I’m just popping in to say hello all you lovely ladies.
I’ve been “lurking” on here for a few weeks. Reading your posts has helped keep me (relatively) sane, and even raised a chuckle from time to time.
A month ago, during a routine mammogram (now that I’ve reached the ripe old age of 50) I was told that I had a suspicious lump. I’ve had this lump for 2 years, but was told at my previous mammogram that it was “nothing to worry about, probably a cyst”.
Now however, it looks more worrying. They did an ultrasound scan, and the radiographer told me that he was pretty sure it was cancer. My report said that I had microcalcifications, and a ACR/Bi-Rads score of 5 (gulp!!!).
I had to wait 3 weeks to see an oncologist, and now have an appointment on Thursday for a microbiopsy. I should know the results about a week afterwards, apparently.
I’ve pretty much prepared myself for the fact that it will be cancer, and am now fairly calm about it for most of the time. If I “only” get a diagnosis of DCIS, with no node involvement I shall be delighted (and how odd does that sound?).
I do occasionally have the odd wobble though, usually in the wee small hours of the morning. Partly because this thing has obviously been lurking in my boob for quite some time, and partly because I am also type 1 diabetic (had that bombshell diagnosis last November). Still, on the bright side, at least injections hold no fear for me
So, if I have to join this club that nobody wants to join, then I will at least take some consolation to be in such excellent company.
you are right, it is the club nobody wants to join but the ladies on here are fantastic and give such support.
I was dx last November and have now come to end of treatment and, while I really hope yours results are not cancer, will say it is doable though won’t pretend it’s easy.
Whenever you feel down post on here and you will get help, advice and support.
I hope you will find the same companionship, info, and yes, even a few laughs!-that i found when I was diagnosed just over a year ago.
It such a unique experience that having contact with other who completely understand the range of emotions is so brilliant when everyting is new and pretty scary.
I hope things go okay with your appt and that you keep as well as you can.
I very much agree - none of us wanted to join this club, and I never dreamed i would, but it is the best place to be able to vent and share. The great thing is we can be totally honest and open - we know we won’t shock and it is so good to laugh at the things that happen to us.
I very much hope that your diagnosis is not what it seems - but you know you are welcome whatever happens.
Thanks for the warm welcome girls. I daresay I’ll have loads of questions, once I get an official diagnosis.
Philippa, I am reading your blog, absolutely fascinating. I have my own little feisty blue gecko (I call him Byron, a relic from my backpacking days in Oz). I also live abroad.
Reading back over my first post I somehow managed to sound much calmer than I really am. On the outside I may appear to be handling things well, but on the inside I am bricking it!
There, I said it! It helps so much to be able to share feelings honestly, without worrying about having to appear brave or upsetting friends and family.
I agree with Cathy, glad your not lurking anymore lol xx
I know that everyone is very different, I found the worse part was the waiting, I found that unbearable… It sounds daft, but once I had a diagnosis and treatment plan I wasn’t so scared, as I had a plan to follow.
I really hope that all goes well for you once you get your results, all fingers and toes crossed for you.
Hi Kittiekat, I was diagnosed with DCIS last month after my first routine mammogram and recently underwent a wide local excision. I agree with every one else, the waiting is the worst part. I do feel abit of a fraud on this site as my cancer was non invasive ,but that still did’nt stop me worrying and I’m still worrying as I;ve got to decide if I want radiotherapy or mastectomy. Keep talking to people and take all the support available to you, good luck.
Thanks Rugbygirl, Ispoke to my G.P yesterday who said I have a ticking time bomb inside me and I should just have it removed,
He was rather blunt but frankly I appreciated his honesty, I’m veering towards surgery now and will make my decision on 6th Jan when I get to see both the oncologist and consultant.(By tommorow I’ll have changed mind again.)
Well, I had my biopsy Thursday, and despite it sounding like they were staple-gunning my nipples together it wasn’t really too bad
I couldn’t tell what exactly they were doing, partly due to the lovely local anaesthetic, but mostly because I had my eyes clamped shut from the moment I spied the big needle-type-thingy. And there was me thinking I didn’t mind needles! I managed not to jump though, and they only had to take two samples.
So now I just have to wait until next week for the results.
Oh, and I’m in France, quite rural and over an hour from the hospital, so hoping madly that I won’t need radiotherapy.
Bannibug, I think I’d appreciate blunt honesty from health professionals too, good luck with whichever decision you end up making.
Hello kittiekat this site has been my lifeline to just wanted to run away and hope it would go away It helps when you can talk to people who realy understand how you are feeling whether it will be waiting for results having chemo doing surgery or even rads there is always someone on this site that can help.feel free to join anytime even if your not in the club good luck with your results
I phoned the doctor for my biopsy results this lunchtime. Biopsy was Thursday afternoon, so I’ve waited 5 days (just about) before phoning the doctor, as they told me to.
I was going to wait until tomorrow to ring, but just couldn’t wait anymore.
I got his secretary (or possibly his wife) who hadn’t a clue, and I’m afraid I just lost the plot, poor woman. She asked if I wanted to make an appointment (no, I want to know if I’ve got cancer) she asked my name TWICE, wanted to know where I’d had the biopsy… IN MY BREAST! (oops, sorry, you mean which hospital?). She put me on hold for a few seconds, then said I’d have to phone back after 5.30 when the doctor would be there.
So I still don’t know if the results are in or not, if he’ll tell me over the phone (very much doubt it) if I’ll have to make an appointment to see him (tonight… tomorrow ?).
So I had a glass of red wine. Then I had another two.
Poor you. It gets me so angry, don’t people know how hard this is for us, waiting for results and then getting unhelpful people. I once rang for results and the secretary said ‘oh he’s busy then off on holiday, can you call next week’. noooooooooooooooo I cannot. One consultant did give me my results on the phone (I was at work!) but still had to make an appointment because I had lots of questions. Fingers crossed you’ll hear something tonight. Keep busy the rest of the day …
I’m so so sorry to hear you’ve had to join this club.
I was diagnosed this time last year so, like everyone else here, know exactly what you’re going through.
I know it’s very early days for you but just want to say that this time last year I thought my world had been turned upside down and was overwhelmed with fear, sadness, anger - you name it I felt it, but today I’m feeling well, happy and looking forward to the future.
Am thinking of you and hope all goes well.
Sending you big hugs and suggest you have another glass of that red wine. xxx
