I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on November 18th. I seen the surgeon on November 26th (my 30th birthday, how lovely) I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection on December 5th. I’m currently waiting for my pathology report. The wait is so frustrating. Every time the phone rings my heart pounds out of my chest. I have been given a date of January 14th for my results with the chance they could come in earlier…I hate this! The unknown about treatment is awful! UGH
It might help to talk things over with one of our helpliners. They can offer practical information and emotional support. They are open as normal today (9-5). The number is 0808 800 6000.
Hi hopeful123, the waiting for pathology is the worst ever, it’s the fear of the unknown. Hope you get your results ASAP. I know everyone says this but it is true, once you have your treatment plan in place you will feel more at ease with yourself.
Hi Hopeful, I am in the same position. I have a date to see the surgeon or oncologist on 7th January but was told by my breast care nurse she would ring me if she could get me an earlier appointment. Now I am worrying is that because they know it is worse than expected? I have been diagnosed with triple negative cancer which has a higher rate of recurrence and am so afraid and feel so scared and lonely and fretting about every ache and pain.
Sue123, my breast health nurse told me not to panic if they call me and ask me to come in earlier. She said it just means the results are in and they are able to get me an appointment sooner. Hope this helps you feel a bit better!
I had a scare with my incision today. I still have a few sterile strips on as it isn’t completely healed and I had some yellow fluid leaking from it. I called the general surgery resident on call and they told me it is probably just fluid but to watch for signs of infection. So stressful!
I’m in a really similar situation to you. I was diagnosed on my actual birthday - 25th Nov! I was supposed to be going to Winter Wonderland in London, but ended up with an urgent call to go to the hospital! So instead of a lovely day out, I was hit with the news I had cancer! What a lovely birthday present, not!
Anyway, had WLE and SNB on 17th Dec, and am currently awaiting my results. It’s definitely the hardest part. Although I already know I’m definitely having chemo and radiotherapy. I suspect because I’m triple negative, although that hasn’t been confirmed yet but I’m only 31, so it’s probably an age thing.
I can’t really offer advice, as I’m probably as scared as you! But I thought it would be nice for you to know you’re not alone, and worrying is perfectly normal x
Thanks for the response kittykat. I am anticipating chemo and already know radiation is a given. My hope right now is that I have clear margins and no cancer in my lymph nodes. Chemo scares the crap out of me , but if it’s needed I’ll get through it. Do you have any breast cancer in your family? Did you find your lump on your own ??
Kittykat your story is very similar to mine except they couldn’t find my lump on ultrasound or mammogram. I had invasive lobular cancer which tends to grow Like a spiders web, flat and more of a mass instead of actual lumps. Luckily I persisted with the ultrasound as I knew there was something there (only a B cup) and guided the lady via ultrasound and they managed to find it. ILC is very sneaky and hides, it can easily be put down to dense breasts. Both the ultrasound and MRI showed the size as 14mm however after surgery mine was 5cm multifocal and growing flat.
Hope all your results come through ASAP so that you hVe your plan of action.
I found my lump myself as well. I do routine exams monthly. Mine was easy to feel and I knew it was different then anything I have felt before. I immediately made an appointment with my family doctor who thought it felt like nothing but sent me for an ultrasound just to be safe. Mine did show up as odd on the mammo and ultrasound so they recommended a core needle biopsy. Its from those results that I discovered it is cancer…Invasive ductal to be exact!
Its hard to be 30 and wrap your head around breast cancer…you never think it will happen to you. I am so happy that I do my checks and that I made that appointment with the doctor! Scary to think about what would have happened if I didn’t find it. I pray with everything in me that I found it early!
I wish everyone health and prayers in the New Year!
Hi kittykat and hopful123, it’s amazing what you learn when you’re thrown in the deep end. Like you I always though lumps but we know now this is not the case.
I’m currently going through chemo FEC-T (3 sessions of FEC and 3 of T). I started at the end of November and are part of the November Newbies on the chemotherapy threads. I can’t believe it but I’m having my 3rd FEC a week on Friday which will mean I’m 1/2 way through . I was so frightened of chemo but it is doable and a means to an end. The hardest part is the hair loss, I’ve tried cold capping and do still have some hair but it’s so fine. It’s horrible when you’re used to having relatively thick hair down your back and have to get it cut to shoulder length to try and save some hair. Never mind though it will grow back and it’s a small price to pay as I’ll be around to see my children grow up and my grandchildren.
Once chemo has finished in march I’ll have rads and then tamoxifen.
Sorry ladies should have said I’ve has surgery, opted for a nipple saving double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants and strattice) as lobular cancer is known to come in both breasts. Right breast was fine but I requested this was also removed as a preventative - best decision for me.
Took me a long time to say the C word - mine was the squatter and he was evicted during surgery.
Ladies if you’re starting chemo in January why don’t you join the January 2014 chemotherapy monthly thread for support. They also have a private Facebook group. Believe me it’s lovely to be able to speak with other women who know what you’re going through, you’ll actually start to smile again (I know this seems very hard now but it will happen).
I received some great results yesterday. It was confirmed that I have invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3. My tumor was 1.8 cm. Six lymph nodes were removed and they all were clean. I have 4 mil of clean margins. My tumor was both ER and PR positive and negative for her. I am extremely happy!!!
I see a radiologist on Monday and a medical oncologist the following Thursday. I will know more about what they are thinking for treatment once I have those appointments!
