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💗

Thanks ! Ok that sounds manageable 😊 Are you pleased with the general aspect? Or is too soon to tell ? X

They sent me home with a spare so I took a photo just now - drain bottle in front of the bag I used, then in front (left) is the thin tube that goes from your body out, and then (right) the thicker cable that connects about 40cm down. The drain is stitched in to your body with one stitch and then held in place with a dressing - it feels odd but it’s secure.

Lego man for scale.

I didn’t get much in there - 40ml over three days on one side, 30 on the other?

I’m genuinely very happy with how I look so far (albeit bandages still on). Flat, neat, smooth. I will see if I can post a photo in a tshirt if topless would be a step too far on here (!).

Argh, photo.

Haha thanks !! I think I’m going to reiterate to surgeon that I want flat. The more I think about reconstruction the less I want it . I can’t have implants have already had radiotherapy . I’ve also had a cesarean ( would be stomach fat used) . Just so many factors that might lead to extra hospital visits and misery . So I shall insist on neat and flat . I’ve been looking at those vest type comfie sporty / teeshirt type bras that have a bit of padding and to me look good under a lowish top. I might try them when I have a tighter fitting top…

Thanks !! Obviously wont be going too far with them in 😁

Photo in a Tshirt, still with small bandages on - this is a week after surgery. Was previously 34DD bra size, so a bit different! I’m a size 12 generally.

I felt the same about reconstruction. When I spoke with my consultant the message I aimed to get across again and again was I do not want reconstruction, I will not want reconstruction in future, I want to be up and about and living my life as soon as possible. I want to look neat, smooth and FLAT.”

you look great !! Yes exactly I don’t want to spend my life at the hospital. The surgeon a lovely lady was nodding her head as I said it. I just want to live my life

Surgeon seems to have done a really good job. I’m like you I want to get on with my life. I may dtill need chemo etc but I don’t want any extra appointments and complications that could have been avoided. Xx

@Lovewine1975 well done for the first docetaxel done, it is very hard, I had to have my dose reduced to 80% and it definitely makes a difference. See what they say.

I have two to go too....

I have no regrets about going flat. I am of a rounder stature and my stomach does stand out more, but I just think people can deal with it.

@cantbelieveIamherethank you, that’s good your finding it a bit easiest make the last two not so hard to get through, nice feeling to see the end in sight x

@Lovewine1975 I am literally counting days of treatment, injection days, counting them off to get through them. crossing them off a list to try to motivate myself that i can do another two rounds of it.
I have found docetaxel really hard but hopefully its working - so do whatever it takes to get through it.

Hello everyone. So, due to issues I’ve mentioned earlier with margins and lymph nodes I’m having a mastectomy on 5/2. However reconstruction right now is no longer an option as I had an infection following the lumpectomy and she will not use an implant. So I’m going flat. In one way I’m relieved that the decision was made for me.
She is suggesting I wait about 18 months to have reconstruction using tummy fat once I’ve lost weight and my treatment is finished. Realistically I think once I get to that point further surgery will be the last thing I want. It’s going to be strange being flat only on one side.
I’m trying so hard to be upbeat and positive. It really is a difficult thing to get through isn’t it. I hope you all have the best week possible. Spring is coming, I saw my first snowdrop today. Lighter nights and brighter days ahead for us, by God we deserve them x

Oops, she = surgeon.

Thinking of you today @cancerycaramelbear .

@alseb - I've very sorry, it's rotten when you feel you are stuck with something you don't want, and don't have agency. I'd say - for now you know the immediate next steps. Get through that, one foot in front of the other. Down the line, you might feel strongly about recon / flat or something else all together. You may also make peace over time with your body after surgery - it's hard to know when you're in the middle of it all.

If you want positive tales of being flat, the Flat Friends UK FB group is a godsend imo - some women there have had singles, some doubles. And I imagine there's an equivalent group for reconstruction, delayed reconstruction or any other permutation.

@alseb well you are right thats the decision made for you and actually I think I wouldnt opt for reconstruction, making your body go through another operation.

Dont know why you feel you have to be upbeat - we are only human and its a hard operation to face. Wishing you well for 5th hope it all goes on time and smoothly and you recover well. My solace is that its winter while I go through this shit so I am not missing out on nice weather.

Hi all had my oncology appt today. All good. Oncotype test was 14 so don’t need chemo. 10 days of radiotherapy in 2-3 weeks and tamoxifen for 5 years. That’s it
im so relieved

Brilliant news!

I’m home from surgery! Still a bit woozy but all went well and the staff were amazing. Will update more tomorrow.

That’s great news, amazing! Hopefully get your life back on track soon !

LoudSnoringDog
Fantastic news. By Easter this will hopefully be all behind you x

@LoudSnoringDog that is great news really pleased for you!

@LoudSnoringDogthat’s great news on the oncotype results. What a relief for you!
@alsebwe haven’t spoken on here yet, I’m a relative newbie. Sending strength. I have a very old friend who is going back for reconstruction much later down the line. What I get very much from the breast teams is that they treat each woman individually, doing what is right and best for them xx

I’m doing well since surgery yesterday. Pain well controlled, the lymph node biopsy is the worst bit. I have a special dressing attached to a battery pack which buzzes every few seconds. It’s fine during the day but I needed earplugs to drown it out (plus DH’s snoring) last night. I bought a heart shaped cushion from Etsy which is helping keep me comfortable under the bad boob arm. I am in the NHS bra four cup sizes smaller than the one I arrived in. Can’t quite believe it but I’m happy with what I can see shape wise. I had incredible care yesterday. No comparison to what I witnessed when my mum had breast cancer in 2002. I live near a regional specialist centre. So different.

That’s brilliant to hear @cancerycaramelbear . I’m glad you’re home and comfortable, despite the sound effects!

Hi everyone, I haven't been posting here as I was feeling a bit overwelmed with it. Denial got me through the initial treatments and I needed it to get through the more recent ones.

Hysteroscopy in November (thanks tamoxifen) but thankfully nothing sinister. Then shoulder surgery in December (thanks radiotherapy) which takes 6-12 months to recover from. Still ongoing with the lymph therapist.

Hope everyone is doing 'well'.