My mum had it at 71 and my sister at 41.I have been screened anually since 40yrs old and now at 48 it’s my turn.Had WLE of lump and sentinel node biopsy 2 weeks ago.Unfortunately they found cells in one of the nodes,so when I got my results it was worse than predicted.Like a lot of others,I will have another op for axillary clearance and probably take some more breast tissue,then Chemo and Rads.
Trying to come to terms with one day thinking all will be well then Bam! I am going next week with my two daughters as they both want to find out if we carry the brca gene.Also please can someone tell me when I have a bone scan? Will it be before my axillary op or wait untl before Chemo starts.Would appreciate any info on that and how long does it take? I have disc problems and need to know if it takes a long time as I usually take Oramorph for pain relief before I do anything like this.Thanks in advance
Hello Picklepants
Welcome to the forums, this must be very difficult time for you. I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime, maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer practical information as well as emotional support. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi there.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It sucks, doesn’t it?
I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago (age 47) and currently awaiting WLE and axillary clearance. I had a CT and bone scan just after they found out my nodes were affected, so I don’t know when yours would be, sorry.
With the bone scan I had to go along in the morning and have an injection, then go back 3 hours later for the actual scan. It wasn’t uncomfortable - they put a support under my legs - and it didn’t take too long. I would say about 15 or 20 minutes. You do need to stay as still as possible I think, but I’m sure if you told them about your difficulty they would be able to advise about painkillers etc. The good thing is that because the scan has to be done a set time after the injection they won’t keep you waiting too long so maybe that will help work out when you should take your medication?
I have 2 daughters and no one has said anything to me yet about them or brca testing. Did you have to ask about it or did they suggest it?
Take care,
Emxx
Hello Picklepants
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
Regarding the bone scan, I think it depends on which hospital trust you’re with as to whether you have a bone scan. I’ve never yet had one, despite my high risk situation, though I have been offered it once when I had some bone pain but after my consultant explained why he considered the pain wasn’t cancer related I was then satisfied that I didn’t need the scan. Also, it can show things that don’t turn out to be cancer related, so I was told that’s also why my hospital don’t do them as standard.
Hope that helps. And best of luck with all your treatments.
Flo
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