Hi everyone, I’m new here!! I just dont know what to expect, and was hoping for some help. After finding a lump I saw my GP who referred me to the Breast Clinic where I had mammograms and an ultrasound scan. I was then told that the lump was just a cyst and not to worry about it, but they found something else they werent sure what it was. After an agonising three week wait I was called back for a biopsy. I was told that it looked like scar tissue possibly from an infection which looks like it could be or could turn cancerous, and they’d probably operate whether they found anything or not. The results were due back from the lab last Thurs, and they were having a team meeting on Friday to discuss each case for the week. I was told if I didnt hear from them for a week or so it was because they were dealing with the more urgent cases, so I’d probably expect good news. But I received a letter on Sat morning with an appointment for the Surgical Clinic this Wed morning. Very quick, so I’m guessing they’ve found something, and as I’m now going to the Surgical Clinic as oposed to the Breast Clinic, I’m guessing they want to operate.
I have no idea what to expect… will I be taken in for surgery fairly soon? How long will I be in hospital, how long will I be off work,how much will I be able to do after surgery… I’m just so full of questions!! I have a young daughter, so I’ll need to arrange childcare etc., so I just want to know what I’m facing so I can get organsied as best I can… Can anyone help me with some info?
Sorry for all the questions, I dont have anyone to talk to and I’m getting in a panic
Hi Teejay,
I know exactly how you are feeling it’s a scary place to be in right now, your imagination running riot and with no one to share these fears with. However you’ve come to the right place there is plenty of wisdom and experience on these forums to help you.
I beleive the nice guidelines are that if your lump turns out to be cancerous they have to give you a date within 4wks for surgery. Your hospital stay will depend on what kind of surgery you have,i had a lumpectomy and was out after one and a half days,along with my drains. I didnt really want to go home with the drain but it was perfectly alright,it just seemed a bit daunting at the time.
I have been off work since July and wont be going back until the new year as i am now undergoing chemo and my work enviroment isnt that healthy so as i’m on full sick pay its not worth the risk although i have to admit other than the first week after chemo i feel fine and am functioning very well. Therefore how long youre off will depend on wether you have chemo and how you feel,if you can afford to stay off i would as emotionally its a very hard time and you deserve some time out of the rat race.
After surgery you arent supposed to do too much for 6wks. That means no driving,housework or anything strenuous.
I found almost like clockwork that my strength returned after the 6wks so if you can, try to adhere to that as its for your benefit,and also do the exercises as thats important.
But of course you may be lucky and it turns out to be nothing and i really hope that is the case,but if its not once you have a plan of action in place it does make some of the fear lessen,and you should have the services of a breast care nurse.
I hope this has helped a little and feel free to ask as many questions as you like,someone will always come along and help you out.
If you feel it would help you to talk things through with someone in confidence please call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Thanks for the reply, Anxious, I’ve been surfing around this site and got quite a lot of good info and tips, and your reply helped too. I suppose I’ll have a better idea of what’s ahead once I’ve been to the appoint on Wed. This whole thing is just so scary, I’ve never had to face anything like this before. Finding this site has helped a lot tho, just knowing there’s others out there in the same position, and seeing how everyone has coped, I dont feel so alone now. I’m glad you’re doing well, I hope that continues.