Just diagnosed and wanting to talk to people who understand

[ice_cc]

Hi Jill,

Not too bad here thanks lovely! My dressings fell off after I showered this morning so I had a little moment of mild trauma over how the scars look, but feeling better already after some company and a cuppa.

How's everyone else doing? Nice to have some cooler temperature finally! 

Caroline xx

[Jill1998]

Hello ladies how are you all doing ?

[Jill1998]

Hope it has all settled down Caroline and you can get some rest .

[Avibaby]

So glad to hear that your bleeding is slowing down/stopping.

I did'nt have bleeding but I have extensive bruising that is just showing up 4 days later. But my body is healing; we are all healing aren't we? Mind and body together.

Avibaby

[ice_cc]

Hi Maggie,

Good news about the size and grade, fingers crossed the other is nothing to worry about 😊 Frustrating that surgery will take a bit longer but you'll get through it!!

I'm feeling much better, if still a bit leaky 😂

Caroline xx

[JWD]

Hi Maggie good news about Mri. Grade 1👍 just stay positive about the other one get the scan done and then take it from there. It's probably the worst waiting for scans and especially now surgery has been put back..but you can do this🤗
I'm recovering quite well thanks feel better everyday. Take care Maggie 💖 Jo xx

[Maggiemay]

Hiii,

Awww Caroline I hope your dressing is all sorted and your ok.

How are you JWD after surgery?

I got my MRI results back today....good news my lump is small than they thought -18 mm instead of 30mm and it’s still grade 1 👍🏼👍🏼. Bad news I have an abnormality in my right breast 8mm, I had another scan but they couldn’t see anything. I’ve now got to get an MRI guided clip inserted (I think that’s correct) and biopsy. I’m now looking at surgery in at least 3 weeks maybe 4 😩😩.

I’m staying positive it’s just taking a little longer than I had hoped.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Maggie xxxxxx

[JWD]

Hope it gets better for you.🤞 Jo.xx

[ice_cc]

Went in and got the incision glued up this morning and an extra thick dressing put on. Only half saturated so far! 😬

[JWD]

Hope they sort it for you. Good luck.xxx

[Jill1998]

Good luck - hope they sort it out .

[ice_cc]

Second dressing soaked. Ah well, back in this morning to see nurse! Haha. Must have runny blood 😂

[JWD]

Awww bless your granddaughter.. She's keeping you on your toes🙉
I'm not too bad thanks I've still got my drain it's due to come out next Friday when I see my onc and bcn. I just have to ring everyday just to let bcn the output. My onc is really fussy with drains and likes to leave them in. Hope your granddaughter settles down for you🤗 take care.xx

[Jobey68]

Caroline I'm sorry to hear you are having problems, I didn't have any bleeding afterwards but I'm sure its not unusual and they will get it sorted for you, anaesthetic can make you feel pretty grotty for a few days and we all react differently to it, personally it makes me feel real sick. 

Be sure to mention everything to your BCN but hopefully you will be feeling much better within a few Days Xxx 

[Jobey68]

Hi fellow Jo 👋 it must have been a long night listening to three baby's being born but yes lovely to hear the end product! 👶🏼 Currently listening to my 9 month old granddaughter yelling upstairs...  sleep over at Nanna and grandads tonight ...she's normally out like a light but the force is strong this evening! 🙉🙉

Hope you are recovering well and now have the other drain out by now Xx 

[Avibaby]

Wow... Ice_cc, this must be tough for you. So sorry you are going through this. But they will figure it out, hang in there.

Avibaby

[ice_cc]

I've never had surgery before this, but I bruise very easily. They put on a few steri strips to help close the wound more when I went back in today but the bleeding still isn't stopping. Hoping I'm light headed due to anaesthetic after effects rather than blood loss, haha

[Dizzybee]

After my last op I kept bleeding, they made me clamp a pad over the wound, and every time I let go the front of my gown was soaked. In the end they put another stitch in, which sorted it. But I ended up spending two nights in hospital because it took so long for a doctor to come and deal with it.

[Jill1998]

I'm pretty sure I stopped bleeding very soon after the op .Have you ever had problems after surgery before ?

[ice_cc]

I've to go back in again in the morning if the bleeding hasn't stopped. They asked if I'd taken aspirin or drank alcohol before surgery (I hadn't!) so I guess this isn't "normal"...

[Jill1998]

What advice have they given you Caroline - do you have to go back again ?

[ice_cc]

Went and got the dressing changed an hour ago but they're wondering whether my blood isn't clotting properly as it's still bleeding (and has already half soaked the new dressing!). Fingers crossed it will stop soon; feeling a little woozy!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Maggie! Let us know how it goes 🙂

Caroline xx

[JWD]

Hope your results go well Maggie will be thinking of you. Jo.xx

[Maggiemay]

Hiii Caroline,

How are you? I’m so please to hear your op all went well, I was thinking about you and how it went. Hope you got your dressing sorted. You need lots of rest and lots of chocolate 😋😋😋.

I get my MRI results tomorrow (that MRI wasn’t half a noisy brut!!) hopefully this time next week I’ll be all done and dusted recovering with tea and cake!

Sending lots of hugs
Maggie xxxx

[JWD]

Hi Caroline glad you've had op. Hope you manage to get your dressing sorted. I dont know why but some breast surgeons don't put drains in. My surgeon insists on them. I guess everyone has different techniques. Glad this part is over for you and make sure you rest. Take care Jo.xxx

[Jill1998]

No sounds like it needs changing - is it still leaking ? Ring the BC Nurses or the ward when it opens for advice see what they say .

[ice_cc]

The ward was closed when I called last night so I guess I'll call the nurses at the breast cancer centre today to ask for advice. I don't think I can keep the dressing on for a week now it's saturated and leaking?

[Jill1998]

Glad you are safely out the other side Caroline.Do you have a number to ring re dressing ?

[ice_cc]

Hi Maggie (and everyone!)

I had my op yesterday (wide local excision and two lymph nodes removed) and was let home in the evening. Everything went really smoothly in hospital. The radioactive injection to find lymph nodes was no worse than an insect sting, and general anaesthetic was awesome, I woke up away with the fairies and had my appetite back almost immediately.

I am pretty sore though, particularly under my arm, so I'll be taking it very easy. Also, they didn't put in a drain and one of my dressings was soaked by the end of the night and started leaking (ewww!) so I guess I'll need to go get that changed today.

All things considered though, it's really not worth worrying about the procedure. Spend energy recovering and eating chocolate instead! 🙂

Fingers crossed for clear nodes now...

Caroline xx

[JWD]

Thank you jo.. My name's jo too😊 well went through 3 Labour's last night😱which were very vocal and loud but it was lovely hearing the babies cry after. It's gone quiet now.
I'm going home today and having 1 drain removed which will be good. Just a bit sore but nothing to bad. Thanks again and you take care. Jo xxx

[Jobey68]

Oh my lord I'd have to discharge myself if I was anywhere near a labour ward!! I have a massive phobia about the whole birth process even though I've done it twice 😱👶🏼👶🏼😱 Can't even see adverts for One born every minute without breaking out in a cold sweat! I'm utterly traumatised almost 30 years on still 🙈🙈

Good to hear your op is done and dusted and you are feeling ok, recovery is pretty quick from a lumpectomy and although you have drains things should settle down soon. Wishing you all the best and hope you get some sleep! Xx Jo 

[JWD]

Thanks Maggie. I'm ok thanks just had some more pain killers. Im taking co codamol but hope to switch to paracetamol tomorrow save getting constipated.🤦🏻‍♀️ It's not as bad as you think thpugh you will be fine. I can hear some ladies screaming and shouting though but im not far from the maternity ward😱 take care maggie and ill keep you posted. Let me know how your scans go. Xxx

[Maggiemay]

Thank you JWD, how you feeling this evening? I hope you’re ok.

Thank you for the reassurance, I definitely don’t feel as worried as I did....not sure i’ll be saying the same on surgery day. Mums coming to stay for a few weeks, which I’m so lucky for.

If you could let me know how you get on this week that would be wonderful.

Lots of hugs
Maggie xxxx

[Jill1998]

At least you get breakfast in bed in the morning eh ?!!

[JWD]

Thank you jill1998.

[Jill1998]

Hope you have a peaceful night JWD and the Nurses look after you well.

[JWD]

Hi Maggie thought I'd jump in on this thread I've had my lumpectomy today. I've got 2 drains and I'm stopping in overnight. Just to reassure you please don't get too anxious.i know its easier said than done! Im a really nervous person and get very anxious but you will get through it. The staff are lovely and will put you at ease. Im a bit sore but its doable. Like yourself i work out and eat healthy and I'm sure that will help with recovery. Hope Mri goes well. Sending lots of love and support.xxx

[Maggiemay]

Hi Caroline,

Thank you....got my positive pants on this week. Just want Friday to be over so I have a better idea what’s happening.

I really hope there is something that could be done regarding my fertility. I’m not thinking about that this week. I’m seeing one of the councillor’s on the 6th which is a good date....hopefully I should have my treatment plan in place and confirmed date for surgery. Did you say you’re getting surgery on Wednesday? Please let me know how you get on. I’ll be thinking of you xxx I’m still feeling very anxious about it. I’ve been buying post op bras....that’s a minefield in its self! 😂😂.

Like you I lead a very active lifestyle - I go to a PT twice a week and do 3 classes a week. I am hoping to be able to be out walking ASAP after surgery. Nothing too much just a little walk. I’m going to look into going to PT who has experience in training recovering breast cancer patients, also going to look into Yoga and Pilates again for recovering breast cancer patients. 💪🏼.

Summer......I have been lucky with some of my days off meaning I can meet friends for dinner and vino, I don’t drink that much anyway.

Let me know how you get on lovey.

Maggie xxxxx

[ice_cc]

Hi Maggie,

I hope your MRI goes well (the process is nothing to worry about, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the results are as good as they can be!).

I was referred to the fertitlity clinic the day after I found out I had cancer, and they plan to cram in a cycle of ovarian stimulation and embryo freezing after my op and before I start any other treatment. I think this threw me more than the cancer diagnosis to be honest... I'd never really thought about children but all of a sudden it seemed like an important thing to consider. It's a lot to take in and deal with on top of everything else. I really hope there will be an option for you if you want it xx

I'm a little worried about the op, and more specifically the after effects. I do a lot of rock climbing and other exercise and I suspect this will put me out of action for quite a while 😞

Now just have to hope the lymph nodes are clear and the lump isn't bigger than the ultasound suggested.

Hope you're managing to enjoy the summer anyway? 🙂

Caroline xx

[Maggiemay]

Hi Caroline 😊

That is a very similar diagnosis. I’ve got to go for an MRI on Tuesday and if all goes well with that i’ll be in for surgery on the 8th - just a week behind you. As I have mentioned I’m worried about the MRI. I feel very positive with everything at the moment and the more I read on here my anxiety eases. I’ve never been very good with pain but then I’ve never had an operation either so I’m mind has been in overdrive!

I’m looking forward to getting the little brut out too....I don’t know the exact size as my Mammogram and scan reported different sizes.

I went to see a fertility consultant today regarding freezing my eggs but my age might go against me. I’ve always wanted children which now I think will never happen but I’m not thinking about that right now. I’ve got to take it one day at a time.

How are you feeling about surgery?

Maggie xxxxx

[ice_cc]

Hi Maggie,

I got a very similar diagnosis just a couple of weeks ago (stage 1 or 2, ER+, HER-) and will have a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy on Wednesday. I'm 31 and the shock seems to be getting worse as the days go on, but now I'm really looking forward to getting the little bugger out of me!! When's your op? From what I've read in this forum and elsewhere there's really very little to worry about 🙂

Caroline xx

[ann-m]

As it turned out, nothing changed, Maggie. My initial biopsy showed a mixed ductal/lobular. As well as dense breasts, those with a lobular bc diagnosis usually have an mri as it can be seen better & the treatment plan can be adjusted as necessary.
I did find the mri part stressful, but in the end I felt reassured that it was done.
ann x

[Maggiemay]

Hi Lilacmoon,

Thank you so much for your message, I’m having a lovely positive day today and reading all these lovely messages are making a horrible situation a little bit better.

I am anxious incase my diagnosis changes after I get my MRI. I really don’t want to have chemotherapy.

Xxx

[Maggiemay]

Hi Ann and Jo,

Thank you for replying and your kind words of reassurance. I’m due to get a WLE and a breast reduction on both breasts. I do feel positive about it all and I feel so blessed I caught it early.

Ann....when you got your MRI was this any different to the original diagnosis?

Thanks Xxx

[Lilacmoon14]

Hi Maggie and Caroline xxxx As ever, welcome to the club none of us wanted to join!!!
I was diagnosed in April and have been on the rollercoster ride that is hospital appointments and waiting for results ever since, but my radiotherapy treatment finished 3 weeks ago and Im now looking forward to getting back on track.
For a fair while after diagnoses I couldn't bring myself to look at websites, publications or even the BCC folder that my BC nurse gave me at my diagnosis appointment. I needed to get my head round it in my own time. But in the end my head worked!!!!
This forum has been amazing. Its where I've found out how to cope and also to know that none of us are alone and there is always some here who will offer advice and support. I only really joined just before my radiotherapy started, as that was the part of my treatment i was worried about the most.
I was fine with the lumpectomy as i just wanted the bugger out! I was 3 weeks from diagnosis to surgery and it couldnt come soon enought!!!
So basically, use this forum as your lifeline as it will get you through.
Make sure you have access to your BC nurse at the hospital, get as much help and support as you can from MacMillan and if they run a "Look Good, Feel Better" workshop at your unit, get yourselves on it. I went this week and got the most amazing bag of makeup goodies! Prob the only time in my life that I'll own a Chanel lipstick or a Dolce and Gabbana eyeliner!!!-Gotta have some perks after what we are going through 🤣🤣🤣
Take care lovelies xxxx

[Jill1998]

Hello Maggie ,welcome .The thought of an op is very daunting but compared to other operations I have had this was by far the easiest to recover from with surprisingly little pain - on the day I was just so happy to be getting the cancer out of me that I was actually quite relieved to be there .Most people are only in as a day case as long as you recover well from the anaesthetic.
Good luck with your MRI - I think Ann has had one and can fill you in if you want information .Jill xx

[Jobey68]

Hi Maggie, I'm sorry you find yourself here but a warm welcome all the same 😊

Lumpectomy surgery is pretty straight forward and you are usually home the same day, it's not overly painful as Ann says and controllable with just paracetamol, I had no problems with recovery and was feeling pretty good an back to driving after 10 days and work after 14. 

Its a really stressful time in the weeks following diagnosis so give yourself time to absorb the news and don't expect too much from your self,it's normal to be fearful and anxious and even damn right angry that this is happening to you but this settles down once treatment gets under way. 

We are always here to lend an ear and offer support and advice so you are not alone Xx Jo 

[ann-m]

Hi Maggie,
My treatment plan was similar to yours, including mri scan.
As ever, the prospect is worse than the reality. I had a wide local excision for a small 7mm bc. It was all quite straightforward & not painful, but sore more than anything & paracetamol was ok for any discomfort.
Just focus on the next stage of treatment & try not to look too far ahead, we all do get through it.
Thankfully, it’s been picked up & will now be treated.
There’s loads of support here, so do come & chat whenever you need to.
ann x

[Maggiemay]

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with BC Stage 1, ER + and HER2 - on Friday, it’s all a bit of a shock at the age of 42. I have an MRI on Tuesday to make sure there is nothing else going on as I have very lumpy dence breast. I’m not going to lie I feel worried about it. I have been give a provisional date for surgery if all goes to plan on the 8th of Aug with radiotherapy and hormone therapy after. I’m feeling so anxious about surgery more so than having BC, I’ve always been a very healthy person working out 3/5 times a week with a balance diet. How did all your recovery go? Were you in much pain after? I suffered really badly with anxiety last year and I’m trying hard to take it one day at a time. I went back to work the day after diagnosis which was the best thing I could have done.

Any advice would be wonderful

Maggie xxx

[Jill1998]

Hello Caroline ,yes it's generally a good thing as hormone receptive breast cancers tend to be less aggressive and you can be prescribed hormone tablets to help stop it coming back .Lots of factors contribute to whether chemo is required -size and position of tumour .grade of tumour ,your age and whether it has affected your lymphnodes - it's like pieces of a jigsaw evetually they work out the best treatment for you .Lemony pastry sounds yummy !!!