As are many on here, I am new to this Breast Cancer lark (sorry if I sound flippant).
My partner went for her first mammogram on 9th June (doing a trial here in Notts where they randomly pick in the 47-50 and 70-73 brackets) and was informed that she may get a callback as it was her first and not to worry, letter came on 17th June to say that she had to go back for referal. She went (on her own) on 21st June where she was told she had a shaddow on her left breast and had ultrasounds, prodding and 2 bioposies. Went back on 23rd June for results and was told she had 2 lumps and that she needed MRI scans (told that 1x10mm and 1x14mm). We went for the MRI (and medical photos) on 27th June then back for the results of that on 29th June where we were told that they think they should be able to do a “fancy” lumpectomy as the 2 lumps are on top of each other (then informed us they are 1x10mm and 1x30mm - I know that these are not huge but still a shock). She is booked in for surgery on 17th July, and meet the surgeon on 14th July (not got date for pre-op yet).
So all in all not sure where to turn at the moment. Am pleased that everything is happening quickly, but just feel I need some time to get my head round this so that I can be a support for her. Don’t want to “bother” here with this as she has enough to worry about herself.
Sorry for the “rant” but do feel better just putting it down on here :womanhappy:
Hi Heather,
Welcome Heather & having a rant is what the forum is for!
We are all a bit in shock in the early days of diagnosis, especially when it comes out of the blue, as it tends to from screening.
But thankfully, she was in the group that was selected, there are a few women here whose bc was diagnosed this way & it will now be dealt with. Outcomes are excellent now.
The early days of diagnosis are so stressful as waiting for results of investigations & the treatment plan is such an anxious time, however, it does settle down when it’s all in place. It is the initial uncertainty that is so hard to deal with.
So what you’re both feeling is quite normal & by being there for her, you will get through this just fine. You sound like you are being a fab support to her.
If you both haven’t already, do look at the ‘newly diagnosed’ & ‘going through treatment’ boards, where you will be able to chat to others at the same stage as yourselves.
ann x
When cancer happens, clearly it’s a huge shock…it takes everyone a while to get their heads round it, that is natural. So don’t be hard on yourself for not being an instant expert in everything or pillar of calmness (it doesn’t exist!). That’s where the oncologists, breast cancer nurses and to an extent all of us on the forum come in!
The key thing is, you are evidently there for her. That’s it - you already are supporting her by not being an ostrich (they do exist - trust me)!
Just continue to be that loving support which you obviously are for your partner.
My bc was also picked up after being invited to be part of the trial, no lump or symptoms at all, so I totally understand what a shock this news is.
You’re right, things do move quite swiftly in order for the medical team to gather all the information they need so it can be dealt with.
It may be helpful for you to read any leaflets your partner has been given, as well as looking at the different sections on this wonderful forum, as and when they are appropriate.
Try and keep the usual routine & take care of the ‘small stuff’ at home for your partner. Remember to look after yourself too, we’re all here to offer support.
Hi Tigger seems so what my wife is going through atm had a shadow on rite breast went for second mamagram and 5 biopsies then the wait just a week but felt like forever then the diagnosis one lump benine the other lump was 12 mm was cancer after that word mate my head was just spinning as wife has just got over non Hodgkin’s and now this, goes for lumpectamy on 23 aug then we see the two drs that will treat her with chemo and radio Therapy.
Keep strong Tigger and all our love to you and your partner.
Many thanks for te replies and I am sorry that I have not responded to them earlier, but to throw more muck on the situation I was dismissed from my job on cabability issues on 11th August (had been on-going for a while) due to the fact that my attention to detail and accuracy had “slipped” from the end of June to the end of July. I have therefore been going through the appeal process and which I got the final verdict yesterday that they were not going to overturn the result.
Things have been quite hectic on her front too. We went to meet the surgeon on 14th July only to be told that they had changed their minds and she was now being operated on by a different surgeon on the Wednesday istead of the Monday. That all went OK and she was allowed home on the Thursday. She went back for the check-up on 15th August only be to told that they thought she had an infection and that she had to be taken back in for further surgery wich she had on the Wednesday (16th August) where she had stitches instead of the glue that she had previosuly had. All was going fine until we went to meet her oncolgist on 29th August when they said that as her wound had not fully healed hse would need to allow 3 weeks to see if this gave it time, she also told her that she thought the fact that my partner was still wearing her bra 24/7 was stopping the healing process.
We went to the radiotherapy planning appointment on 4th October where they called her oncologist in as the boob was red and hot (neither of us had noticed so felt stupid) and they think she may have an infection (not on the wound but in the area where the 2 lumps were!!) and have given her 7 days of antibioltics. She has however been tolf that all being well she should be starting the treatment on 18th October but has to have a meeting with oncologist before (on 18th) to get the green light to go ahead
All in all been slightly stressed couple o months LOL
Yet again I feel I have to apologise for ranting/going on and on
So sorry to hear that both you and your partner have had a really difficult time. I’m hope that the infection is being treated now and that she’ll soon have dates for her radiotherapy. That’ll be one more step along the road to recovery.
Good advice regarding the mindfulness, it definitely helps me as does my running. Whatever works for you just to be kind to yourself and take a step back for a moment.
Can anyone tell me when this all ends. Fiona (my partner) is back in for more surgery ? She was taken in on Thursday for deeper exploration of breast, as it was not clearing up after 3rd operation, and has gone down at 21:05 tonight for her 5th operation, this time to close the wound they opened on Thursday and have ANOTHER drain attached.
We we are both now fed up and want it over. Just want to cry now but have to be strong for Fiona
Just checking in to see how your partner is doing. So sorry to hear that she’s had to have more surgery. I hope you both get some answers soon and she can begin to recover and move forward.