Newbie to all this - I received my diagnosis 3 days before my birthday last month which I found particularly unnecessary! But the IBC has been caught early and due for surgery in the New Year and then most likely radiation and I think hormone therapy of some sort too.
One thing I haven’t seen as a possible symptom of BC and why I wasn’t particularly surprised by my diagnosis is I had a really deep itch within my right breast - so not of the skin but it felt from inside. And most definitely only in the one breast. I guess the lesson here is even if the symptom isn’t a “standard” one anything unusual to you should be checked out.
I just also wanted to say THANK YOU to the folk who run this site/charity as it’s been a fantastic resource for getting to understand all the acronyms and what this whole journey means. All the personal questions & experiences people post are also invaluable.
I was able to use one post to ensure I asked my consultant all the “right” questions at point of diagnosis - it helped me feel a bit more in control of this crazy uncontrollable situation.
I also have made my own word document where I copy/paste all the various letters - test results etc so I have everything in one place with the timeline of when I received them. That also has helped me wrap my head around the timeline and actually helps see how much has happened even before surgery is due.
So that’s me - I’m more of a post reader/learner than writer but thanks to all those who do share so much as it all helps us Newbie’s as we join you. Wishing everyone the very best of health.
Welcome @strollingby. The lingo seems bewildering at first but it doesn’t take long to be reeling it all off like a pro. It sounds as if, like me, you fall into the same category as over 65% of us, an er+ early stage tumour which will be treated with lumpectomy, rads and endocrine therapy. All eminently doable. There are a lot of us about so any questions regarding lived experience of any of it, do ask. Enjoy the festive period, if you celebrate it, the damned lump will be gone early in the New Year and you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Hi @strollingby, thank you for your kind words. I have passed on your message to the rest of the team who look after the forum. We have a fantastic team of Community Champions too, who are invaluable in helping us keep the forum a safe and friendly place.
Your idea of keeping everything in one place sounds very good. It can be overwhelming when bits of important info are in all sorts of places! I see what you mean regarding acronyms and abbreviations. We try to write everything in full so info is accessible to everyone. If there’s anything you don’t understand, we’re here and always happy to clarify things.
Sending our warmest wishes for the festive season, and into 2025!
Bernard
Hi I would just like to add that I had the same itch symptom within my breast.
I was aware of the usual symptoms of breast cancer and wasn’t having any other symptoms. I was going for my three year mammogram and never thought it would be cancer. I was shocked to be told it was bilateral. I had no symptoms in my other breast at all. Get yourself checked out even if you don’t fit the standard symptoms. I hope adding to your story might help another person.
I also had an itch in my left breast breast where the site of my tumour was as did my friend who had BC several years ago. I wonder why it’s not treated as a symptom?
I also had an itch in my right breast. I had asked at my Dr about it and told you can only talk about what you have come for.
I was on holiday in Thailand and arranged a mammogram and ultra sound there, both clear in Feb 2024 but I was convinced I could feel a small hard pea.
In Sept I received my normal invite for screening, positive.
Initially 6mm but turned out to be 18mm. As I am now 67 if that screening hadn’t of come up I could have been 3 years waiting for my mammogram which is scary considering the growth of a 6 months.
I have just finished my treatment and started my hormone blocker, so a little ahead of you.
Good luck with your surgery and treatment.
I also agree the site is great with so many helpful and knowledgable ladies.
Take care x
Interesting to hear other peoples experiences of “the itch” - thank you for sharing. Lets hope if someone googles one day about an itch if they find these posts - get checked!
Hello.
This is my first time on the forum and i just wanted to share my story so maybe it will help someone. Had my breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, Right breast w/ Lymph node removal. So it was Chemo, Surgery then Radiation. From there have been cancer free. But, have been in an out of the hospital with Sepsis, (4×) in 2 years. On 7/3/24 i had surgery for an abscess an the surgical site open back up, and would not heal, it was wound vac therapy & hyperbaric therapy and it still would not heal. No one could figure out what was going on. This last hospital stay 11/19/24 was another bout of sepsis, YES! Right before Thanksgiving. They took a CT scan and notice surgical clips. They called a new breast surgeon in, she informed me that i had 30, yes that’s not a mistake 30 surgical clips in my axilla that had infection all around them. She scheduled me for surgery on 11/25/24. I am doing well a month after surgery. So i wanted to let anyone in the forum community know if you have surgical clips and you are constantly having infections, PLEASE, PLEASE have them checked out. I pray this will help someone to not go through what i did.
Hello , I am a newbie on here. I was diagnosed in October 2024 with invasive lobular breast cancer and had a mastectomy the same month .
I am now awaiting an oncology appointment for the next stage of my treatment.
I am looking for advice from anyone who like me is a large breasted lady 40HH.
I am having terrible trouble with the large heavy prosthetic I have to wear ( size 17) . It gets so hot , it’s so heavy .
Has anyone bought one of the lightweight ones ?
Your help would be appreciated as it is stopping me going out to certain places as I can only manage 2/3 hours before my bra is making my arm so sore and the prosthetic is unbearable.
Many thanks
Sylvia
You replied to a thread I started so your message may not get as many views where people can help and respond to your question. Try starting a new thread with your question so more people can see it or maybe post under the “Ask the nurses” section.
Always takes a bit of time to get used to how these forums work.
You seem to have a very important topic though which im sure others have experiences to share.
Wishing you the very best.