Hi i’m finally back…
Thanks Jackie and Carole…
Nothing to report… they did an ultrasound which couldn’t find anything - although he did put down that there was some thickning of the skin… but there was no lumps to be found and the lymph nodes were clear…
They agreed that it looks unusual so have given me 14 days worth of antibiotics and have sent off for an appointment at our local Nuffield hospital for an MRI to see if that can spot anything…
It was a very busy morning at the clinic and I saw at least 5 ladies about our ages or younger going off in tears with leaflets etc…
Theresa
Hi Theresa
Thanks for letting us know how it went. Fingers crossed that the A/B get rid of whatever is there, you’ve been down this road before so no amount of reassurance is going to stop you from worrying is it? Hope that the MRI appointment comes through quicker than quick, so you are playing the waiting game again?
Hugs
Carole xx
Hi Theresa
Thanks for letting us know how you got on. It seems that the initial results are good, lets hope that the MRI results follow suit. I was in the hospital on thursday to see a nurse practionioner while the one stop clinic was going on and I know how you felt seeing ladies very upset having been given bad news. I so remember leaving hospital in the distressed fog of bad news.This site and my cyber friends have kept me sane.
I wish I could give you real hug but heres a cyber one instead
((((HUG)))).
Andie
Good news Theresa, lets hope the Ab’s clear up the ‘unusual’ skin appearance. Good to have the follow up tests too, sounds like they’ve been very thorough, as they should be.
Was only saying to my friend when in clinic earlier this week how the memories flood back when you reach the waiting area. To get to the onc’s waiting room at our hosp you have to walk past the surgeon’s waiting room where all the new ladies are waiting, just awful every time. That and the thickness of my hosp folder always give me the wobbles.
Take Care all,
Jackie xx
I saw this update on Shellyface last night…
breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=99&t=21340&start=72
Sending you lots of Love and get well wishes Shelly
Theresa x
Just back from the hospital… It was the ultrasound on my neck and chin today… and the good news is - it was just my big fat chin wanting a moment of fame…
The ultrasound lady was really good and told me then and there…
I’m not sure if I have mentioned my ears have been playing up the last month or so… it feels abit like when your ears feel blocked after being on a plane or swimming… and they make a popping noise sometimes…
Anyway I also told her about that… and apparantly it is a long term side effect of the Docetaxol… she said it might get better in a year or so but i might be stuck with it… It makes sense as i already know i have the breathlessness and tingling feeling in my hands from the docetaxol…
I’ve also just had a phone call off the hospital where i am having the MRI - and have got that booked in for next wed afternoon…
Theresa
Hi Theresa
The ultrasound result is the best news. It reminds me of my rads sessions. Most days they had to come into the room and gently move my
chin up and out of the way!
How long after you finished chemo did your ears start misbehaving?. Is that another SE from the Tax that I have to look forward too along with the disgusting nails and the tingling fingers and feet?
Hoping the MRI result is as good as the ultrasound
Andie
Thanks Andie…
The ears was probably about 6 weeks ago… at first i wasn’t sure if it was somehow connected to having lymphoedema in my arm (i wondered if it was causing problems further up the lymph network…) but my lyphoedema nurse said no when i last saw her…
I finished chemo late oct 2008…
Excellent news re scans Theresa,
Jackie x
Great news Theresa, and good luck for the MRI next week
Love carole
Just received my copy of the letter sent to my GP after last saturday’s clinic appointment…
The consultant has said he thinks i have duct ectasia which is a benign conditon often found in women in their 40’s…
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/duct_ectasia__web_final_feb_08_0.pdf
So hopefully that is what it is… I’ve just been googling it - and it says it often gets better with antibiotics - but you might need a small op to remove the milk ducts…
Must admit there has been no discharge - which seems to be a very common symptom…
Hi Theresa
Fingers crossed that it will sort itself out without the need for an op. You may remember that I had a bloody discharge before my diagnosis, and I was booked in for a “removal of milk ducts” op, in France its called a pyramidectomy, I think in the UK it might be called a microdectomy? So the fact that you haven’t got any leakage may mean its just an infection.
Hope so
Have a good weekend
Love Carole
i ladies
i just wondered if any one knew the benefits of beeing her2 neg as my onc seems to think this is good news but other seem to think diff im now confussed had seconf fec tue so not fully with it at moe hope y all doing well laura xx
Hi, being HER2 neg is good in the fact that you wont need Herceptin,which adds another year to treatment (I think).
love and best wishes Mel xx
melly2
hi and thanks oh thats gd then one less for me there are so many dx i get lost in it all lol
Dear Laura,
Breast Cancer Care have a publication called “Understanding your pathology Report” which you may find useful. It has a section explaining about HER2 +ve and -ve. I’ve attached the link below.
breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.713/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/91
Our helpline staff are also able to give lots of advice and support. They are open 9-5 weekdays and 9-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000.
Kindest regards
Janet
facilitator
Hi…
Back from the hospital and i will be having the 2nd mastectomy… I have to see the 2nd surgeon so he can countersign the form - they said i should get an appointment in about 3 weeks for that… and when that happens we will agree on a date for the op…
Theresa
The MRI just showed changes that suggested dusct ectasia - but we’ve agreed given the family history and that any changes are happening it is best to have the 2nd op…
Hello Theresa
Sorry to hear that you’ll be having another op, how do you feel about it? Will they take lymph nodes too? Probably, with all the treatment you have already had better to be safe than sorry. At least this time you know what to expect, and TBH I wish they had done a double mastectomy for me, I feel so unsymmetrical, hate wearing a bra as its too uncomfortable but look odd with one big swinging boob.
Will you be able to have recon?
Lots of hugs, you probably feel much better now that you’ve made a decision.
Love Carole
Hi Carole…
No lymph nodes removed this time… Actually that was one of things we mentioned that made this a good idea… also they think they will be able to use my good arm for the drips etc as it will be a slightly quicker op…
It’s weird I’m pleased a decision has been made… also thinking I obviously don’t want sod’s law to happen and something dreadful happen in theatre after all that… lol
I’m planning on no recon… i guess it is just a personal decision - but i’ve just been scared by the cases i’ve heard of where people with ibc seemed fine until they went for recon…
I think really the duct ectasia has been the swing factor though… as it is making my breast feel weird and obviously i can’t know if any pains are down to that or something worse developing - so best just to have it sorted once and for all…
Theresa