CHECK YOUR BREASTS!!!

[FiveSoloRings]

I got news this morning that one of my friends died yesterday. She was in her very early 30's, two young children and everything to live for. Despite a mastectomy a couple of years ago, the cancer spread and she is gone. I can't tell you how dreadful I feel.

It is so important that we check our breasts regularly. It takes a few minutes and could save your life.
One of my best friends had a message just like this one, but it was face to face and by her boyfriends exgf who also had just had a mastectomy because of breast cancer. This message from such an unlikely messenger almost certainly saved my best friends life.

Pass the message on please ladies. Make sure your friends and family are nudged into remembering to check.

Getting nervous about tomorrow now, I'm pretty sure that it won't be bad news but doubt does creep in.

Amapoleon - stay calm and we're thinking of you here xxx

Will be thinking of you Amapoleon. Shanti's kharma will be heading your way. Hope you manage to get some sleep tonight.

Good luck Amapoleon!

Quick question for you ladies with (sadly...) more knowledge on this subject than me but if I do find out I do have breast cancer on Friday, what questions should I ask?

Also, given that I'll be distressed, will I get an opportunity to talk to someone later? I mean like a Breast Nurse? WIll they give me an appointment with one do you think?

Thanks in advance.

ifancy - will you be taking dh with you ? it's always good idea to have someone there to support,be the news good or bad. The breast care nurse should be in with you too and if the news isn't good she will be there to talk to you afterwards,plus will give you various information leaflets. You can contact the breast care nurse anytime to ask more questions or to arrange to see her -they are brilliant like that.

Well it's D day! [hopefully] hahaha. I'm going on my own, my decision, so I hope it's good news or it may back fire on me.

I fancy, I haven't had a diagnosis yet but my breast nurse has been absolutely fantastic!

Amapoleon, GOOD LUCK!! Expect you've already gone, but am thinking of you.

ifancy, I'd say take a piece of paper and pen or someone sensible with you or both. Even if it is bad news and you're upset you can still probably jot down a few facts. Also if it is bad news don't be embarrassed about being upset. Am sure they expect it, and as MAS says most places you get results from the Consultant, then go away with the Breast Nurse who'll give you more time and provide arms full of leaflets and info if you need/ want it.

The most important thing is just to get through that appointment. Odds are it'll be the best of news and you can celebrate. My top tip is buy a bottle of champagne regardless, as somehow it helps.

Thank you for your replies - helpful as ever.

I am going on my own. I'm single and really don't feel I can ask the friend I would normaly ask - I was taken into hospital about an unrelated issue recently and she dropped everything and came to A&E with me, spent the day till I was admitted in the evening and looked after me. Her work were amazing but I can't ask again. There really isn't anyone else I can ask (all friends work / have small DC's / live too far away etc). I am going round to the above friends house on Friday evening. She doesn't know about my lump (no-one in RL does as yet) but she'll be great to either help me celebrate or drown my sorrows...

But it's really helpful to know that if it is bad news, I can contact the Breast Nurse after the appointment and that I'll be given leaflets etc at the time.

I also got hold of a very good book from the library yesterday - it's very factual, in good lay terms. Made me cry but that is to be expected really.

Has anyone heard from Amapoleon?

not heard anything yet - hope all is ok.
They wouldn't leave you with bad news -you'd be looked after by bcn -and there's usually a quiet room you could sit in to gather yourself. They will be especially thoughtful I'm surte if you are on your own.

Hi, Guess what? The results weren't in as they are doing further tests on the lump! So I have to phone breast nurse on Monday and rearrange another appointment. I'm not surprised they have been rubbish from the start.

Also my dis-solvable stitches haven't dissolved, so I might have to go back and have them out.

Other than that Life is peachy , hahaha

oh ffs - it's madness - poor you -am so sorry...

Oh, that's horrid. So sorry to hear that Amapoleon.

Thanks, am getting to the end of my tether really. And my boob is bleeding again and sore. Sorry I'm always moaning!

Please don't be sorry - you've a right to moan. Sending you a virtual hug.

and one from me too

www.thewindsorclinic.co.uk offers Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, a safe scan which provides early detection of any changes of your breasts without harmful radiation.

oh Amapoleon, how frustrating! I feel for you. Try to plan lots of busy things for the weekend to keep your mind as off it as possible.

Ifancy, I second Maryann's comments about post-diagnosis care. When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year the specialist nurse was fantastic, and I felt very well looked after. The consultant too gave me lots of time to ask questions. I spent some time in a quiet room too getting myself together before I went home. If you are going on your own I do think its a good idea to take a pen and paper, and make notes if you need to because you won't remember all the details. My mum took notes for me and it was really helpful.

However, having said all that, you have a very good chance of it all being fine and all the preparations not needed at all! I'll be thinking of you, and hoping your news is as good as mine has been this time.

Ifancy - is your appointment tomorrow ? will be sending you loads of good vibes

Thanks, i'm feeling quite low today. My boob is still bleeding and i've just about had enough.

Good luck Ifancy.

Thank you Shanti for the tips and sorry Amapoleon that you're having a bad day.

Yes, it is my appointment tomorrow and the reality is beginning to hit me. Been able to focus on work all week but not tonight.... going to blitz the house so it's nice to come home to tomorrow (either way...). Figure it's a better bit of displacement therapy than getting drunk. No desire to have a hangover tomorrow anyway.

Appointment is at 8.45 and I chatted to a woman on BCC website who has been to the same hospital and she said she found out the results on the same day - this was because her symptoms were pretty conclusive. But I may not find out till the follwoing Weds, as that is when the medical teams meet to discuss results / treatment. Don't know which I'd prefer - find out bad news tomorrow or have to wait till next week.

But thank you for all your thoughts and wishes.

ifancy, really good luck. Am glad you're in first thing. Will be thinking of you. Really hope you're out in the sunshine by 10am with a big smile on your face.

Amapoleon hope you're feeling okay. Must have really taken it out of you to go for a result only to be sent away again, so it's not surprising you're feeling low. Take care of yourself.

Amapoleon,special hug for you - hope the bleeding stops too.

Thank you Smee - I hope you're right and I'm having a celebrating glass of bubbles around lunch time!

ifancy - thinking of you x