Just to introduce myself, I was diagnosed June 19th with grade 3, ER+, PR+, HER- invasive ductal (16mm) BC after an ultrasound & biopsy. Have dense breast tissue so had to have an MRI (June 25th) which showed another lump (12mm) next to initial one. Further ultrasound & biopsy yesterday. Initially they said surgery (lumpectomy) on July 15th and I started self isolating in our basement from my hubby & 2 boys on weds 1st July so that they could still work. But now they’ve moved the surgery date to July 22nd due to new COVID rules & the new supergreen areas in hospitals. Is anyone else isolating from their family as well? I know it’s only been a few days so far but I’m finding it really hard to be alone at a time like this and they’ve said I have to self isolate after surgery too for a further 2 weeks before radiotherapy. Has anyone else had this restriction?
I’m also reading some people’s stories and find that some people have a mastectomy with similar results to me and I wondered why that and not a lumpectomy?
Sorry for the long post & questions I’m just feeling quite alone.
I was diagnosed on 13th June and was advised that if I have the operation first I would have to isolate with my family in a bubble whereby we had to stay home and not go out. I am now going to have chemo first rather than the op so I have to follow the shielding guidelines which are far less stringent. My dad gave me his letter from the government which was provided to all those currently shielding which has explained things really well, good luck with your journey xx
Hi jo Everyone if different and your consultants and teams will ensure your treatments are specific to you for your treatment plan It’s easy to think well that sounds same as mine so why is their treatment different. It’s good to be on the threads and always talk about treatments because you can then ask your teams questions you might not have thought about my surgeon had me wash with hibiscrub for a few days before operation, perhaps that’s something you can ask about. You will need short sleeve front button pyjamas too and dressing gown with pockets if you are having bottle and drain after op, please read surgery threads on here and please do phone the nurses on here too and discuss anything with them, also speak to your team and let them know isolating from your family is hard to see if anything can be done that could help you with this while keeping you safe prior to op. Sending Shi xx
the rules around covid seem to be different in each hospital. I had to self isolate the week before surgery (hubby was able to stay in the house as well so we didn’t have to isolate from each other), but nobody said anything about isolating before or during radiotherapy - although to be fair we aren’t really going anywhere other than for walks locally. I think it’s worth checking with your Breast Cancer Nurse what they mean by isolating as everybody seems to have a different interpretation. On the lumpectomy v mastectomy one of the things they take into consideration is the size of the tumour relative to the size of your breasts, so possible to have same diagnosis but different surgery. It’s worrying going through treatment, without the extra worry of isolating. Take care x
I had surgery in May and had to self isolate for two weeks before surgery. Although I stayed at home I didn’t isolate from my husband or children and my husband still went to work every day (in a hospital!) You will have a Covid test before surgery so I can’t see the point in isolating from the people you live with. You need to think of your emotional health too.
I’m having radiotherapy at the minute and there is no self isolating or Covid test. It’s done at a cancer centre and I have my temperature checked at the door and am given a mask to wear while inside the building. It feels very safe.
best wishes
I was wondering how you were getting on, I remembered you said you were waiting for more results? Everything seems so slow, the waiting is so hard isn’t it? I have my MRI results tomorrow and see consultant for my plan, scared witless obviously.
