My name is Jayne and I am 55 years old. Since a recall from a routine mamogram in March I seem to have been on the medical rollercoaster. No lumps or outward signs of any problems but calcifications were picked up on left breast. Two procedures with local anaesthetic at breast clinic culminated in a diagnostic stereo guided wire WLE on 29 April. Again there was the wait for results but I had been given a lot of reassurance that it was unlikely to be anything sinister but 2 weeks later I went back for the results (alone which I will never do again!) As soon as the bcn said “Is anyone with you?” my heart sank. Outcome was invasive ductal cancer grade 2 3.5mm and DCIS high 13.5 mm. The team I am seeing are wonderful from bcn to surgeon despite a mistake just prior to my first wle where I was phoned by the consultants secretary to say “the results were benign” so no surgery was necessary. This took me by surprise and after chasing it up the following day the consultant phoned me to apologise. It seems that after a meeting I was mixed up with a lady with the same name!! This has made me very wary and I question everything but my theory is they will be extra careful now. I have just had anothet WLE to clear the margins and a sentinel node biopsy. I get those results tuesday 25th. I have just had more results from the first op which show ER+ and HER-
. This site has proved so invaluable but I have only just managed to get my head round the technology and post myself!!
So far the plan is to start 3 weeks radiotherapy in 5 weeks then meds for 5 years but that is all hanging on the results. I am trying to take things one step at a time but my big big fears are lymphodema and chemo. Doing all the exercises and gloves for gardening etc. Emotionally I have a few wobbles and sleeping is so difficult- the most bizarre nightmares.
I was diagnosed with a greade 3 invasive in April this year. I had a WLE and SNB on 3rd May which came back with clear margins and clear nodes. My lump was 2.5 cm and I was told that it was self contained in the breast (which was good news).
My oncologist kept telling me radiotherapy and then tamoxifen (I’m 42 and pre-menapause) for 5 years however, the thought of chemo kept rattling in my mind. I disicussed this with my BCN and she told me that because I was a grade 3, I should expect disucssions around chemo after my op.
The final results came in and I was HER2- and PR+ (5/8) which meant I was borderline for chemo and the decision was left up to me. I decided to take chemo.
I had my 2nd cycle yesterday and in all honestly, I was terried on the lead up but after I had it, I was amazed at how relatively good I felt. If you take your meds when told to and follow the rules then you will do fine. You can ready my profile or see my posts on the June Jewels thread if you want more info on chemo.
It is only natural that you have a few wobbles…Even I still get them. It’s good to cry and rant. But remember to come here and share how you are feeling as we are all in the same position.
Your case is similar to mine my IDC 2.3mm was found when I had my WLE and SLNB for what initially was thought to be DCIS 16mm thankfully nodes were clear am awaiting rads deciding against chemo as it would have only given me an extra 3 to 4 per cent of it not returning ER- and HR+ tho so pills are not an option for me I am now 11 weeks post op and have had no problems at all everything has healed nicely no signs of lymphodema only had three nodes removed tho I have had trouble sleeping waking up at dawn but as it’s summer it’s light and quite pleasant at that time of the morning hope all goes well for your results on the 25th drop by and chat anytime you feel the need there are some very knowledgeable ladies on here who are always willing to help if they can good luck
Thanks so much for your reassuring message. Wobbles and hopeless concentration are common now. I will follow your posts on the June Jewels thread now I have got the hang of this technology.
Thanks so much for your message. I agree early morning waking is nice in summer -nice quiet time to think in the garden. I will drop by with results on 25th.
I am new to the site but was hoping someone could give me some advise please.
I had a WLE with a level one clearance to remove 2 tumours in my left breast and a possitive cancer under my arm last Thursday.
I am due to have my stitches removed at my local doctors surgery tomorrow but I am dreading it. The whole area is still so tender and I cant bare it to be touched …is this normal??
My stitches from both this op and the last one have been dissolvable if that is the right name. I have not had to endure your removal and really feel for you. Let us know how you get on today and cyber hugs winging your way.
Hi Jayne,
At long last I have found my post lol, it seemed to disappear for a while, or it could just be me and my lack of computor skills.
I too have been reading many of the posts for a while and found them very helpful, however I also found myself feeling fearful too …I find my curiosity can run too ahead of myself sometimes and really I think I should just focus on coping with the here and now.
Gosh it sounds like you ladies have been through so much already, but how lovely to have this forum to support each other and share experiences.
Let me introduce myself properly … I’m 43 ,married and have 2 children 13 and 11 years, 1 dog and 4 chickens lol
Up untill my op last week , It just didnt seem real, I didnt feel ready to take on all this as I was still recovering from a freak accident that happened on the first bank hoilday in may (7th) inwhich I do believe im very lucky and thankful to still be here.
But what a shock I had only 3 weeks into my recovery to find I had not one but 2 tumours in my left breast and a positive cancer under my arm.
2 days after my surgery I cried from the moment I opened my eyes that morning ,on and off all day, untill i finally fell asleep that evening. I have no idea where it all came from, the flood gates just opened that day.
As per my post ,I had most of my stitches removed today with the exception of 2 as the skin has not quite fused together in that small area.
Can I ask you ladies how your pain was post op and how the area felt a week on?? The GP took a look today as I am so sore and uncomfortable and still relying heavily on pain relief. Was this the case for any of you?? I have the oddest sensation down my arm and cant bear it touching the side of my body. GP not over concerned so I’m guessing it normal :
I go back on the 3rd of july to get my results as to whether it has spread else where.
I have already been advised that i’m likely to have chemo and radiotherepy just incase it has.
I have the most wonderful support from my husband and I have found the strength in a close friend has seen me through many a wobbily moment so far and I feel very blessed to have her. After getting over the initial shock ,the kids seem to be taking it in their stride which couldnt be better really. They have taken comfort in the fact that my mother had a mastectomy 3 years ago and is doing very well and my sons friends mum was diagnosed last yaer and is doing well to date with her treatment, so I think we all have a good positive attitude dispite my silent ,hidden wobbily moments at times.
Good luck to you all ladies , please keep sharing your experiences and I hope that I too can offer some support to you all .
I greet and say my goodbyes with a hug…“so catch”!!!.. cyber hugs coming your way :o) x
Hi Jo, just read your post, similiar story to me. Just had lumpectomy and full anc on tuesday {biop confirmed lymph involvement}. Home now with drains hopefully out monday but draining upto 150ml per day at mo so hope slows down. Like you mind working overtime lump was right under right armpit so im convinced all lymph involved and im going crazy with worry. I know ive got to have chemo and rad and also op to mend dip if margins clear if not clear further op to clear. Live with OH (hes irish} have 2 boys 26, 23, im 48. Got one colliedog whos human really and two hens. Like you have lpoads wobbly moments yesterday was particularly bad all seems a haze spent alot of it lying on bed, day before i was good, positive up and about. Get results 1st july as to spread, day off op surgeon said not to worry treatment same anyway but you do worry loads.
Anyway your not on your own, your family sound great and that makes you get through the days this waiting around is the worst thing. Im around most days dont like going out with drain in, so will pop in and out of this. Have a good day wont say try not to worry cos that drives me mad. If you need to chat im here. x
Hi lois,
Good to hear from you and thank you.
Yes I know all about you hun, I have been reading your posts since you introduced yourself to the site but it has taken me so long to get to grips with posting replies lol that I gave up for a while.
You will feel a little more comfortable once your drain is out and it is one less worry.
I read your post about the tears flowing and it was soooooo!!! familar that it could have been me writing that post.
I’m starting to feel the fustrations of spending so much time in the house , the day has been dreadful here today…rain rain …all day, not that I am in any fit state to go any where lol
Lovely to hear from you and like wise, im here for you too.
Here"s hoping for a better day for us all . xxx
hi jo43, just woke from nap. Crap really cos you have 1 or 2 seconds and then it all comes back to you. Thanks for reply i try and explain to OH but he just dosent get it. Rain all day here to , south wales, normal for here! Oh made a curry whilst iwas asleep so gonna try and eat some now. Hope you got through the day, laughing or crying xx
My day has been quite good thank you Lois dispite being uncomfortable.
I had a vsit from my brother and his wife from the midlands, we are in Buckinghamshire and dont get to see family nearly as much as we wouid like, so it was lovely to see them and a much needed distraction.
My son and OH have been out for the day paint balling with friends for my sons birthday.
He will be 14 on monday but you would not believe it given his size lol. He is as tall as his dad at 6ft2 and size 11 feet, I have to look up to him these days and i’m not exactly small at 5ft 9
Hope you have managed to eat your curry and enjoyed it?
I have tried eating today but have an ulcer on my tongue that has developed over the last 2 days … not nice!! but never mind!!
My OH has had his days just like yours but I have found it is only when he is tied.
Try and keep your chin up hun and if not… just say it as it is …It’s great to off load …I’'m always happy to listen
Jo xx
Hi ate some curry appetite crap and bless him he tries so hard. Glad your day went ok hope tomorrow good too. Bonjela for ulcer?
Im 5ft 4 so your son would tower over me scary really they arnt children for long, sad they have to cope with this, but must be character building (IM LOOKING FOR POSITIVES AT MO). Hang in there speak soon thanks again xx
Well my fears of last week have now been taken over by a new one which I had not considered. Results yesterday were good and bad. Lymph nodes clear but no clear margins. New affected areas found - lower breast pre cancer 3cm and 9mm grade 1invasive (.5mm margins) and inner aspect 2cm pre cancer margin not clear. Total affected areas now 5。 The consultant is willing to do another WLE if I insist but uses words like “I am an occult type”!! This I think means my cancers are very adept at hiding. The teams preferred option is mx with immediate reconstruction and it seems I won’t then have to have radiotherapy. As the last paths were ER8/8 PR3/8 and HER2 negative they are recomending Anastrozole. The path results from the new areas will be back this friday when I see the consultant again to give my decision. The choice of mx is LD flap (with or without inplant ) or reconstruction using a tissue expander inplant. The tummy flap is not an option due to my figure. He showed me lots of pictures etc and at the time I took it all very calmly but reality hit bigtime in the middle of the night. Now very anxious and tearful. I had planned to go back to work today after last wle and snb but postponed till monday - it wouldn’t be fair on clients!! I am so confused as to which mx to chose. I know so many ladies go through much worse and in lots of ways I am escaping lightly but I am devastated. I would really like to hear about others experiences in this sort of situation
Hi Jayne,
I really feel you for you, I found it agonising when I was given the choice of WLE or MX.
I cant offer any advice on this one for you but wanted to wish you well for tomorrow , I hope you have managed to find some useful advice to help with your decision .
I will be thinking of you , let us know how your appointment goes.
Sending you a big cyber hug.
Jo x
It is so agonising but my Bcn arranged for a lady who had had a LD flap with the same consultant to phone me tonight. That was sooooooo helpful to hear it “warts and all”! Think my mind is made up for tomorrow depending on results and I will go for the LD flap. Don’t know how I will feel at 3.00 am when the anxiety and panic train seems to hit. Also enormous guilt as I know so many go through so much more My appointment is 2.15 tomorrow and I will let you know.
OMG!!! does this pain,swelling and burning feeling on the back of my arm get any easier??
Im 3 weeks post op and still relying heavily on pain relief, feeling very heavy every day.
Im doing the exercises religously and some days are better than others but today im on a real downer with it all.
I see my consultant on monday so thought I would bring it up with him then.
Is this normal ladies?? or am I just being a whimp?
but wanted to wish you well for tomorrow , I hope you have managed to find some useful advice to help with your decision .