Lumpectomy planned for 16th March

[Guest user]

Just like to whish yu all a happy easter Lets hope the sun shines at some point!

[LizzyM]

Hi all
Anne, glad your BCN was helpful, and the antibiotics should be doing the job by now, you have had more than your share lately. Have a lovely family weekend - rest and build yourself up for the op.

Estelle and Marion, sorry the results mean more surgery for you two as well. I had my WLE on April 2nd, and get my results next Wednesday, "clear margins" seems like a holy grail! Take care, hope you get some nice spring sunshine to enjoy over the weekend,

Lizzy

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie and eveyone else

Looks like you and I are traveling the same road. I have my results yesterday and the SNB showed cancer cells. I have to go back in hopaital on the 28 for removal of lymph nodes. I know what you mean about feeling like your back at the begining. I am now not thinking about the next lot of results as I cannot cope with too much information (and the thought of maybe having chemo if there not clear) So for now the next stage of surgery is enough. I also need more taken from the breast as they didn't remove enough of a margin. The olny good news is that the lump has gone. So back on the positive thinking track, let put the wobble days behind us. I am going to enjoy the next couple of weekmaybe have few days away. Take care Marion x
Keep smiling (this site is a great help with that)

[Hattie]

Hi everyone, it has taken me a few days to get back on the positive pathway for I must admit the news of cells in the sentinel nodes and the imp;ication that they could have affected the other lymph nodes threw me quite out of kilter - to a point where I felt I was back where I started from in January.
The BCN came to see me on Tuesday and although I had my thoughts and 'mood' back into gear by then I had many questions which she was able to answer and help me clarify some of the things I was told on Friday.
At her visit she also confirmed my thoughts that I might have a low grade infection in my breast and advised me to see my GP sooner rather than later in view of the forthcoming operation. I am on two lots of anitbiotics and glad I did as advised for yesterday it had turned into a full blown infection where I felt a lot of discomfort and generally off colour. I must be responding to the treatment for I am much more comfortable today.
So now I play the waiting game again but will be keeping steadily occupied with family visits and home based things. Probably more the family things for I'm told I will not be able to drive for six weeks after this next operation. Love to you all, Anne xx

[LizzyM]

Dear Anne
Sorry to hear your results mean more surgery, not what you wanted to hear.

You have a fantastic positive attitude, which comes through very strongly, and lots of people on here thinking about you.

Hope you feel better after talking to your BC nurse,

Take care
Lizzy

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie - just thought I would drop you a line to say I am in exactly the same position. Must admit I was devastated when they told me the nodes were not clear. My second op is on the 16th and like you I have so may questions that at the time I didn't ask. Am keeping a notepad by me and writing down questions as they occur to me - sometimes at very strange times - much to my hubby's amusement. Will be phoning them tomorrow. Hope everything goes well for you, Estelle x

[Guest user]

Sorry to hear you didn't get the results you were hoping for Hattie. I found the same after my diagnosis with the questions. So many spring to mind over a couple of days. I had about 30 by the time I saw my BCN. You still sound very positive and I have found your posts helpful to me as I have a lumpectomy due on Tuesday. Best Wishes to you and I hope getting answers to your questions will help how you are feeling. LooLoox

[Hattie]

Hi everyone, I got my results on Friday having waited one and a half hours after my appointment time to be seen. Sadly I was given news that I was hoping not to be given - the SNB showed cancer cells. So now I have to have another operation to remove lymph nodes - the date for this is 27th April but in the meantime I will be seeing the BCN as a lot of questions have formed since I got home on Friday and I will be needing some clarification of what I remember being told about the results as well as future possible treatments. My positive attitude dropped a little on Friday but I am sure that once I get over the weekend and can talk with the nurse it will rise again. As I said earlier no matter what the results were I had to face the next stage and each further stage until the BC is considered to be treated. I'll be doing that.

[Hattie]

Well, today's the day I find out just what's what regarding my SNB and strangely I am much more apprehensive than I was last Friday when I attended the clinic and should have had the results. Confession time - earlier this morning I was tearful, more than I have ever been since being told I had breast cancer and I guess this is a reaction to the delay in my getting to know these results. My tears and fears were hopeful, still positive even - "please let the cancer have not spread to the nodes" was the vague prayer in my head as I cried. Nodes clear will be a wonderful piece of news for me whereas nodes affected will not, however, whatever I am told I will face the next steps with my usual attitude of 'it has to be done, faced, and I will carry on with my positive attitude. I guess I just wanted you all to know I am not so positive as to be dealing with BC as though it is a run of the mill kind of thing. Will let you know what happens.
Anne xx

[Hattie]

Hi Lizzy,
I'm glad my input re my surgery has helped you prepare for today and hope that all goes well. We'll all be looking forward to hearing how you are when you get home again. Good Luck
Anne xx

[Guest user]

Hi lizzy

Just to say good luck with the WLE tomorrow and I do hope all goes well,

Love Freddie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[LizzyM]

Good luck for Friday, Anne, and everyone else due results in the very near future.

I have my WLE tomorrow, so a bit behind you all, but, I have reread your post about your op, Anne, reassured me as you were so positive and it has helped my a lot.

Take care, all, we are all on the same path, different stages, and some have more twists and turns than others - but the support on this site is immense, I have found it so helpful

Lizzy XX

[Hattie]

Due to delays from last week's results clinic there are a few of us going to learn what the results are this week. I wish you all good luck and hope the next steps to be taken are clearly given so that we each know where we are on this journey with breast cancer. I go Friday and am beginning to feel a little apprehensive again - is it any wonder?
Anne

[Guest user]

I don't think it is because of lack of cancer patients in North Wales,as 9 out of 30 were diagnosed when I went to my one stop clinic,but I got results from WLE and SNB ten days after surgery and as they do the test for herceptin status on the core biopsy taken at that one stop clinic I got that at same time.

I really feel for you having to wait any length of time as I know what I was like yet it seems I didn't have as much of a wait as others.
My next appointment is with oncologist to find out what is next and hope that doesnt get cancelled as I arrive as have got nearly a 4 hour round trip to get there ! (am 5 weeks post op by then)Janet,I worked for a time in Torridon and used to travel to Inverness for my days off,lovely drive but a bit of a trek for you too.

[Hattie]

I guess I'm making progress girls - even though I didn't get my results of the SNB I was given the go-ahead for short local journeys in my car as my wounds are healing well. I had a little drive yesterday of about 3 miles in total without any problems so am looking to drive a little further today to see a friend who cannot get to see me because of her health problems.
Friends telephoned on Friday and Saturday and seemed to be just as frustrated as I was re the delay in results.
Moving the clocks forward last night seems to have brought us a bright and sunny day here in Yorkshire although it is still chilly when out. I hope you all are able to enjoy a bit of brightness in the day.
Anne

[Guest user]

Hi Anne and Maid Marion,
It seems like we are all in the same boat with a 3 week wait for results, where ever we live in the UK.
Hope all goes will with the check up Anne and have a relaxing weekend.
Love janet xx

[Hattie]

Hi MaidMarion,
Yes it is frustrating to have to wait for three weeks for your results and three weeks will seem such a long time for you. As it has worked out that will be the time taken for my results too. Maybe three weeks is pretty standard but no-one likes to tell patients that? Glad your op went well - one step forward in dealing with the BC.
Anne

[Hattie]

Hi Janet,
I live in West Yorkshire and my local hospital is about 10 mins drive away. However when I've had MRI or start the RT I will have to go to Leeds to the Yorkshire Cancer Cantre. I had a phone call from the BCN this evening to tell me my results are not through as there is a backlog of tests to be done, but she wants me to attend anyway to have my wounds checked. It seems I'll be given another appointment for the results and I will hope that it is next week and not the following week which would make a month between SNB and results. That would be too much.
Anne x

[Guest user]

Hi Anne, thanks for your kind comments. I live in a small village on the west coast of Scottish highlands, and travel to the BC clinic in Inverness. It is a long drive but they are very good there, helpful and kind and the treatment is great. (Apart from the results delay).
Where abouts are you ?
Hope you are feeling OH and wishing you lots of luck for tomorrow and sending a big HUG.
Keepi in touch - Love Janet xx

Hi to all the ladies on here !

[Guest user]

Hi all

I had a WLE and SNB on Tuesday and am now at home. Dont feel too bad a bit sore. My appointment is for 3 weeks to get results I was told 2 weeks bit the hospital is having a audit os there are now surgeons about that week, Thats a bit of a blow as thats another week of waiting but at least the surgery is over.

[Guest user]

Janet that must have been awful for you! But hope you enjoyed the trifle!!!
Anne will be thinking of you tomorrow when you get yr results, will have everything crossed! love and prayers Debsx

[Hattie]

Hi Janet, how awful for you to get there to find no results even though you were given help by more drainage and some antibiotics. You must be feeling a lot frustrated in view of psyching yourself up for results and the long journey. Where do you live to have 75 miles to travel to hospital? Do you have to go to a cancer care centre for your region? I hope you don't feel too down about it and that your new appointment is soon.
Anne xx

[Guest user]

Hi Anne,

Travelled the 75 miles to the hospital and just when we arrived got a message to say the results have been delayed possibly up to a week, due to staff shortages ! I had really prepared myself for today and now more waiting.
Still not a wasted journey as I had more drainage from underarm and a course of antibiotics for wound infection. Feeling a bit sore and sorry for myself ! Just scoffed some trifle, not sure that helps though !

Good Luck for Friday, will be thinking of you. Please let me know how you get on.

Love and Best Wishes, Janet x

[Hattie]

Hi Debs,
Yes the waiting is quite frustrating but we have no choice as the tests take some time I gather. I'm feeling ok and have a bit more get up and go today but as Friday approaches I guess I'll get the nervous feeling again - am hoping that the SNB result will be clear. Started with gingivitis yesterday - I occasionally get it and it is driving me mad right now - to a point where I've phoned for an antibiotic prescription as I don't want any more discomforts than I have to have right now.
Janet, how did your results go?
Hope to hear from you soon
Anne (Hattie)

[Guest user]

good luck janet for your results tomorrow, i get mine on 2nd April, God I hate all this waiting!! Anne hope you are well, love Debs xx

[Hattie]

Hi Janet, Thanks for your good wishes re Friday. I seem to be recovering quite well from last week's op and my bruising has now faded to pale purple and lots of yellow. I have no soreness that needs pain relief but occasionally have a twinge but this is probably because of my having the SNB which I gather is less intrusive than a clearance. Good Luck for tomorrow's results clinic visit.
Hattie

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie,
Hope you are still recovering well after your op. I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance on March 12th and am going to the clinic tomorrow for my results. Nerves are starting to kick in !
I am still feeling battered and bruised from the op and sore with a new swelling under my arm - hope nothing more than fluid.
I get anxious every time I feel something new, though I am sure this will pass in time.
But, thank goodness, I feel so good in myself and determined to get through this.
Good Luck for Friday - love Janet xx

[Hattie]

Hi everyone,
I reach my next stage of getting sNB results on Friday 27th. As my surgeon is on holiday then I will meet a new consultant from the cancer care team. Another step to take, which I am hoping will be a positive one so that I move on to the radiotherapy stage in a few more weeks time. I'll update you as things move on. I hope all is going relatively well for you all.
Hattie

[LizzyM]

Welcome back, Hattie, glad to hear that you are OK. Make sure you take it easy and be good to yourself. It is a lovely morning here, hope you are seeing the sunshine as well!

You really have reassured me with the positive way you have dealt with your op - I'll be reading and re-reading it a few times before mine! Thank you!

Hope everyone else on this post is OK, keep in touch,
Love
LizzyM

[Hattie]

Hi everyone, so many good wishes from you and the reassurances re guidewire, RT, time off sick etc have helped me a lot, Thank You.
As you can see by the date I am home after having the lumpectomy with guidewire insertion and SNB. For those of you about to have this procedure I am pleased to say that the most I felt was a little hurt when the guidewire was 'anchored' as the doctor felt the end of the wire had rested against a nerve, but a bit more local anaeasthetic stopped that and she could continue with no discomfort to me. The insertion of the isotope was just a stinging injection and once it was given the stinging stopped. I have two separate incisions and both were closed by 'glue' and Dermabond. I am bruised of course and have extra colours of yellow and turquoise from the pre-op skin cleanse and the dye for the SNB. I can wash off the yellow, gently, today but the other colours will fade in time as they are in me rather than on me.
Post operatively I felt discomfort only and the nurse's scale of deciding how much pain I had was from 0 to 10 and at most I said 3, today I would say it is at 1. I left hospital earlier than originally planned for yesterday as they needed my bed so was home just after ten and rested a while when I got home then had a sleep in the afternoon.
I slept very well last night - the first time in over a week and this morning I feel 'my old self' with a bit of discomfort. I am doing the exercises recommended by the BCN and already can do the hairbrushing with my left arm. I now wait two weeks to see the surgeon and get the results of the SNB which I'm hoping will be clear.
My thanks to all of you who have gone before me and helped me prepare for my op day and my good wishes for all of you who are about to follow this operational pathway. I hope my account helps you to calm any fears you have about the surgery. The positive approach we've all met from members who have experienced this procedure already should help us all to take each stage as a step at a time and not worry ourselves with dark imaginings.
Hattie (Anne)xx

[LizzyM]

Hi Hattie, and everyone else on this thread,
Bit late with the Good Luck, Hattie - you will have it behind you when you next post - so lots of hugs for post op, hope all went OK for you.

I should have had op on 5th March, but due to a slight hiccup - now scheduled for 2nd April - really dragging out this waiting game! Nice to know you lovely ladies are paving the way for me - I'll be taking reassurance from you all as the date gets nearer!

Looks like we are all following up with the radiotherapy as well, so please share top tips there as well.

My GP signed me off work last week, she said that this waiting for results etc was stressful, and she did not have a problem with a sick note. Although I really do NOT want to be working as I am really tearful and feel like I just want to think about myself for once - I actually feel guilty, as physically - I feel really well!
How is everyone else on that one? And Lulu - totally agree with your BCN, it is up to you to know if you can work PT through Rads, not your boss!
Love to all - these discusions are really great - I have found it so helpful to feel that there are people who know how I am feeling
LizzyM X

[Guest user]

Hattie, good luck for tomorrow, hopefully you will be out and about soon to let me know before 20th! Kathryn thinking of you too! x

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie (and debs too)since we're all in the same situation,
I was diagnosed on 11th march (33rd bday great timing!!)and am due for surgery on 24th march.
Thinking of you both. Kathryn x x

[Guest user]

Hi Again

I was told the gap between surgery and Radiotherapy was 'to allow everything to heal' before I'm assaulted again. I had to have a wire inserted before surgery and was under the impression I would be given a local - but no! I can tell you it bought the tears to my eyes, I was totally unprepared for it being done without a local. So my advice to anyone is DEMAND a local. Also I woke up in a ward with four men! Only bed that could be found for me I was told! Anyway that's all behind me now just the Radiotherapy, bone scan to establish bone density and 5 years of Arimidex. Which to me seems like a walk in the park after reading some of the stories here.

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie - welcome to the site, sorry you are here but good luck all the way X
I have just had lumpectomy and SNB 2 days ago. I was only in hospital overnight. Its really good to be able to go home so soon. I feel a bit sore but not as bad as i had thought it would be.No drains so that is good. Under arm is probably the worst bit for being sore. Dont know about my scar yet as have quite big boobs and dressing is covering most of my boob at the moment. The district nurse will come to take out my staples next Thursday. I am told i will be informed by letter of the date of the results (approx 3 weeks). I am gonna try & take it easy in the meantime as the lead up to getting this far has been a bit surreal & just getting to grips with it all. I understand if all clear I will start Rads for 4 weeks and then fingers crossed that will be me done 🙂 - Hope all lgoes well for you XXX

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie, glad to some of your responses, they are helping me! I have to have guidewire inserted too. Good luck for 15th Debs x

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie

I had a guidewire insertion prior to surgery - quite a strange experience but not painful. Done under a mammogram and local anaesthetic. What was strange is that the wire is left sticking out, although it gets taped down it's a bit odd knowing its there.

Anyway good luck for your surgery next week. Hope all goes wll

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie, sounds like things are getting organised.

I had my results today from my lumpectomy on the 25/2. Had 5 lymph nodes taken out and given the all clear. Spent 6 days in hospital and will have taken nearly 4 weeks sick leave. I'm taking holiday leave for a further 2 weeks and my boss has suggested working part time during radiotherapy.

Fine in theory! But my BCN told me that not everyone can work during radiotherapy so shall just have to try it and see.

[Hattie]

Well ladies, things are falling into place now that I have seen the bc nurse and had some conflicting information sorted out - this included another visit to the surgeon prior to his clinic on Tuesday where he examined me again and confirmed that he would need a guidewire insertion. Apparently on first examination the lump was easily palpable but that may have been due to swelling from the biopsy. This week I've been told the lump is still palpable but very small therefore the guidewire would assist the surgeon during my operation.
I got a rough timeline from the nurse at it seems that as my RT will be given at the Yorkshire Cancer Centre which has a lot of patients and will probably start some six weeks after the lumpectomy. Coincidentally I had to see my GP on Tuesday morning and on telling him all this he gave me a sick note for thirteen weeks - takes me into June! However, if I feel well enough to return to work earlier I can soon get a 'signing off note' from him.
I'm taking it easy this week, as much as I can anyway, and doing a bit of pamepering as suggested. I'll update some time after surgery. Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement.
Hattie (Anne)

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie

I had a lumpectomy 11 days ago - I stayed in overnight and am not having any problems with recovery. The op site is still swollen and bruised and hurts from time to time but only when I have tried to do too much. The scar is also nowhere near a big as I thought.

Most of my problems were before surgery - the op was delayed twice due to low blood counts and infections.

I've been told that I will have radiotherapy about 6 to 8 weeks after the op. Apparantly the scar has to have time to heal properly before rads can begin.

Good luck with your op - hope all goew well.

Lynn

[Hattie]

HI Edna,
I was surprised to see such a gap between surgery and Radiotherapy February to May. I'd thought the one would pretty much follow the other. I guess it might vary person to person a little bit. The breast care nurse is coming to see me today so maybe I'll learn a timescale from her. Thanks for your good wishes.
Hattie

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie

I had Lumpectomy and 4 nodes removed(All clear) on the 12th Feb. I like redders opted to stay in hospital overnight and I'm glad I did. Went home next morning My scars are fading fast. Three pieces of advice - Take it one stage at a time, Do the exercises and also pamper yourself! I'm now gathering my energies for three weeks of Radiotherapy in May at the Sussex Royal. Good luck and let us know how it goes. EdnaXX

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie, I'm the same as you, but as your op is on the 15th and mine 20th, I will be looking to see how you get on! Good luck for 15th, Debs x

[Guest user]

Hi Hattie!

I found the lumpectomy no problem and was out of hospital the next morning. They said I could go home on the same evening as day of op but I declined that! I had a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy) and 3 lymph nodes removed - all clear. This all happened last June and I now have a very small pink scar on the top of my breast which is fading fast and a small scar under my arm. Four weeks later I had 5 weeks of radiotherapy (large boobs!) and drove myself every day without problems. So I'm sure you will cope well with what's to come. It seems to be the chemotherapy which can pull people down. Best wishes.

[Hattie]

Hi Sam,
Thanks for the response and the link - I now have a resource pack on it's way.
Many thanks
Anne

[Sam_BCC]

Hi Anne

I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis but would like to welcome you the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums.

As well as the support you will receive from the other users you may find the BCC resourses pack helpful. It has been designed to provide information for those newly diagnosed. If you would like a copy please follow this link:-

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publication...

I hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)

[dotchas]

Hi,
Just want to say hello and welcome to club no one really wants to join!
Everyone is so helpful and supportive with advice and just a listening ear if you need a moan.
I had a mastectomy as I was lucky enough to have 3 lumps! So I can't advise much on the surgery but I think its safe to say that most of us would say that the waiting is worse than the surgery itself.
Be kind to yourself and try not to let your mind run away!
Take care and good luck,
Hugs
Dot
x

[Hattie]

I am new to forums, new to this website and new to breast cancer - what a lucky girl to have three new experiences in less than two months! I saw my surgeon earlier this week and he said that lumpectomy followed by Radiotherapy is the recommended treatment for me and of course I have lots of questions in my head. I see the breast care nurse next week and will put most of them to her I guess but wonder if other ladies can pass on advice or helpful hints to help me prepare for all that is about to happen?
Many thanks
Anne