I’m new on any sort of forum so forgive me if I waffle.
I saw my GP end of January as my nipple had retracted. I knew this was an automatic referral to hospital.
I saw Specialist Nurse on 6th February, had mammogram on 16th February which showed abnormality with right breast but ‘the radiologist feels this is not likely to be a serious problem’ (sic) but ultrasound advised to clarify. Had ultrasound middle of March and a biopsy as the radiologist said tissue was too dense to see anything. 22nd March was told I had Grade II, invasive ductal cancer with associated DCIS. I had an MRI scan end of March, which surprisingly showed an abnormality in the left breast! Now I have another ultrasound and biopsy on the left breast tomorrow. Why can’t they do all the tests at the one time, I am so tired of these tests and its a mission for me to get to the hospital. It’s been nearly 3 months now since I first presented with symptoms and apart from being diagnosed with breast cancer I am no further forward. Anybody any idea how much longer I will have to wait before we get to any treatment which I presume will be mastectomy.
Hi Madjock,
Welcome to the BCC forums where you will find lots of peer support and shared experiences from your fellow users. In addition our helpliners can offer you further support and information on 0808 800 6000, the lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 9-2 Sat, please call for a listening ear if you need one.
The following link will take you to the ‘Newly diagnosed’ section of the website where you will find lots of information and further support ideas which I hope you find useful:
breastcancercare.org.uk/diagnosis
Take care
Lucy
There’s a NICE guideline and target that trusts have to meet which is not more than 31 days from diagnosis to surgery. The waiting around is the worst and you’ll feel better once you get a treatment plan sorted out and start to feel like you’re back in control.
Hang on in there and don’t be afraid to hassle people!
Good luck
Laurie
Good evening all
Here I am still awaiting more test results.
Got MRI results which showed abnormality left breast but
this proved to be cysts after another US and biopsy, although biopsy
showed lymph involvement (right side).
Had a CT scan yesterday (at a different hospital and miles
away) and now I have the pleasure of waiting for the results even though I know
the hospital would have received them later on the same day (I asked about
this). Not going to phone the hospital as last time I spoke with the BCN about
the results of the MRI she was a bit short with me – think she had a bad day.
Tonight I’m pretty cheerful but I know that when everyone
goes to bed I’ll be thoughtful and worried, shed a few tears, etc. Seriously
thinking of taking to strong liquor so I can pass out and have more than 4
hours sleep but don’t know if I could take the hangover in the morning. Oh to
be young and not suffer from the effects of the night before.
Been put on list for surgery (mastectomy with no recon) but
haven’t a clue when this will be. Opted for this thinking it would be earlier
surgery, less time in hospital and hopefully speedier recovery time.
Anyone out there know what happens next? I know I will have
another appointment to get the results of the CT – is this when I will be given
a treatment plan or whatever and hopefully find out when surgery will be. What questions
should I ask, I’m an amateur when it comes to dealing with doctors for myself,
no problem when it’s for my OH.
It’s been 8 weeks since I was given the diagnosis and almost
4 months since I first attended the breast clinic – is this a normal time scale,
it seems a bit dragged out to me but then could be that I’m just an impatient
patient!
I so recognise the 4 hours sleep a night!! Its horrible isn´t it and frustrating when you just want to sleep and forget for a few hours…
So the mastectomy is for the right side? I think it has to be done within 31 days of diagnosis so guess your cloci is ticking on that now…
For the rest remember you are a consumer of health care, not a charity case so fight for yourself and your peace of mind as if you were your husband.
Good luck
Thanks for the reply Sascha.
Post arrived today with appointment for a bone scan next week.
You say the surgery should be done within 31 days after diagnosis and that’s what I thought, it has already been 2 months and with a bone scan next week, waiting for results and long holiday weekend looming looks like the earliest will be middle of June which will be 3 months since diagnosis. Ah, well I’ll just go with the flow and put on the usual brave face. With a bit of luck I might be in hospital when the Olympics start I had been thinking of escaping London during this nightmare.
I told a few of my family about the cancer and of course they keep phoning me to see how I am, when I’m going in etc. and it’s got to the stage I feel that I’m having them on as I can only say another test (yeh) another couple of weeks before I know.
Think I’ll go to bed this afternoon and have a nap, this other appointment has just taken the feet from me.
Have a nice day