x

I’m ok, just so so tired. I’m sleeping and napping a lot but I never feel refreshed when I wake up.
I had some slight achey bone pain earlier but not too bad so far.
I’m religiously applying cream to my hands and feet and Polybalm to my nails.
I’ve read that the side effects of Paclitaxel can be culminative so I’m just praying for an easy ride 🙏

I too hope you have an easy ride and that the cream and balm also help….a lot.
Look after yourself and rest as a when you need to. I think the mantra could be do a bit rest a bit around what you need at that point in time.

Post op results today 🤞🤞 hoping it’s the same as original diagnosis post biopsy

@LoudSnoringDog hope that goes well today. I’ll keep something crossed that there are no surprises for you. Still waiting here, thoroughly fed up and beginning to stress the op will be delayed somehow.

How is everyone sleeping? I sleep in and off, not too bad, but had the most disturbing nightmare last night and woke up feeling utterly terrified! I did some 4-7-8 breathing but never really got properly back to sleep.