Worried about results tomorrow and treatment plan

[Yealand]

Thank you,

I will buy some of those bras, I have been for a ct scan today, my consultant didn't mention this on Monday, then on Tuesday eve I got a call from breast care nurse to say I needed a ct scan, been today, when and who do I get the results from, or will I not, I had the ct scan from neck to pelvis, any ideas why??? Sorry for all the questions xx

[Jaynes1208]

Hi Yealand,

I had a lumpectomy on 18th Jan.  I also have big boobs, similar size to you.  I bought the Marks and Spencer crossover, non wired bras.  I can recommend them, they are really comfortable, but also importantly, really supportive!  I had not worn a non wired bra for over 20 years, but I will still use them, even when fully healed, so they were value for money.

I also bought some Evans sleeper bras.  They're in packs of two, and these have been great for nighttime because they have no hooks and eyes, or zips. 

To be honest, I wouldn't worry about pain from your boob.  It's tender, as you would expect, but easily manageable.  My armpit has been a bit worse, more to do with nerve disturbance than the wound itself, and I think that's partly because they couldn't use dye to identify my sentinel node, so had to have a bit of a rummage to find what they needed! Hopefully, you won't be in that position. 

Good luck!

Jayne

x

[ladybowler]

Yealand

I honestly can not help on that one I'm afraid, I have no experience of that, it might be worth posting something on the nurses thread to see if they may be able to assist or ring the helpline to see what they say. 

Sorry darling I cant be of more help xx

[Yealand]

Hi Helena,

Thank you, I am looking on the positive side, good news about your friend, just felt grump and he has def grown, I'm not imaging it he has, breast care nurse rang me this eve to say that a ct scan has been requested, but the consultant never mentioned this or breast care nurse yesterday when discussing treatment plan, now I'm slightly worried, do you think some of my bloods from pre op could be abnormal. The nurse said that they would maybe call me tonight, but unfortunately they haven't done. Any ideas???

[Treeze]

Yealand out branch of debenhams have started stocking a breast care range for cancer patients that I can highly recommend..see if you have one.They're around £18 each, no underwiring, soft and very comfortable.x

[ladybowler]

Yealand

I have only just seen your message and so glad to hear from you.  So grump the lump will be no more next week, which really good news in that respect.  Brilliant that you have a  treatment plan and that you have a great team at the hospital, I think that means a lot as it makes your journey a lot easier.

Just to let you know, a colleague of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 bc had a lumpectomy, chemo and rads and was on herceptin for a year and that was four years ago this month, she had about 11 months off work and is still working full time and doing extremely well.

Helena xxx

[Yealand]

Thank you so much for all info, I don't have any non underwire bras, not sure where I will find any, I'm a 42DD just now, but I will look online at M&S and see what I can find, thank you so much, hope your recovery is successful.

Sue xx

[Cartwheels]

Hi Yealand,
The soreness was really not bad at all. I know every case is different, but for me my breast was very swollen and tender after the operation, but not sore. The dressing on the scar was kept on for two weeks, and has healed really well. Do you have some nice soft non wired bras for post surgery? Best to have ones with no lace too in case they irritate. You can alway take the wires out of a current bra, but if you're busty then you might be better to get a non wired bra (sports bras are great, and M&S do some lovely zip front bras).
The main soreness for me was the incision in my armpit where lymph nodes were removed. It's just where my arm moves, but more a feeling of tightness than pain.

With regards to your surgery choices, this was not an option I was offered. I am 34DD, so fairly busty. My surgeon said my breast will take at least 6 months to settle in to its new shape and size, and I can get cosmetic surgery then to "even up" if I want. My tumour was 23mm and the piece they cut out was 53mm by 55mm to get clear margins (which they did).

Right now my boob is bigger than it was! But I know that will change. Maybe that breast will end up 34D??? To be honest, at 47 I'm not too bothered about being uneven, so may just resort to extra padding in my bra at a later date.

Hope that helps.

Ali x

[Yealand]

 Hi Ali, 

just a quick question, did you have both breasts done or just one, my consultant asked if I wanted both doing at the same time, as my breasts are large if I just have lumpectomy in one, they will look very odd, so I have the option of having both done at the same time, or having one done returning at a later date for other doing, I'm in a bit of a quandary really, if I have both done at the same time and there are no clear margins then I will have to have further surgery which again will make my breasts odd, do I risk having both at the same time or the affected breast then then returning, hope this makes sense to you, and to be honest I'm a bit of a coward, and if I have one done and it is exeptionanally sore, I wouldn't return for the other doing. Hope this makes sense xxx

[Yealand]

Hi Ali, 

just a quick question, did you have both breasts done or just one, my consultant asked if I wanted both doing at the same time, as my breasts are large if I just have lumpectomy in one, they will look very odd, so I have the option of having both done at the same time, or having one done returning at a later date for other doing, I'm in a bit of a quandary really, if I have both done at the same time and there are no clear margins then I will have to have further surgery which again will make my breasts odd, do I risk having both at the same time or the affected breast then then returning, hope this makes sense to you, and to be honest I'm a bit of a coward, and if I have one done and it is exeptionanally sore, I wouldn't return for the other doing. Hope this makes sense xxx

[Cartwheels]

Hi Yealand, so good to hear you had a positive experience at the hospital. Mine has been great too. Your diagnosis is so similar to mine. I have grade 3 23mm IDC which was removed by lumpectomy two weeks ago today. My lymph nodes looked clear too pre op, although they found a tiny cluster in one lymph during surgery which has all been removed. So, chemo and radiotherapy for me too now - meet oncologist tomorrow. Just wanted to reassure you that it gets easier as you progress through it, I am so mud less anxious than I was a few weeks ago. It's great to know what you're dealing with!

Ali x

[Jo C]

Yealand well done on having such a positive attitude. You have a treatment plan so take each stage a step at a time. You will get there.

Big hugs,

Jo xx

[Yealand]

Well ladies, here I am, firstly all staff that I came across in Burnley General Hospital were fantastic today, I have grade 3 breast cancer, not hormonal, grump the lump is 25mm and is fast growing, so he thinks, my scan seems clear from him visiting my lymph nodes but can't be sure until surgery which I am having a week on Thursday, followed by chemo and radiotherapy, up to now, I feel calm about it all, I hope that everyone else in the same situation or worse have a lovely team of people caring for you as I have had today xxxx

[ladybowler]

Yealand

Wondering how you got on today xxx

[lilneenz]

Good luck Yealand thinking of you xxx

[Yealand]

Thank you so much x

[Yealand]

Hi Helena, 

hope that you and evryone else is doing well, my appointment is 2.30 pm, my close friend is coming with me, even going to try a spot of lunch first.

thank you for your support xx

[Jaynes1208]

Hiya,  

So sorry that you find yourself here.

Not long until the results.  Better to know, than all the things you are playing out in your head.  At least then you know what you're facing, and can concentrate on the right way forward.

We've all been there, and understand how every slight pain feels exaggerated and makes you imagine the worst.  Try to relax a little, maybe do some mindfulness breathing exercises, where you concentrate on your breath and lower your tension levels.  I know it's difficult, but that sometimes works for me.

I've recently had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsies, and am currently waiting for radiotherapy.  Once you know what's ahead, to a degree, and as much as it can, it feels easier to deal with.  I think because you can make some practical plans, explain to people, and have a bit more idea of timescales.

We all fear the unknown, and this is such a mad, scary roller coaster anyway, but at the moment, you don't know what path it's taking, so it is even worse!!

Please believe that you can cope with this, and that all of the lovely ladies on here will do whatever they can to help you through it.  

Please let us know when you have your results, I will have everything crossed for you, and hope that you can get some rest tonight.

Sending love and positive vibes!

Jayne

xx

[Cartwheels]

Hi Yealand,

Me too, full pathology results and treatment plan tomorrow. It's such an anxious time, not much sleep tonight for me. I find getting all my questions and thoughts on paper for the appointment really helps. Have you got someone to support you tomorrow?

Ali x

[ladybowler]

Yealand

You are so nearly there for your results tomorrow, Am sending you the tough pants and will be virtually by your side tomorrow.  Try and relax my dear.  What time is your appointment tomorrow

Helena xxx

[Yealand]

Hi, 

i was diagnosed with BC last Monday, although I don't get my stage and treatment plans until tomorrow, I have had terrible back pain and pain between my shoulders, I am so worried grump the lump may have been breeding...