Hello everyone, I have been on this wonderful site a few times but now I have decided to join so I can ask you wonderful people some advice.
I was diagnosed two weeks ago with bc and since then I have been kinda numb but trying to be my usual smily self for the family sake.
I go in for a lumpectomy with2 lympn nodes taken next monday 15th august.
I have not had a lump just a strange feeling and the wonderful young locum gp decided to send me to clinic.
Even consultant on examining me said breasts seemed finre but sent me for mamo and ultrasound. when biopsy was taken I was distraught.
The doctor when telling us said it was contained and curable but I am convinced its everywhere, is this normal thinking or I am going nuts. So very sorry for the rabble. I have been doing my best for the past 7 years to battle this multiple sclerosis I have but this battle is really scaring me. sending all my love and best wishes.
hi mary, It’s quite normal to be feeling as you are at the mo, we’ve all been there & the immediate period after diagnosis is the worst, with investigations & waiting for results. It does get better when you get your treatment plan & start treatment
Thank goodness it has been picked up promptly & the Dr is saying it looks contained, just try & go with that, take each day at a time & avoid google!
There is loads of support & info on this site.
take care
ann x
It is a good place to be to rant and rave, cry and laugh and get many virtual hugs from ladies, who are and have gone through the same, as you are at the moment.
Trying to be strong for others is so admirable, but can also be very taxing, when inside all is mixed up and confused.
The advice not to google is very good advice. Most of the questions you may have, can be answered on the main site of Breast Cancer care and their many publications. And we are here, too to help you with them.
Your biopsy results are a good indication of what your actual diagnosis is and will be confirmed once the pathlogy results are back after your operation. That final diagnosis will then be the basis of your treatment plan to ensure it does not come back.
Thinking it has gone everywhere and that every ache and pain could mean it may have spread - are thoughts and feelings most of us go through in the early stages of diagnosis.
Be assured, that if your team currently thinks you have no lymph node involvement, it is highly unlikely that it had spread anywhere else…
It is standard practice to remove the first few nodes with the operation for a sentinel node biopsy. In pathology they will check that they are ok - and if they are, that would be excellent news.
The lumpectomy is a quite simple operation and often is done within a day. Sometimes people stay for one night, just to help them with pain management initially. You should recover from this quite easily.
Hi Mary. I’m following a few threads on here. I’m slightly ahead of you, as my surgery was last week, with results tomorrow. There is another person who posts on here called Snow Leopard. I have no idea how you personal message anyone but she also has an MS diagnosis and may be a good point of contact? X
i too have recently been diagnosed and my lumpectomy is on Wednesday 10th. This forum has been a real help to me since diagnosis. Like you I also have another battle which began last November when I was diagnosed with early Parkinsons. Then came th second blow with this! I do understand how you are feeling as I am too. We can tackle this and it’s good to know there is wonderful support on here. Keep positive even though I know it’s not easy to do. All the best for the 15th. I’ll try and post how I get on on Wednesday too.
Sorry for another seems like silly question. When I am
going in for the lumpectomy what should I wear, joggies or something similar. Also the bra situation is worrying me a bit. What should I go for. Another very silly question is after the op am I not allowed to shave legs etc, or wax bits etc. Seems so trivial but thought you lovely crew would know.xxx Just awaiting the breast nurse to call as I have not had my appointment yet so think there may be a query,really hope it has not changed. Thanks
Marydan you can buy bra extenders in Tescos, which makes the bit round your back bigger temporarily to accommodate any swelling after. You will need non underwired bras. I didn’t have one, so bought 2 bras for £3 from Tescos, literally just for the op. I have to tell you that a year on I still wear them sometimes if my op site is complaining about my normal under wired bras, which happens occasionally towards the end of the day. I don’t buy all my clothes from Tescos I hasten to add! I was told to shave underarm with a lady shave post op, but not immediately obviously. It was terrifically hot the week after my op & the no DO thing was causing me issues, so I asked the BCN & she said it would be OK to use a roll on. All the best & fingers crossed theyhave it right about your nodes. Even if not, they are only one factor, so don’t worry too much. xx
Thank you all so much for the advice and encouragement you have given me and also marydan too who is going through the same as myself. Today I’ve been trying to keep busy though this evening the nerves kicked in. Got to ring up at 06.30 to check bed still available then in at 07.30 if it is.
So hey ho lets go with the flow!!
Will be back on when I can.
Oh and Marydan, your questions weren’t silly at all. I appreciated you asking them. All this is a new experience!
Hi All, just a couple of practical things to add - imagine they have already been posted about at other places on the boards but just in case they are helpful to anyone. I had right mx and SLNB (leaving wound at lower armpit) about 6 weeks ago - got soft and comfy sport type bras that I could step into from TKMaxx, sensitive baby wipes from Asda (very useful when not yet able to shower), and natural aloe vera based roll on deo from Holland and Barratt - just made sure to keep it clear from site of wound and all seems to have been fine.
Good luck to anyone about to go through surgery and undergoing treatment xx
Thank you sue. Been a bit uncomfortable at times but the paracetamol and ibuprofen keeping things under control. Just have to remind myself that I need to pace myself and not try and rush around. Bit tired too after the anaesthetic I suppose. Fingers crossed now for good results.
Hello to all, well this time tomorow my op should be over. Leg and hand just not playing at all well and I have called my gp and ms nurse as I was scared op may be cancelled when they see me dragging my leg but the gp says it will go ahead as heart and lung fine with no infection. The gp and ms nurse thinks all the stress and worry has brough this psuedo relapse on and I will get back to myself in a few weeks. If not they will get me to the neuro for a check and see then but hopefully I will be fine ms side of tngs and be able tobattle this new challenge facing me.Thanks for al your help,advice, care and genuine love shown.xxxx hope you are all as well as can be. Mary xx
Hello to all my friends, home after op. All went as planned doctor said so next Thursday the pathology results and teatment plan then. Had to have a wheelchair as leg and hand went completely. I really hope
this passes as I am going to fight this cancer as best I can but really need to be mobile and fit to walk. Cannot thank you enough for all care, love and advice. Used wipes today and when I have a shower tomorrow I will be gentle and not get wound wet. xx
Hi Marydan - you rant, stomp, cry, complain all you want on here. People on this Forum understand and want to support as best we can through the ether. And as Sue said, you’ve so much extra to have to cope with besides the BC.
Hope you manage to get some much needed rest, and that your hand and leg probs subside.
Sending you love, healing thoughts/energy and a great big, long hug darlin
Dellywellydingdong xxx
Love to you to Sue, and all others visiting here xxx
Super news…I can feel your relief through your words. Exactly the same outcome and treatment plan as my own in April. Mind, I wish my onc had talked about an ‘open door policy’ and been so supportive. That’s so nice to hear.