I was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer on 30 October 2013. Following this, I had an MRI scan and Microbubbles test. The MRI confirmed the lump which was relatively small (9mm x 7mm) and the microbubbles test showed microtastasis. Following this, I was admitted on 5 December 2013 and underwent WLE and Axillary clearance. After this I felt very relieved that the cancer had been removed and made a good recovery. At my clinic appointment on 18 December, I was told that only one lymph node had been affected which was a positive thing. However, the excision was incomplete and did not give a clear margin. I felt totally devastated. I was re-admitted on the 2 January 2014 and underwent a re-excision. I am due to go back to the clinic on Wednesday 15th January for the results. I just feel so depressed and anxious all the time. I think about nothing else but breast cancer at the moment and feel like my life is totally on hold. I even to admit to drinking far too much wine with co-codamol to help me cope which I know is not the answer. Since the 2nd op I have been incredibly tearful and I just feel that I am not coping at all. The Consultant told me that if this hasn’t worked this time, we will have to look at alternatives. To be honest, I wished I had just gone for a mastectomy in the first place.
Any words of support or encouragement would be greatly received. xxxx Pinkrunner
Hi pinkrunner and welcome to the BCC forums, I am sure you will find support here and please also feel free to call our helpliners on 0808 800 6000 which opens Saturday 10-2 and weekdays 9-5 for practical and emotional support
The following link will take you to the ‘Just diagnosed’ section of the site which you may find helpful as it contains lots of information and further support ideas:
breastcancercare.org.uk/diagnosis?utm_source=Homepage&%3Butm_medium=help_you&%3Butm_campaign=diagnosis
Take care
Lucy BCC
hi pinkrunner
so sorry to hear you’re going through this. I was diagnosed in October with non-invasive ductal cancer. I thought everything was going to be straightforward - just a little “blip” that I was going to deal with.
I had WLE and SNB in November. The nodes were clear but the surgeon hadn’t got clear margins. So I went back for another op - a cavity shave. But again they couldn’t get clear margins. So now my next step is mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Initially I was shocked that it had come to this. But now I just want it all sorted out. I have had wobbly days but on the whole I’ve been ok. I know exactly what you mean when you say bc is all you think about - all day and in the night when you wake for a wee! It is perfectly normal.
I hope you get good results next week - if not I wish you well with the alternative. Be strong.
xxx
Thank you so much for your message. I think on Wednesday if they tell me there is still no clear margin then I will opt for a mastectomy. Iim having a good day today - feeling more positive and avoided the wine last night ! Best wishes for your forthcoming op - stay strong. Pink runner xxx
Thanks Scrappy Jack :-). Your words are very true - it’s funny because while at a New Years Eve party all I was thinking was bring on 2015 when this nightmare will be over ! I just wish I could find a way to deal with the anxiety - I’m already worrying about how I’m going to cope with the chemo ! But hey one step at a time. Thanks for your words of encouragement Pinkrunner xxxx
Hi
I had lumpectomy after being told lump was beign but I wanted it out and am glad I did. Was then told no its stage one and went for WLE and lymph node and they didnt get margins and was then stage 2. Was offered either another WLE or mastectomy and asked surgeon was it worth trying again he said yes if we get it next time it will be ok but be prepared if not would have to have mastectomy. They didnt get for me unfortuantely but I don’t regret having tried as think I would have always wondered otherwise. Am now 4 year on from mastectomy, chemo and rads, have had reconstruction and everything going well. Listen to the advice, but make your own mind up what you want to do as your the one who has to go through it. Wish you all the best xx
Hi Alex23
Well we are a few weeks on and the clear margin was finally achieved at the 2nd op. it’s ironic that I saw your message tonight - just been for my oncologist appointment and been told that chemo is a definite recommendation. I had a grade 2 cancer and it entered one of my lymph nodes so as I am young chemo is z definite really ! I’m scared and don’t want to do it but know I have to ! Can you just give me your thoughts and some words of encouragement ?! You’ve come out the other side and I need to speak to people like you / feeling quite low at the moment xxxx pink runner
Thank you!
No, no date as yet. They’re trying to squeeze me in with the plastic surgeon this Friday, failing that it’ll be next Friday to discuss my options. They said it would be about 3-4 weeks before I go for the op.
I know what you mean about feeling like a bore, but it’s on the forefront of my mind constantly. There is the odd occassion where I forget, then it hits me again that it’s really happening - it’s not just a bad dream!
Good luck, Hijaqs with your approaching op, it’s really unfair that we have to wait so long.
My latest thing is that I’m going to ask the surgeon to remove all of the fat from my tummy, not just what’s needed, then to make both breasts bigger!!!
x
I’ll probably bottle out when it comes to it. I think at the moment im just trying to be upbeat about it. If they advise against it I will listen to them.
The tummy bit is a definite bonus though. My belly has always been a bugbear of mine. I’m slim everywhere else but have always looked pregnant! I can never wear dresses that hug that area. So the positive for me in all this is that im going to buy my first figure hugging dress when it’s all over!
I suppose I have to make the most of it before taking the tamoxifen and putting the weight back on!
I just keep thinking how wonderful it is to be a woman - not!
X
I know! I always said that I wouldn’t have surgery for vanity reasons, I always felt it would give the wrong message to my boys about women and their breasts. I went from a healthy, upstanding b cup to a saggy a cup after kids. But now I have to have the surgery I’m thinking why not?
Obviously staying healthy is my ultimate aim and if thats the only outcome I’m happy, but…