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💗

Thank you @Firework73 !
The appointment is at 12 and I have to teach before that. The waiting and not knowing what‘s next is tough, isn’t it?
I hope you do get results on Friday.

It really is … I’m not sure I’ll get any answers as I was told on Fri I’d get an appointment to discuss treatment from the secretary , I mean I’ll be asking her for sure if it’s cancer but not sure she would know or can even tell
fingers crossed for u x

How did you get on @MidLifeWoman ?
I had my appt earlier, confirmed cancer and having surgery next Friday (lumpectomy and some lymph nodes I think- surgeon called them glands), and then probably radiotherapy and hormone blocking drugs for 5 years, but that could change depending on what they find during surgery.

I’m pleased that they’re cracking on so fast, and my boss has been fab, will need 3-4 weeks off after the op. But even though the nurse prepared me a few weeks ago it’s still a shock to have it confirmed.

Hi @dibly - much the same here! Lumpectomy and lymph nodes op in 2 weeks, and then possibly radiotherapy and/or medication afterwards. They told me 2 weeks minimum off afterwards, and work is super supportive.
It feels a bit like I have been strapped into a very scary rollercoaster.

I had my post-op meeting with consultant today. Unfortunately they found cancerous cells in one of the lymph nodes biopsied during the operation, which means chemotherapy, which I had been hoping to avoid. Seems like there is a whole battery of treatments and drugs which awaits me and I cannot plan anything for the next few months. Follow up with oncologist within the next 2 weeks (always another 2 weeks to wait each time….)

I must admit to feeling a bit dejected, but have been out for a walk in the sunshine with my partner to make the most of the weather.
Good luck to @dibly and @MidLifeWoman

Oh no, @rhubarblover , I am so sorry.

@rhubarblover . currently doing chemo pre surgery.
TBH others comments of the waiting to find out treatment options is hell. Itis a really tough one to find a way through.

It may be a case of the oncologist meetingup with the Multi Disciplinary Team which includes the surgeons looking after you, plus results from tests done to decide on the best chemo option for you. expect to need to do more tests first such as kidney function, heart and so on. I had a flory of extra short notice phone calls for these before treatment was decided. This is so they have baselines of your measurements before starting treatment again to ensure you have the best treatment option for you. It really is that bespoke.

You might find it helpful to contact the breast care nurses who cover the Breast Care Now helpline. the charity also has a supportive forum where you can ask questions including about chemotherapy. It is also well moderated and you will get encouragement tips and online support from others a bit further on in The journey.

I was beyond scared when I joined (have hospital based PTSD from family dying out over covid) plus had adverse reactions three times to initial drug ( have known drug allergies and previous adverse reactions to simple things like penicillin so please try not to panic. Nurses were very quick to react and stop infusions, give recovery drugs and call Drs turns out I was allergic to the first drug, oncologist has now sorted out alternative that does the job that I have NOT adversely reacted to)

Hang in there, remember waiting is hell, knowing what the treatment is is a lot less hellish, the first chemo can be nerve racking but if you are able to let the oncology nurses on the chemo day unit know what your fears and concerns are they really will try to give you the support and encouragement you need.

Thanks for that @triballeader . That is good to know that they were so supportive during your treatment.
I must admit I still have horrendous memories of my Mum on chemo 30 years ago, which is not good. I am guessing treatment options has moved on since then though

@rhubarblover
not only have the treatment options come on in leaps and bounds in the past thirty years they have in the past ten too. So have the supportive drug options to help offset possible chemo side effects too.

i am having neoadjunct chemo pre surgery as that gives me the very best outcome as I have one affected lymph node and a her+ tumour. Chemo post adjunct after surgery is aimed at giving you the very best outcome long term too.

Sorry have been out this evening in the freezing wind watching girls football! I’m really sorry to hear everyone s news .