Wanted to introduce myself, and get my “story so far” written down the the process…
I’m 34, married mum of 2 - DS is 8 and DD is 2.
My mum and my maternal aunt have both have BC, and so I’ve been ultra-vigilant with my boob checking.
Here’s my timeline (from reading other posts, this all seems very quick)…
24/11/11 - find lump in right breast in the bath.
28/11/11 - see my GP who sends me for the 2 week referral because of the family history.
7/12/11 - 1st breast unit appt. Have ultrasound, mammogram and core biopsy.
14/12/11 - 2nd breast unit appt. Receive diagnosis. Grade 3 ILC. 21 mm in size. Arrange WLE and SNB for 19/12/11. Have chest x-ray and bloods done ready for surgery.
19/12/11 - All surgery done an dusted by 1pm. They let me go home at 6pm.
Tomorrow I’m going in for my histology results and stitches out. I’m still in a bit of pain. I’ve big boobs so gravity is not helping at all.
I’ve told DS that I’ve had a lump removed and that I may need harsh medicine to make sure it doesn’t come back.
I’m a teacher, and I’ve arranged for my boss to tell my students what’s going when they get back from the Christmas holidays. I’ve been told that I should not work by my consultant for at least 2 months, longer if I need chemo.
I feel like I’m wearing a mask all the time. Being positive and brave. But every so often, the mask slips and I can’t stop crying.
In addition to the valuable support and shared experiences your fellow users will be along with, I am posting a couple of links to information which you may find helpful, they include links to the ‘mummy’s lump’ booklet and ‘talking to your children about breast cancer’, there is also a publication for schools which you may wish to pass on to your child’s teacher:
The ‘Understanding your pathology results’ publication may be useful following your histology results too, this is included in the first link above.
Our helpline is open 9-5 today, tomorrow and Friday on 0808 800 6000 if you need further support, information or a listening ear, closed B/H and re opens next Tuesday as normal (Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2)
You certainly must be in a whirl, and coming at Christmas time too no wndr you haven’t had chance t really take it in.
My initial diagnosis seemed really fast too but Then the waiting and raft of tests seemed endless and strung out. On the one hand I felt it was gong too fast, on the other hand continually waiting for results was awful. Moving you through like this is tough and you haven’t really had time to come to terms with it, but perhaps you’ve avoided some of the waiting room tensions even though you’ve been swept along.
I’m going to have my fingers crossed with you for your post op results. Your BC gremlin is already being dealt with, no hanging about, and you’re on the right path. I think most of us have shed tears all along the way, people regard me as very down to earth and strong but oh boy, at times I’ve let it all hang out!!
Sounds as though you’re doing marvellously anyway, and there’s no need to be superwoman! We will be here for you.
Wolf ,
So sorry this has all happened to you especially over a bank holiday. Your team sound marvellous and have pulled out all stops to get you sorted ASP. It is all a whirl and the control of your life as been taken from you by the medical
Profession. They do it for the best but it des leave one feeling helpless.
I have just finished FEC-D chemotherapy and had my first Radiotherapy today. Like childbirth. Chemo is soon forgotten and we have it because it does work.
Follow the forums …start your own, and BEST wishes for your future
Big Hug!
Cackles xx
Your whirlwind sounds similar to mine. I had recall after mammogram appointment 12/12 with biopsy, results 15/12, WLE and nodes excised 20/12…but have to wait until 5/1 for results. I am also still in pain and swallowing painkillers like sweeties which is not normal at all for me.
I agree it all seems so fast, and it is hard to go from being well to this diagnosis. I also dissolve into tears every so often, but in between I am slowly coming to terms with everything.
I have read lots of posts here now and I think it is a normal reaction. It certainly helps me to know others feel the same.
Good luck with your results and let us know how you get on.
Hi Wolf and Lynda,
My experience is similar to yours - recall after routine mammo (couldn’t feel any lump), ultrasound and biopsy9/12, diagnosis of 1.5mm invasive ductal carcinoma 16/12, WLE and SNB on 18/12, Christmas with some of the family, trying to put on a brave face but with lots of tears in private. But all this was a year ago, since then I’ve had 4 three weekly cycles of chemo (starting at the end of January 2011 as I had a cold after Christmas), followed by a month of radiotherapy. The chemo wasn’t always pleasant but was doable and as Cackles says, is soon forgotten. The radio was a doddle.
Two weeks before Christmas this year I had the first annual check, with good news, so this Christmas was a much happier time.
Keep posting here, you’ll gain much support, good advice and reassurance. Good luck with your results and with the future.
Love loula
Hi Wolf
Mine too was a bit of a whirlwind.
I originally went to docs in May as I had what felt like a ridge in my chest, they said everything was fine and to go back in a month which I did.
At the second appointment they referred me to breast clinic although doc said she still felt it was just breast tissue.
Anyway 3 days before appointment, a huge lump appeared in my left breast, how could this not have been felt by doc?
At the hosp had mammo, then ultra sound at which time the nurse asked if I had a good friend with me!
Got results witin an hour!
What annoys me is they bring this word into your life but don’t explain about diffferent types, different treatments.
I went back the following week and they told me in was non invasive but cos of the size I would need mastectomy.
To be honest at that point the op didnt bother me cos the reconstructions are so good and I felt lucky that I had escaped treatment.
Unfortunately after the op the pathology revealed a 1.4cm invasive lump as well, grade 3 , no node involvement.
So I was recommended to have chemo. I have my second to last one next week.
Wolf I so understand how you are feeling.
It’s always someone eleses story isn’t it? These things dont happenm to me! That’s what makes it so traumatic.
At the beginning I felt as if I was in a glass box looking out, my friends were walking past waving but getting on with their lives, but I was silently screaming and no one could hear me.
In the first few months I felt wretched but you DO learn to cope, I promise AND breast cancer is very treatable , you must hold on to that.
I am now looking forward to a new year.
Please in box me if you need a chat.
Sarah xxx
Your description of being in a glass box silently screaming with the rest of the world going on without you is SO true - it’s EXACTLY how it was for me.
But as you say it passes and things DO get better.