Hi everyone. I’m sorry we all know about this forum as it means we’ve been diagnosed but at least this does exist and I’ve already found it a help. Up until three weeks ago I didn’t even know I had a lump. I had my first age related mammogram last year aged just 48 (and about a week) Everything was fine although because I am well endowed the edges around my nipple looked unclear but they were reviewed and I was given the thumbs up. Three weeks ago had an itchy nipple and felt a pea sized lump. Luckily my GP used to also have a breast clinic and operating slot until 2009 when he had to give us due to his practice partner retiring. My results appointment is this Friday but I had an appointment with my GP today regarding my arthritis. I asked him if he had had the results and lo and behold it’s the dreaded beast. I’m grateful to have had forewarning as the wait was excruciating plus he knows me really well as I have a severely disabled son. My lymph node biopsy was also positive for cancer cells. I haven’t yet told my children (18 & 15 plus my 23 year old disabled son). I was adamant everything was going to be fine. The GP said it’s oestrogen + and her - am dreading telling the kids but know it has to be done. Please could somebody give me an idea of what things I could be asking on Friday that I may not have thought about. Thank you xx
Hi BottyBoo. I’m sorry you’ve found yourself here but welcome!
Gosh your GP did all these tests in surgery for you, inc SNB? Impressive.
I’m guessing you’re going to see a breast surgeon at your next appointment. I think you probably just need to find out a few facts about the BC, type, grade, tests and the treatment they are proposing - which I’m sure you’ve thought of anyway. There will be a few tests you’ll have to undergo first, before any surgery. In my case I had a mammogram, ultrasound and lump biopsy at my first appointment (I know you’ve had some of that).
Later I had an MRI scan, then the radioactive injection plus scan (to find main sentinel node pathway) the day before my surgery.
Depending on how high your ER/PR score is, will determine if you have hormone therapy, so ask.
You should also meet your Breast Cancer Nurse at this appointment. :)
Hugs.
Seren xx
PS - take a partner or friend along to the appointment with you (so they can hear everything too, in case you ‘zone out’)
Hi Thank you for your reply. Just realised how it came across in my original post. I had the tests done at Peterborough women’s hospital on the breast unit but my GP was happy to look up the result and explain it all due to his previous knowledge. I know I am extremely lucky as you couldn’t ask for a better family doctor, he will see my son at the drop of a hat and has been a massive support over the years as my husband also has very active Crohn’s disease. Dreading the next steps but got to be done. Thank you again for replying x
And I did zone out in this appointment so will definitely take hubby along. I feel like I’m in a parallel universe x
Hi Bottyboo love the name. Sorry you have had to join the club no one wants to be part of. This forum will be a great sense of comfort to you. Lou x
Bottyboo, your GP sounds amazing!
My cancer was picked up through routine screening, followed by a recall, further mammogram, ultrasound and core node biopsies. As Seren has said, where you head next will depend on the type of breast cancer, stage, grade etc. Mine was ER+ too and that fit me will mean hormone tablets for at least 5 years after my treatment has finished. I was told at my test results appointment what type of cancer it was (mine was invasive ductular) what size they thought it was (when mine was removed it was actually smaller by a few mm than they first thought. Then I was asked to think about what surgery I wanted as u had the choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy (because I’m just an A cup and a lumpectomy would t have left me with much) you will be assigned a breast care nurse who you will be able to call at anytime to ask further questions etc. Mine explained everything to me again after the consultant left which was really helpful. Then I went home with my head spinning!! Definitely have someone with you to be extra ears!
This forum is an invaluable place to ask questions and get advise. It’s also a good place to have a good rant if you need to! There’s always someone to point you in the right direction of other threads that may be of help as you know more.
Wishing you all the very best xxx
Dear BottyBoo (such a cool name)!!
For what it’s worth, breast cancer is the most common one for women and the treatments out there are very mature and well known and also always being improved on. Yes it’s still a serious thing, not like breaking your leg but you will get through it. You are lucky that it’s been found and that you have some results already and plans will be afoot. It takes time to accept that it’s all happening so don’t beat yourself up if you get upset and feel terrified/shocked/scared/disbelief etc it’s all natural.
As for questions there are many good ones listed on this site but you can ask them to confirm things like:
-
type (ductal carcinoma in situ/DCIS, invasive ductal carcinoma/IDC)
-
size (tend to quote this in millimeters/mm)
-
grade (1, 2, 3)
-
do they recommend mastectomy or lumpectomy
and most importantly
- what’s next and when? (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, CT scans etc)
Although biopsies are important and give a good guide - it’s only when they study what has been removed that *all* the answers will be available to the doctors and to you. But don’t panic about this, it’s because a biopsy is just a couple of small slivers of tissue.
The most important thing is to take your time in absorbing all you need to know. It’s a learning curve but you will get there.
Do take your husband/trusted friend who can help you jot down any notes which you wish to take during your appointments.
My list above is by no means an exhaustive one but it’s a good start. Knowing and understanding the type of breast cancer you have will mean you will be able to understand your treatment plan.
When your treatment plan begins you will feel less anxious as you will be on that recovery treadmill!
Lots of love,
Ali xx
Thank you so much everybody. It already feels like I’ve known forever even tho it’s less than twelve hours. I’m glad it’s half term this week so I’m off work and it gives me time to get my head round things. Love and hugs to you all xx
Hi, try to keep positive it’s so hard, I’ve posted on here a few times when struggling and received tons of support. I’m a month post diagnosis, had 2 lots surgery already, last results this Thursday then a treatment plan. I’m 42, caught early luckily. My daughter is 13, I’ve been as honest as possible with her re the facts, that way she knows I’m not hiding anything. Good luck xx
Hi Bottyboo
yes it is all very frightening I have been diagnosed with a 10 mm idc plus another area to invesigate. This is all very alien and not what you want to hear but hey you have to look at the statistics (sorry I work in IT) this horrible disease is treatable these days with good outcomes. I know just now it probably feels overwhelming but you just have to ride with it and trust those around you. All the best to you and lots of love and hugs xx
Hi Tina I guess I’ve got so used to the name now I don’t think about it anymore but I work with reception children in a primary school. My surname is Betambeau and the kids found it really hard as did one of the teachers. She came to me one day and asked how to pronounce it and when I told her she said “oh I keep calling you bottyboo cos I couldn’t remember” The kids latched on to it and it’s been that since. Although as each new cohort start it changes usually it’s Mrs Tambo until they hear kids further up the school. I even have it embroidered on my school hoody lol. My first name is Sarah. Thank you for replying and also to everyone else too. Now my daughter knows she is being an absolute rock, just the right mix of support and jollyness. Her hair is really really long and thick and she’s decided months ago to donate it and this has spurred her on. She’s going on Friday after we’ve been to the hospital and I’m getting mine cut short which is far easier for work anyway but will hopefully be less of a shock if I lose it xx
Good luck for tomorrow Sarah. I get my results tomorrow too so fingers crossed we ll both be smiling xxx
Good luck for tomorrow ladies. Thinking of you. X
Thank you blossom. Hope you re pre op goes well xx
Thanks you LMB x
Hi Jane hope your recovery is going well. Good luck everybody who gets results tomorrow xx
Fab news julia! Love Sarah xx
That’s fantastic Julia. X
Fantastic news Julia!! You can now have the best holiday in Florida stress free ? So pleased for you! Xxx
I think Julia we are in Florida same time! I’m 25 March to 5 April. Will be great to relax xx