Breast Cancer Now Forum

I found one lump of 8mm which was diagnosed with a biopsy as being cancerous and my hospital policy is to do an MRI, CT and bone scan. They found another 2mm lump and offered me a guided biopsy in London to see if it was cancerous. I decided not to go to London as I just wanted the cancer out so I just asked for thd masectomy . As it turned out the 2mm lump was pre cancerous so would have been same outcome. They said I would then have chemo and radiotherapy, but they didn't go into too much detail till after the masectomy. I think it's because it's information overload. I've been fortunate . I was up out of bed two hours after masectomy and didn't find it too painful. I'm having reconstruction after treatment. I had my third lot of chemo Monday and again not too bad - like early pregnancy - nausea and tiredness. Although I know chemo affects everyone differently and you will only know once you've had it. I did find doing my exercises after masectomy really helped me heal. As for chemo - they give you loads of stuff to counteract side effects and the best advice I was given was drink loads of fluids. For me I try to take a day at a time and book in fun things to in between chemo so it's not all about the treatment. All I can say is for me once I had masectomy I felt relief that it was out of my body. Wishing you all the best. The waiting and unknown is defo the worst part Tracey X ... View more

I was diagnosed in march aged 41. I have a 3 and 6 yr old. We decided to tell them mummy had a poorly boob that docs need to take away and fix. We decided not to say cancer. I had masectomy in march and let my daughters see my fake boob (I'm having reconstruction after treatment ) . We then told them mummy needed some some special medicine but would mean mummy's hair would go for a bit. Again took the girls wig shopping. Have included them so they not scared but at a very basic level. I'm half way through chemo and no where near as bad as i imagined. My biggest advice is drink as much fluids as poss - it really helps the nausea and tiredness. Good luck with it all - I'm sure your children will keep You strong - my two certainly are x ... View more

I can honestly say pre treatment is the scariest time. I was more worried about the hair loss than the masectomy. I had masectomy on 26 march and was lucky to bounce back quickly . I've had my third round of chemo yest and all I can say is drink plenty of fluids as it really helps all the side effects - I aim for 3-4 litres a day. I made decision to shave hair a week after first chemo and did feel Emotional but my wig looks so good only ppl that know what I have know it is a wig. Some of my hair has come out but not all of it yet. I defo think it's easier once you are physically having the treatment . Good luck ladies x ... View more

Hi Nesslay I was diagnosed in March and also found it a big shock as no family history, healthy lifestyle and was only 40. It is such a shock and u been dropped from such a height with the news, but all I can say is things do get better - as so many ladies told me back in march when I posted a similar post to you. I've now had a masectomy and am half way through chemo . And I have days where I'm tired but it's all manageable (just as well as I have a 3 yr old and 6 yr old). But mainly you need time to digest the info but it does all move quite quickly so just take a day at a time and know all the ladies on here understand what you are going through and are here for you x ... View more

Hi Bernie Thanks for asking . Tests still ongoing. With regards the BC I asked for a masectomy and had this done on 26 March. I'm 15 days on healing well and quite relieved. They found a scar on my liver and cyst in ovary on initial scans. They said they were not concerned about them but needed to follow through with more tests to defo rule out. The hosp I'm with made nationsl news due to their poor results regards cancer care do think they extra careful. So had another MRI on liver which showed a scar still but they now taking biopsy to be really sure. And an ultrasound on cyst. They reassuring me it's just to conclude there is nothing and that they are not worried. But I shall worry!!! Some good news - only one node was affected when they need node clearance. So I feel but further forward but still waiting. Guess that's how this will be And got to learn to go with the flow. Hope u getting in ok X ... View more

Hi Jules Day 5 and 6 post op were the worst for me. Had to take codene and ibruprofen every 4 hours as stabbing pains were quite intense. Day 7 onwards just had tightening again and weird numb tingling sensations down arm. I'm now 11 days on from op and got a lot more movement despite some swelling and not taking any pain killers. Hope it all eases for you soon Tracey X ... View more

Thank you ladies. I've heard such horror stories about chemo . I had a mx right side no reconstruction last thurs and surgery team telling me can't do anything for 12 weeks in relation to running /gym. Although I'm only a week on I'm healing quickly. After shock of diagnosis I quickly decided I want to push through this journey rather than be dragged through it. Everyone telling me I need to slow down but I feel fine I go back weds for chemo plan and I want to try and live as normal a life as poss esp as have a 3 and 5 yr old. Your posts have inspired me Thank you so much Tracey X ... View more

Hi Kenniesgirl I'm 40 and had a right dude masectomy last thursday . It was no where near as bad as I imagined. I was first op of the day, back in ward at 12 and eating lunch by 12:30. I was up and about that afternoon. A week on and got some tightness and stabbing pains but nothing tablets don't take off. I go back weds to find out about whats next re chemo etc. I think they drip feed you information so it's not too overwhelming. My way of coping is to deal with one thing at a time so it's suited me. There is no family history for me so I feel Like I'm in a steep learning curve but this site and the ladies been a wealth if knowledge and support. Good luck on the 9 April. I know everyone is different but I honestly didn't find it too bad Tracey X ... View more

You've been on my mind Jules. Good to hear from you and that you are home. Tracey X ... View more

I had a right breast masectomy and lymph node clearance last week. I was told best not to have reconstruction straight away in case I need radiotherapy. I am oestrogen fuelled and HER negative. My lump was 8mm and had another 5 mm lump but they couldn't get a biopsy on second lump to see if cancerous. I am 40 and advised would be 6 lots of chemo as I'm classed as young! Depending on results of taken from masectomy op may need radiotherapy afterwards. A week on and I feel ok about reconstruction later. I've bought some lovely post op bras from M and S and got my little falsey boob to put in the right side! There are so many decisions to make in such a short time - you have to do what feels right for you. Best wishes Tracey X ... View more

So sorry to hear Karen. I know how it feels pre op and can't imagine what it's like to then have it cancelled. BC is a major roller coaster ride without extra dips like that. I hope your doctor can speed things up for you. Sending you virtual hugs. Tracey X ... View more

Hi I had masectomy and node clearance last thursday . I could have come home same night but decided to stay in, but next morning they took drains out and I came home. Five days on and I'm a little stiff with lots of sensations and niggles but no major pain. Physio advised no driving for 6 weeks but most people have told me they were driving after 3 weeks. I'm pottering around house and my 3 and 5 yr old children keeping me busy , but just avoiding lifting heavy things. It's not been anywhere near as bad as I thought. I'll be going back next week to get my chemo plan and rads if needed. Good luck for tomorrow Tracey X ... View more

Had masectomy yesterday and no where near as bad as I thought. Back On the ward at 12 and eating lunch at 1230! They said I could of come home last nite, but because of drains being in I asked to stay in. Came home this morning and got some tightness but no pain . (Hope that continues). Sticking to regular pain killers to avoid pain and plenty of fluids. Looking forward to putting my feet up now. Good luck for the 8th Sherbetlemon x ... View more

Good luck Julsey and Betsy with your chemo on Friday. I'm having masectomy first tomorrow (was diagnosed 4 march), then chemo. I have a 5 yr old and 3 yr old so our little ones as well as lovely ladies on here will keep our spirits up . Virtual hugs Tracey ... View more

Hi I too am trying to be positive. Mine is contained in the one breast. I am having a masectomy Thursday , then chemo. My attitude is let's get on with getting rid of this out of my body. I know at times it will be a rough journey but I don't want it to be a depressive one. I'm 40, with a 5 and 3 yr old to keep me busy. I have tried to cut out those negative or insensitive ppl. One of the best ones I had was my daughters teacher. The school offers support for children whose parents are going through illness (through play sessions). Her teacher said to me I must make sure I tell them all about my illness because they have had parents say they are terminal , prepared the child and then the parent went and survived! Inconsiderate parents hey!!!!!! I couldn't believe what she said and just replied docs aren't saying terminal. Anyway, lots of virtual hugs to all and good luck on your journeys through this Tracey X ... View more

Glad your first one gone ok. I'm having surgery first (next week) so chemo about 4 weeks away for me. I'm liking the "wake up and have a chocolate bar" part - I hope that is compulsive on chemo treatment! Tracey X ... View more

Lena I'm Colchester too, so thanks for the heads up so I don't put the phone down on them. Ive decided on masectomy , then chemo and reconstruction later. I'm looking forward to a fun weekend with hubby and my girls before the op next week . Also working on turning hubby into a Domestic Goddess (as won't be able to Hoover /lift etc) but think that will drive me to the wine more than nerves about the op!!! ... View more

Thank you ladies. I have decided to have a masectomy and reconstruction at a later date. My BCN called this morning and after I told her my decision she has booked in for next Thursday. I'm feeling positive that I am now doing rather than waiting. X ... View more

Thank you for your comment. I'm always happy to get information. They did explain outcome about the same and have asked me to sleep on it. My mind pretty much made up but I will think it through . Tracey X ... View more