I found a large hard lump 35 days ago - I examine myself every day so this was a huge shock - went to docs 2 days later, who referred me to the Breast Clinic. 1st appointment was June 4th where I had exam, mammo, scan and biopsy. Also another appointment was made for June 18th for the results. Needless to say, it wasn’t good news - invasive breast cancer was the verdict, preliminary 6 mths chemo and op was suggested but they needed to make sure. Another exam told them that the lump had almost doubled in size. They sent me for a gene test and a chest x-ray the same day. 2 days later I had an mri.
Results for those are tomorrow (except gene test as they said it could take 4-5 wks) when I go back to the onco. I should also be told what stage/grade it is and the treatment plan.
I feel like I’ve been caught in a tornado but I’m scared that when it stops this will all hit me like a freight train.
I know everyone’s different but has anyone else felt like this?
Hello and welcome to the forum, yep not a place any of would willingly choose however it is a place where you will get help and support from the wonderful ladies on here.
This is the worst time where you are in between results and a treatment plan, it feels like you are on a runaway train with no way to stop it, but once you have your treatment plan it will get easier because you will know what is going to happen and when. We can all relate to that on here.
Keep coming on here whenever you want to rant, rave, cry, ask any questions and there will always be someone who be able to help you
Unfortunately treatment plan is delayed as 2 more tumours have appeared - 1 near original one and 1 in aux node. Had more biopsies today and they put in 3 marking clips at same time. Results next Monday.
Also have heart checks on Saturday.
Thank you Helena, that did make me giggle - much needed after the knockback.
Just got a call from a genetics specialist at another hospital & have an appointment for tests on Friday morning. Apparently there’s a difference between genealogy and genetics but I sucked in science at school (a million years ago or thereabouts) so I’ll just go with it.
I know the worst is yet to come but the waiting is mind-numbingly frustrating!
But I shall wear my freshly laundered tough pants each hospital visit and feel lucky and grateful for all the support they carry. I think I kinda rock these bloomers
Much love, Sam xx
Helena,
I’m sure I’ll be calling on everyone’s expertise & advice once my treatment starts going.
Of course I’ll be wearing them on the outside, I want to show the cancer that I’m not alone to kick it to the kerb!
Sam xxx
Thank you Mai and way to go! I’m so glad that you’re at the other side. I can’t wait to be where you are now.
I will head over to your blog in the morning.
Sam xx
Hi everyone, I’m Maxine I was 50 in Feb this year, was diagnosed with grade 3 primary breast cancer on monday this week, told I have to have an operation but until next Thursday 5th July I won’t know what type as I had a lymph node biopsy but been told will need approx 2/3 weeks recovery after that, and then will have to have chemo for approx 6 months every 3 weeks, I have been a reg childminder for over 20 years but was told under no circumstances will i be able to childmind, as my immune system won’t be able to take any infection, so have had to give notice to 5 families this week, horrible worried about being self employed and the financial situation, but everything just seems to have happened so quickly, my head is spinning, o e minute I think come on ur strong u can get through this, then I suddenly out of the blue have a complete meltdown have only read my booklet today and seen this forum, hoping that if I can talk to other ladies in same position it may help to I don’t even know just help ???
Hi Maxine,
I’ve only just started this journey myself but if there’s one thing I can assure you it’s this: you will not be traveling alone. As Jobey68 & ladybowler said, the lovely ladies here are with you every step of the way whether you need support, advice, to vent or even just a shoulder to cry on.
Mai7 has posted her blog link 3 posts down from yours, which may help?
Huge hugs, Sam xx
Update: results of 2nd set of biopsies are: small lump is ‘offspring’ of larger original tumour; lymph node is showing cancer markers and is possible that it’s spread. Bone & CT scans booked for tomorrow with results on Thursday.
ER/PR negative & HER2 positive
Neo-adjuvant chemo still going ahead as planned - likely to start within 2 weeks.
Plus side - heart is functioning as it should.
Hi Iamstillme,
Sending loads of best wishes for Thursday, at least you’ll soon have the full picture & treatment will start soon to get it dealt with.
ann x
Thank you Ann. Yes, they are being very thorough, which is great as I know I’ll get the best treatment for me. And, although only been 43 days since I found the lump, I’ve learnt that patience is not one of my strengths especially as these past few days have dragged.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day at the hospital - 9:30am injection, 12:30 bone scan & 4pm ct scan - so I guess I should try to get some sleep.
Sam x
Hi Hansa, I had 2 clips inserted on 3/7/18. It was very similar to the core biopsy but without the “click”. So, done under local anaesthetic using ultrasound. Cut a small nick in skin, insert needle and push through the clip. I then had a mammogram to check they were in the right place. Then home. I tend to bleed and bruise a lot but have had less for this than the biopsies. It wasn’t too bad at all. The mammogram was the worst bit but I still have swelling from biopsies and some pmt tenderness too.
Hi Hansa,
I’m glad that Allypops was able to tell you the procedure. I wasn’t really paying that much attention as I was joking around with the nurse - at the senior ultrasound specialist’s expense (I probably should add that he did see the funny side and joined in after the procedure) - I had the clips put in at the same time as the biopsies so it was all checked by ultrasound.
Update: I misread the report - in my defense it was terrible writing and upside down - it’s triple negative.
But, bone scan & ct came back clear - finally some good news!
Aww I’m glad you got some good news , I am a wimp and was hoping they could check the clip with ultrasound and not mammogram but as I say I haven’t been told much yet except that it’s going in. Btw, I was diagnosed on the 14th June but had some other issues so they did a ct . Waiting for results with oncologist on Monday and praying that there is no more anywhere. ! Then onto the plan . Thinking of you all x
I think I’ve had pretty much all the tests they can give and I found the mammogram the second most painful one - local anaesthetic in armpit was much worse! I have a major needle phobia - I don’t usually feel them but if I see a needle, panic mode sets in and I can’t breathe or focus and I start crying hysterically. Thankfully, the staff at my hospital are very, very understanding and hide the needles as much as they can or distract me until it’s done. Needless to say, I’m having a PICC line put in for the 8 rounds of chemo.
I hope Monday brings you some good news and wish you all the best with your treatment plan.
Sam xx
worried about being self employed and the financial situation, but everything just seems to have happened so quickly, my head is spinning, o e minute I think come on ur strong u can get through this, then I suddenly out of the blue have a complete meltdown