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.

Hi Smee - you doing ok?

I was wondering if anyone had heard of Dr.Philipa Darbre - University Of Reading, she has done some interesting studies on breast cancer, here is a website that may be helpful www.health-report.co.uk/parabens.htm.
My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer but was not told by her consultants to stop using anti-perspirants.

ifancy - hope you are feeling ok this week and not too stressed- when it your appointment ?

I'm good, ifancy. Lovely sun here, so it makes the spirit soar. Is it Wed you have to go?? Hold handing ongoing for you. Waiting is horrible.

Beawware, there's all sorts of rumours, etc about anti-perspirants. I was told it's okay to use them, but to use Simple, as they don't have all the additive nasties of many. Who knows though. Will have a look at that link later, so thanks. No time now.

Am ok - been managing to keep a lid on the stress but the Fear Monster that lives in my tummy is beginning to roar. Yes, my appointment is Wednesday.

Am working for next two days which should help keep me focused but it's night time that's the worst, isn't it? My dreams are very stress related (exhausting) and I hate waking up at 3am... but good to know you are all here.

Wednesday's not too far now. And yes we are here. Just rant, moan or dribble in our direction. We'll more than understand.

yes,we're here

Thank you! Took DD for her swimming lesson earlier and also ploughed up and down the pool myself, so got rid of some tension.

I'm fairly convinced Wednesday is going to be ok - the first lot of biopsies were clear, so fingers crossed.

ifancy, am thinking of you. Really, really hope you're getting good news x

me too x

Oh for Gods sake.... nothing really happened.

Got to the appointment and was greeted by the Registrar, which I immediately thought was odd as my Consultant has said he wanted me to come back on a day when he was in clinic in order that he could see me.

So, Registrar says 'Good News - your biopsies came back clear!'. To which I replied..'Great but I already knew that. I was told that last time I was here - I was asked to come back for a guided biopsy on the lump as one was not performed last time. Mr Consultant asked me to come back today so that it could be performed whilst he was in clinic'.

Cue double checking I really already knew the info / blank and emabarassed looks and off scuttles Mr Resistrar to speak to Mr Consultant.

Then they both come back, give me another physical exam and ultra-sound and talk about medical history (found out since 1st biopsy that mother had cancer when had hysterectomy (sp)). They then get Consultant Radiologist, he does another ultra-sound, they all agree there is a lump there but needs a biopsy as it is 'hiding' and difficult to see on scanner (I resist the urge to scream I KNOW at this point) but they can't do it today as not booked in and no space!!

ARRGGHH.

So I've got to go back again on Friday for said biopsy with results a week today.

One good thing is that due to changed medical history and resulting increased chances, they are saying they will probably remove the lump whatever the biopsy results to be 100% certain. At least they are saying 'Hmmm... we're not sure, let's probably remove it' rather than 'Hmmm... we're not sure, let's leave the bugger alone.' And Consultant has been very clear in stating that I am to see him and no-one else next week, which I'm happy about.

So.... no serious expletive change . And breathe....sorry for essay ladies and thank you for your thoughts. Am exhausted x

what a ridiculous palaver -no wonder you're exhausted -poor thing. OK though, if they remove it that should give a definite result -I guess some things are tricky to locate- and it's probably much better to remove than to wait and see.
Gah !

Gah from me too! What a waste of your energy. Emotional and physical. Am glad it's Friday though, as at least it's not dragging the whole biopsy side into next week. Have a glass of something soothing. You deserve it.

Thanks you both and sorry for late reply - DD decided tonight would be a good night to stay away !

You're right on both counts Smee - totally exhausting but so glad it's not going on too much. And not worried about the biopsy as know what they entail. But I had to really focus to not cry why they said 'No' to the biopsy today. I even offered to just sit and wait and see if they could fit me in!

Still, had a lot of Doctors focused on me and I'm sure Friday will go smoothly. Just more time off work... ah well, needs to be done.

And think I will have a glass of something, good ideas!

*stay awake!

Hope the sun's making life and waiting more bearable then. Am sure as they've messed you about so much, that Friday will yield top service!

Indeed - they were very adamant that I see my Consultant and no-one else! Not expecting results - they'll be next Weds and am ok about the biopsy - been there done that and all that...

And sunshine makes everthing a bit better - that and the circuits class I did earlier, where I beat the bejesus out of the boxing pads!

Onwards and upwards....

good girl ifancy - you are a star

Awww Shucks! Thanks

Hope needle sticking wasn't too yuk ifancy. I know you said you were okay with it, but it's not top of anyone's list for things to do am sure. Have a good weekend. Try not to think about it too much. (Like that's easy...)

Hi, thanks to all of you who replied to my previous post. I followed up the links and found them helpful, especially when I went into hospital on Monday. When the radiographer couldn't find the right lump, I knew what she was talking about when she referred to some micro calcifications she could see. Wouldn't have had a clue otherwise. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, my laptop gave up but I now have a new one. I had two wires put in on Monday and the lumps removed on Tuesday. All went well although there was some confusion re finding the lumps to be removed, hence ending up with two wires instead of one. I feel for you Ifancy, sometimes there seems to be a lack of clarity over what's being done. I have everything crossed for you that you get your guided biopsy done at your next appointment, I have done a lot of swearing at the screen on your behalf. I shall be returning to the hospital a week today to get the results of the biopsy on my lumps (I hope.) 101, I hope your mum is still doing well?

I was diagnosed with DCIS too. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. My rubber boob is more lumpy than the original, and doesn't have enough saline in it because if it did, I would look like Jordan. They didn't recognise the rogue cells, so now a bit of my boob is doing the rounds of histology conferences.
It is such a bugger going in and out of hospitals. They seem to live in their own time zone. I hope it all goes well for you pegotty, and I hope you are bearing up too, ifancy. I think that doctors, especially surgeons, can be a bit strange.

All went ok on Friday - it was quite traumatic as they have to really, well, push on the needle to get the biopsy. Aparently I hhave tough breast tissue! It was upsetting and they did it five times but they were really sympathetic and apologised a lot...results on Weds but they are talking about removing the lump regardlesss, due to family history of ovarian and breast cancers. Have to say, I'd rather they removed it - only way to be 100% sure.

And have told my parents this weekend. They were amazing - incredibly supportive and lovely. Upset, obviously but my mum kept it together in front of me, which I massively appreciate. A huge weight off my mind, now they know.

When do you go for your results, Pegotty?

And thanks Smee!

well done for getting through that - sounds horrid for you though...am glad your parents have been so lovely too.
Hope the results are good on Wednesday, but agree that removing it anyway would set your mind at rest. Take care x

Can I shower yet? My surgery to remove two lumps was a week ago today and there's only so much cleanliness I can achieve with two face flannels. I have two incisions each about 3" long and have been told to keep them dry. I have had one sneaky shower but the breast nurse advised against it (after I had already done it, so didn't see much point in confessing ) This experience has made me re-consider everything that's important to me. I am in a stressful job, the nature of which means I can never get on top of my workload. I worry about it night and day to the extent I have not taken a holiday longer than a week for 13 years. I am resigning when I get back to work, I will get some other employment that will pay less but give me back a life. I am a lone parent and my children are now 18 and 19, one at uni and the other finishing A levels. I have a fear of not having enough money which dates back to when I didn't have enough money! Sorry for ranting on, I only came on here to ask if I could have a shower