Hang in there. Did you have surgery first? Xx
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Yes surgery first. Mastectomy and lymph node clearance. Hope youāre ok. Itās all a tough journey but weāre getting there x
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I have done chemo first, next part is surgery. Iām so so terrified and donāt feel like I can do it. X
You will be fine. Chemo is so much harder than surgery. What is it that worries you? Hopefully I can help x
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Gosh, i donāt even know where to start! Fundamentally, the whole thing but mainly just having one breast. I have medium sized ones & have actually always quite liked them. Feel so emotional about it and have seen some pictures online that have made me feel sad anz quite overwhelmed. X
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There is a charity called BRCA chat and BRCA Kent who may have resources to help you know whether you should have genetic testing. They both have contact details.
You can also call the BCN nurses 0808 800 6000.
Some links from BCN website.
I had genetic testing which was negative in Wales as I had two primary cancers, one in each naughty boob, at the same time. I had no family history.
Hope this helps.
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Please let your team know how you feel. If you donāt want to be flat with only one boob, let them know. There may be options for reconstruction. I recently watched a BCN live with an oncologist who said that symmetry was something that is considered on the NHS.
For me, I had surgery first, a double lumpectomy and double sentinel node biopsy. Chemo was worse for me. The whole body was affected, whereas surgery it was the chest and armpit area.
You are all doing great.
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Sorry to hear about seromas, itās weird they donāt say nothing how to prevent seromas, they just said to me do not lift heavy things that it.
I heard some people saying some nurses refuse to drain Seromas to prevent infection.
Yeah the under armpits is the sore one always.
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Thank you. Sadly, as I have ibc thereās no alternative - I was very clear with the team & explained that my mental health is in the pitts and that Iām terrified this will make it worse & very serious. They say that reconstruction ācouldā be an option in the future, but I know i lack the fat at present on my stomach to reconstruct. (i also know that this is massive surgery.)
Given that prior to diagnosis I was given 3 rounds of antibiotics and told cancer was unlikely - i fee like i lack a significant amount of trust.
In the last 2 appointments Iāve said that i cannot do it & I genuinely feel like I canāt even though I know that time is of the essence. I ask them all the questions and they just answer āwe donāt knowā.
Iām on a waiting list for a psychologist - but appointment isnāt until August. I donāt know how to cope.
Sorry. X
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@sbee no need to apologise. We get it.
Iām so sorry you have limited options and hope that when you see the psychologist it helps. I get totally get the lack of trust when you were given antibiotics instead of referral to a breast clinic. I saw a physician associate (2 years medical training) at my GP for a lump in my boob, she said it doesnāt present with the usual uneven texture or shape so unlikely BC, in the end I had two cancers, one in each boob. I was the one who said I wanted a referral. The breast surgeon was shocked at their dismissive attitude and said bc can present in many ways.
Suffice to say I complained to the GP surgery and have had it marked on my records that I do not see this unqualified person. The government have changed the way physician associates can work and they can not now triage a new illness or inquiry.
Please donāt forget the BCN helpline, no question or query is too small. 0808 800 6000
Take care
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