Hi all
First time on here so be gentle with me lol
I was first diagnosed mid July and I have 2 lumps, one 2cm and a smaller one behind it (out towards nipple, not towards chest) My BC nurse has told me it is Invasive ductal stage ?? 2 (not sure if this is correct term)
I am having a wide excision op and they are taking lymph node samples at the same time. Ultra sound has not shown the lumps joined to lymph nodes but their taking samples to test just in case. My BC nurse has been great, answered all my questions and been a great support. Also my other hand has been fantastic, very supporting and keeping me laughing! Dont be decieved though we have both shed lots of tears!!
Im getting very nervous of the op despite having it all explained. But having never had an op before, im very scared. Do any of you have any tips or experiences that can prepare me for this type of op? Im booked on a short stay ward and hope to be home Fri or Sat at latest (op is on Thurs)
I have no idea of treatment after that until they have tested the lumps and lymph nodes.
Sorry to go on so much but I felt I should as much info as poss.
hI Sam sorry you have come on this site,its the club that no one wants to join,
I had my opp on 23rd July,came out following day,I was taking pain killers for two days. Was sat up in bed eating my lunch 5hrs later.
Was driving 4dys later.
Got my results 2wks later my lump 6mm,no lymphs,clear margins now having rads and a drug for 5yrs
If you look at two other threads
Profiles as they dont have one on here,and then go onto Confused diag There are quite a few ladies on there all with different results and a full of information
We are there if you want to cry get angry and yes even laugh and joke with.we are all there for each other
Hi Eleanor and Sam
If you are looking for profiles this link should take you there - as there aren’t official ones yet I think someone started the thread back in Feb this year - it may be helpful.
Breast Cancer Care have written a ‘Resources Pack’ for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer which you may find helpful to read, it is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. You can order a free copy from the following link or you can ask for a copy to be sent to you via the helpline.
There is information in the pack about our other support services, including our helpline, tel no 0808 800 6000 which you may find useful to use at some point if you need to talk anything through or just need someone to lend an understanding ear. Alternatively if you prefer you can use email: <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>
Sam, good to meet you although sorry you have had to join the club. You’re not going on at all…we all go through it and you should hear me on the phone some nights to my friends! If you look back on the threads in this section there is a lot about peoples fears, including mine, about having their first operation. I am a complete control freak and was very scared but in all honesty, it was really ok and the discomfort afterwards has been very manageable. I have just heard today that I have to have more and whilst I’m not enamoured of the idea, I’m not terrified either. Have a read through and ask us anything you don’t understand or are scared about, and there is bound to be someone that has been through it and can help. Do join us on the confusing diagnosis thread started by Tuesday as we’re all only slightly ahead of you. And hey, in my experience you get really spoiled rotten after your op by friends and family
Good sage words from the woman above. I will be having the same surgery as you on Thursday, so I’m right there with you in the fright stakes!!
Everyone on here will tell you they all felt the same. As Maggie has said she was terrified and now she has to have some more surgery, it doesn’t feel nearly as daunting.
IPlease do join us and the ‘confusing diagnosis’ thread anytime you want - or a we are more commonly becoming known as - the lymphomaniacs!!
I wish you all the best and I am sure you will be fine,
Lovely that you have a good support hubby - he will help you through this.
i ended up having all lymph nodes out and masectomy, never been in hospital I cant even explain how scared I was, gave me lots of pre-meds to help me sleep and nothing working I was shaking like a leaf they even let me go home for a few hours day before but honestly I dealt with it and it was sore but looking back wasnt as bad as I thought, even opted to stay in hospital a little longer which I never imagined I would ever do!!!
Sam, I have always been scared of anaesthetics. I have had 2 excisions in the last 6 weeks and noticed they had a new technique. Some theatre staff kept me chatting on one side of the trolley while I was being knocked out on the other side. Didn’t remember a thing and woke up feeling great both times. Next step bone scan tomorrow, and then onwards and upwards (I hope) to chemo and radiotherapy. Best wishes to you, keep in touch with us, Jilly xxx
Hi folks
Thanks for all your kind words and advice. Im off to Stockport shopping in a but, took today off to get prepared!! I need to find some sort of nightie/nightshirt as I dont possess one ! Tonight we’re going for a meal to keep me occupied!
Also for get to mention, I have my left arm in plaster up to 3" below the elbow - broke a bone in my hand a week ago! Walking disaster! My BC nurse has seen in and was going to inform the surgeon, not heard from her since so assume he is OK with this! Apparantly some surgeons will not operate with a cast on! I told her if this is the case i will go and get it ripped off before the op, Im not exactly going to be running amok in the theatre am I lol
I did get a folder with all the info in but couldn’t face reading it until a few days ago, it is very good though, full of useful info. I have also just posted my profile thingy on here.
As you can see from above I live in Stockport Cheshire and am being treated at Stepping Hill so anyone there or close to Stockport, if you want to get in touch feel free
Jilly, I think that’s what they did to me as one minute I was chatting and the next I was waking up and I still don’t know how they did it as I could swear he never came near me!
Sam, little tip we have learned - you need cotton knickers! So add that to your list if you don’t have any!
Also, I was only in for a day so you shouldn’t be in too long.
If you look earlier on this thread,I’m also from Stockport Edgeley,You will be fine tomorrow,Is your plaster on the same side as the opp,its a case of swelling that might go down the fingers ,they were going to cut my wedding ring off because I couldn’t get it of ,but decided it would be ok,and my hand didn’t swell.
You also need to take any nail varnish ,false nails etc off.(Though I didn’t have to have cotton Knickers)
I didn’t use the pj’s that I took in,just kept the gorgeous blue gown that they supplied it makes it easier for them to check you wound,which I must say has healed
really well,though I’ve become a julia roberts because not allowed to shave.
The short stay unit is really nice and has not long since been built,the staff are really nice to.
Well I wish you all the best for tomorrow and let us know how you are.
Dry shampoo
Neck pillow - a real saviour
Deep ice for your back as you get sore from laying on your back
A few face flannels
Some cleansing wipes for your face and your bits as well
Tesco’s maternity PJ’s (£10) with buttons down the front. Buy extra large size than required
Button fronted loose shirt to wear home
Keep visitors to a min
Lots love and best wishes. It’s not as bad as you think. I was scared too. Nurses/staff are amazing. x x x
