14 years and counting ...

Well 14 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Yes, on Christmas Eve!  I had a mastectomy and chemo and I am pleased to say that I have remained well since (fingers crossed - I have said that a lot since then).  I seldom come on here now but always on Christmas Eve I think about all the others who are going through the same at this time of year.  I hope this helps someone who is struggling at the moment and wish everyone a happy Christmas and a healthy new year.

pisces

 

What a wonerful inspiring post.

 

Have an absolutely fantastic christmas and all the very best for 2018 xx

Yey Pisces15 - I wish you another 14 yrs and many more beyond. Thank You for such a positive, thoughtful post. Always such a huge help to others going through it, to see others beyond. I’m an 11/12 yearer.

Wishing you Continued Good Health.

Much love

Delly xxxxxxx

That’s great to know Pisces15 and Delly. I always like to hear of others who are doing well as it gives me some reassurance for my own situation. 

 

Here is my story:  It is now exactly one year since I found the ‘lump’ in the shower on Hogmanay, age 43. I quickly made a doctors appointment, was referred to hospital and diagnosed with a grade 2, 21mm ER+ tumour. The ultrasound of my lymph nodes was clear however the sentinel node biopsy carried out during the lumpectomy found 2 lymph nodes contained cancer cells. I then went on to have 6 cycles of FEC-T chemo, lymph node clearance and 19 sessions of radiotherapy. I am now on Tamoxifen and monthly Zoladex injections to help prevent recurrence and a 6 monthly Zometa infusion to help prevent osteoporosis. 

 

In general, I am getting on fine. I still have a bit of fluid in the breast from radiotherapy and it is firmer and slightly higher than my other breast but I guess this is a new normal I’ve had to accept and not noticeable with clothes on. The most difficult thing is my fear of recurrence. I am constantly checking my breasts for lumps and changes. If I have an ache or pain I worry about secondaries until I remind myself that when I had an ache or pain before diagnosis I thought nothing of it. I guess it gets easier and I’m hoping I will worry less in time. 

 

All the the best for a happy and healthy 2018 xxx

Well done Elaine,

Check out the “Coping with Anxiety” threads. You should find them helpful and reassuring. Tho’ none of us can ever be sure, but best not to live in the fear of “What If”.

Happy New Year and Happy Boob Health everyone 

Delly xxxxxxxx

Happy New Year Pisces, Ladybowler, delly & Elaine,
I am 36 years young and I found a lump when showering in mid November, I went to GP the very next day and was referred to the beast clinic the week after. After seeing the Mr, having a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy. I was told it was probably just hormonal changes because of age etc. So my hubsband and I felt fairly positive. My blood results come fantastic so I really didn’t think anything was wrong. Then on the 24th Nov I got that devasting news that I have BC, I don’t know who was more shocked me or the consultant. On Dec 8th I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal. Then I got my results on the 3rd of January. The lymph nodes were clear, but I was then told more surgery was needed to get a clearer margin, again I felt like it’d been puntched in the side. So yesterday only one day later I had my marginal surgery. Now I need to wait for another gruelling 2-3 weeks for these results. If they don’t come back clear then my only option is to have a mastectomy. My consultant did say I caught this incredibly early. Sometimes checking every lump and bump that doesn’t feel right pays off. I’m so glad to hear all your stories, it does fill me with hope for the future. PG x

Thank you Delly, I’m back up on my feet again. Whilst waiting for those results I’m back in the gym ( taking it easy) Eating well and generally good mental health. Whatever those results will be I’m ready for the next step in this journey so many Women are experiencing. Px

Hi Delly, I still have had no results, my lovely husband took my away for the week to take my mind off things. Now I’m hopeful come Monday they’ll be calling me in again. I must say before I was diagnosed I was the fittest and healthiest person I knew. Ironic!
I have to amit I have been a bit lazy this week, my backside is actually aching!
I’ll keep you posted.
Love Piper x

We went to Egypt for the week Delly, it was lovely and relaxing, spent most days freaking the girls out in the spa every time I had to take my bikini top off. I just found myself constantly spurting out “cancer” the poor girls didn’t know what to do! I’ve got my appointment for results on Wednesday so I’ll keep you posted. Fingers crossed for clear margins. I definitely need to get these glutes going after the week I’ve had. Yeah it’s a bummer! Pxxx

Not good news today, unfortunately the Cancer is too invasive in the breast so Mastectomy is now my only option. Very sad at the moment ? Pxxx

Oh Pipergirl

I’m sooooo sorry, darlin. Sending an extra tight, extra warm, extra loooong hug to you. I should imagine you’re feeling very shocked, as well as upset. Flip, flip, flip!!! But, trying to look on the good side, they and you now know the extent of it. Perhaps immediate recon may be an option? if it’s what you’d be wanting. 

Lots of love to you, flower

Dellywelly