Hi. I am new to all this and still in a bit of a daze. I went to docs last Tuesday, fitted into breast clinic Wednesday night to be told I have BC. Biopsy and chest xrays etc at clinic on Thursday. Yesterday I had to have a further biopsy on lymph nodes and am being booked for a CT and bone marrow scan. I have been told chemo then surgery. Worried about everything! I have been struggling to eat and am v tired at the moment. I suppose I am still in a bit of shock. Is the CT scan routine? Help!
Hello cromercrab
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums where I’m sure you will receive plenty of support from the users.
May I also suggest that you telephone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 and speak to one of our breast care nurses who are there to support you through this difficult time, opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00.
best wishes
June, moderator
HI there
I had a CT scan too, so I think its routine. Mine didn’t show anything. I’ve had chemo and I just had a masectomy/reconstruction last week. Try not to worry… take one thing at a time. The docs, nurses and all of us on here are on hand to help you through.
I told my BCN that I hadn’t been sleeping and she got the doc to prescribe some sleeping tablets. I only needed them for a few days. There is so much information to take in at first its no wonder you can’t sleep, then you can’t help but think things over and over, making yourself more anxious. So I would recommend asking for something to help.
Best wishes
Panga
I think your hospital are being very efficient getting all that done prior to treatment and very re-assuring. It is normal to have scans I was told its a ‘marker’ so they can see where the starting point is and monitor any changes throughout treatment. All my scans were clear.
Its a horrid time awaiting results and having tests but there is no way around it. When you know exactly what your treatment plan is, it will be much easier for you, however this site is a really good place for information and whilst I had surgery first and am now on Chemo, there are threads where ladies have had chemo first and then surgery and you will learn a lot from them.
I too went to GP for sleeping tablets… i didn’t actually take any but they are there in the cupboard so if I need them I can have them.
x
Hi cromercrab
I am so sorry you have joined us. It is overwhelming at first. I was only offered CT and bone scan (not bone marrow - I suspect you mean bone scan) when my lymph nodes were analysed and shown to be infected. But if you are having chemo first it makes sense to have a scan first to track the affect of the chemo.
The stage you are at is the worst - it will get better as your treatment starts, and you begin to feel you are doing something. Have they told you what chemo you will have?
Hi Cromercrab
As Finty says, so sorry you have had to join us on here. This bit is really hard-all of us on here will empathise with the waiting, when you are reeling from the initial diagnosis and want to get on with treatment.
Once you have a treatment plan you get a routine of sorts and it really does feel more manageable a bit at a time. I had chemo first-I had bone, liver scans, chest x-ray and an MRI instead of CT, but for the same purpose. It is routine to have several scans to give them as much to go on as possible, and unfortunately results can take a little while.
It is so easy to say, and often impossible, but I found the advice my BCN gave me early on-to try not to think too far ahead at the moment-helpful. It really did help me to deal with each part and then each stage of my treatment as it came up. When I’ve had times of panic, it has helped to bring that back to mind. There is lots of support here. Best wishes.
C x
Hi
I can only echo what everyone else has said. But I know waiting is the worst time of all
Take care of yourself and surround yourself with love
Hugs
Maria
Hi
I agree with what everyone else has said; tests are completely normal but can be the hardest bit as you fear the worse (I certainly did). I have just finished treatment and can confirm that it does get better.
Julia xx
Thanks very much for your support. I will go to docs for help. I have some over the counter ones to tide me over. I reckon thats ok to take. I am trying to put stuff to the back of my mind. I am going to book a massage to help me chill a bit. I managed work last week but can’t face it this week. People are trying to be sympathetic but I find it a bit overwhelming. Oh, and I did mean bone scan. I have yet to meet with the chemo guys so don’t know what they are up to .