Well my story so far.
Found a lump in my breast. Saw GP 2 weeks later. She thought it was a blocked duct but got me a fast track referral to the breast clining.
So on October 20th 2008 I had a mammogram which showed calcification in the breast and the armpit.
One ultrasound scan later, then a needle biopsy under arm and a biopsy of the lump (which was agony as the anaesthetic didn't take) and go home (in great pain, two bus journey on the rattliest possible double deckers over every speed bump in Western Southampton). The area still hurts some.
So 9:10am on Thursday the 23rd I saw my consultant and am told it's breast cancer. The nurse makes me an appointment with an oncologist for 3pm same day.
Now the oncologist went through the planned treatment but I didn't think to write anything down. Wish I has as I really need more info.
As far as I can remember it's 5 months of chemo. I'll be starting on (can't remember name :( ) every two weeks. It will be through injection into vein and take half an hour.
Talk of MRI scan, bone scan, ECG etc and then had blood tests taken.
Well it's Tuesday now. I was told chemo would start Thursday but haven't had the appointment through. So I phoned them and got told the time but am otherwise in the dark about what's happening.
Have a bone scan appointment for November 5th.
I'm feeling quite irritated about not having the information I want and that's making me a little nervous.
FormerMember
First in my case I have an aggressive breast cancer with a few cells under the arm
Because of this it is possible chemo MIGHT wipe out the cancer cells under the arm and reduce the size of the tumour, meanign less invasive surgery and a better overall outcome.
Most cases of breast cancer have the best outcome form surgery followed by chemo.
Of course there will be other variants.
My advice?
First write down all your worries, questions etc
Second ring the department and ask them what is happening. Try to get them to set an appointment time, even if it's just to discuss your present concerns.
As for me, first chemo cycle has been 'interesting'. I have not had severe reactions to the chemo but have had an unusual reaction to my Neupogen injections which landed me in hospital for 3 days.
