Hi, I feel a bit of a fraud posting as I don’t even have a diagnosis yet.
I was called for a follow up after a routine mammogram and having been through this a few years ago thought nothing of it. However, something showed up and I went on to have an ultrasound scan and biopsy. I could see my mammogram on the computer screen in the room - scary. I can’t believe this will be negative at my age (62). It’s about 1cm and my axilla is clear on the scan. I’ve had a couple of fibroadenomas removed years ago and cysts aspirated when on the pill, but this is different. I’ve had no symptoms and can’t feel any lump - the Consultant Radiologist couldn’t feel it either.
So now I’m waiting for the biopsy result and have a follow up next week. God, the wait is awful. I’m just trying not to think about it but I feel a persistent nervousness. The worst thing for me really is that I care for my husband who has a severe anxiety disorder. He’s doing his level best to support me whilst fighting his ongoing anxiety probelms and he’s finding the wait really difficult to handle so I’m trying to be upbeat for him. I’m really worried about operations only because hubby can’t manage on his own and if I have to stay overnight or longer I’ll have to try and sort out care for him through social services or something.
I think if I was going alone with this I could probably cope better. Everyone says take one step at a time - the Radiologist said it too, but it’s difficult and I’m right at the begining of this.
Hello and welcome to the forum where the wonderful ladies on here will help and support you in whatever way we can xx
I can totally understand your worries with regard to your lovely husband, I similarly had concerns when I was going through my op, as my partner is housebound with MS therefore he was not able to be with me at my appointments etc., I was very lucky that I had a fab network of friends who were able to help me.
If it does turn out that you have to have surgery let your breast care team know about your husband as they will be able to offer advice with regard to support for your husband should you need to have an overnigth stay in hospital
This is the worst time when you are waiting for results as the mind goes into overdrive but keep comiong on here and we will help you as much as we can.
Hi NewDawn and welcome to the forum. Scans are a very anxious time but the good thing is that they will have caught it early for you if it does turn out to be cancerous. If not then you can just revert back to standard mammograms, I assume. I can’t remove your anxiety as I’ve been there and know how it feels but I understand what you are going through and its nice to have company at such times. Come on here to offload when you need to, away from loved ones. You don’t have to put on a brave face here. Sending hugs. xxx
Thank you so much for you comments and reassurances both of you. I’ve been looking around this website and realise there is so much more to this than ‘just a lump’. I’ve taken on board the suggestions about asking as many questions as I need to and have got some ideas. I plan to phone to helpline tomorrow and speak to someone about asking the right questions, but can you also give me some ideas so that I don’t miss anything. I want to be ready for my appointment on Wednesday.
And yes I will also make sure I get help with looking after my husband. He’s being so good about all of this by also busying himself with his interests so that his mind doesnt race off and focus on worst case scenarios. This is really helpful for me - on the other hand he’s being very attentive and keeps asking if I’m ok and will talk with me if I need to.
I’ve also been wondering about taking the private route. I would have to be self paying. Perhaps I may get convenience and comortable surroundings, but would I get any better or more speedy treatment??? Any comments anyone? Would it be wrong to ask if anyone on this forum is familiar with the hospital I am attending? I’d really like to know what I might expect with the team I may be seeing.
I hope everyone is having a day that is best for them. For me, I love my garden and the sun is actually shining so I can go outside and take some comfort in nature.
I live in Berkshire not far from Ascot. Frimley Park Hospital covers all the hospitals in my area of which there are several. Would love feedback from anyone in my area either in this thread or privately.
I’m not very savvy with forums so don’t know how private messaging works yet.
Hope your day continues well after your nature fix.
Hi NewDawn,
Not a lot more to add, than Helena & Mai have said.
The anxiety is horrible when waiting, but it will get sorted out.
Taking it a day at a time can help, as well as trying not to get into the ‘what ifs.’
Just to add, for many of us, surgery is done as a day case, with no hospital stay necesary. In my case, I had the op at 3pm & was home by 7pm. Obviously, you will decide what’s right for you, but personally, having been through it, I would not consider self funding private treatment if I didn’t have insurance cover. After all, it’s what we pay taxes for & it generally doesn’t make much difference in the scheme of things.
But anyway, it may not even come to that & if your previous mammos were clear, then the worst that could happen is that you would have an early & very treatable bc. Mine was mammo detected & thank goodness for that!
Do let us know how you get on.
ann x
I’ve found it difficult to come back to the forum after getting my results. Yes, it’s cancer. Grade 2, Ductal, ER positive, Her 2 negative. I went back to see the surgeon on Friday - very thorough and caring, but when she examined me she noticed redness of the nipple in that breast so took a biopsy. Only thing I’m guessing - could it be Paget’s - I get the result next Friday.
So I know I’ll have surgery for excision and sentinal node check. If it’s Paget’s do I loose my nipple? If it has to be, it has to be but it’ll freak out my hubby who’s just about holding it all together. He suffers from OCD and severe anxiety so this whole thing is not good for his state of mind. So far I’ve been able to reassure him about effective treatment and recovery, but his mind goes off and creates worst case scenarios poor thing. And yes, I know I should be thinking of No.1, but I’ve been caring for him for many years and don’t have anyone else to turn to.
After surgery, it’s radiotherapy and drugs.
Just one other thing - the BCN recommended a front fastening sports bra for post surgery support. Any suggestions? I looked at M & S and wasn’t impressed. They look so constricting. I just want something soft and supportive.
I looked at the treatment section in this forum and I found it a bit scary. I hope I can stay here to chat.
Sorry it wasn’t good news for you NewDawn but I am wondering if in the immediate that making contact with Maggies might be good for you? I haven’t personally, but the feedback from people who have is excellent, and maybe they can help on all sorts of levels? Geographically, I don’t know if there is one near enough for you to physically get to, but do have a look at the website?
I am sure there will be other ladies along to advise you - and I wish you and your husband strength and calm to get through these times. Hugs aplenty.
I’m not familiar with Maggie’s - had a quick look online but nearest is in central London - no good for me - but thanks for pointing it out to me.
Hubby has been through the loop of CBT, medications, the lot and has no active support from the NHS now except a sympathetic GP. I’m a registered Carer and attend a support group which helps me.
Anyway, I’ll keep coming here to sound off and see how things go.
Hi New Dawn,
Do come & sound off whenever you need to
Don’t worry about the treatment section, as especially in some sections such as hormone treatment. Those having difficult experiences will tend to post, not those who are ok or at least find it manageable, so it’s not really representative.
Like you, mine was grade 2 & er+ For me, treatment was quite straightforward & back to life as normal within a few months. I’m on tamoxifen, with no issues worth worrying about. We just have to see how we get on with it & deal with any issues IF they arise.
ann x