It seems I'm a patient now!

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But not a very patient one! 

I've at least got a diagnosis, it's invasive ductal cancer grade 2, but still small, oestrogen receptive but looks as if I might get away with the lymph nodes....and maybe not too much treatment afterwards? 

Complex plan, but to begin with, a sentinel node (plus another one or so) removal as day surgery, (a nuclear medicine visit first to get 'the jab' for them to trace) then a gap while that,  plus the HER result come back, then because of my previous surgeries for cysts and the fact one resulted in a massive haematoma, therefore scar tissue, I will have a complete mastectomy with an implant. That will be immediately after Easter. 

By finding out as much as possible beforehand, the surgeon hopes to prevent too many operations. Obviously I will then need Tamoxifen or similar, so will appreciate helpful advice about that. 

But I'd be interested on anyone's 'take' on her plan. I feel reassured that she took time with me, and the BC nurse afterwards spent a good while too. 

Hugs xxx

  • Sooooo itchy this evening! It’s hot too. 

    ah well 

    hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Hi  , sorry you’re having this horrible itching. I escaped that, had some skin stuff but not itchiness. Must be really maddening in this heat, hopefully cooler from today, certainly is here. I’m tagging  as I seem to recall that she has made helpful suggestions re itching on other threads in the past. Sorry if I’m mistaken which is always possible in my brain addled state (I blame Anastrozole!). I wonder if you could contact the rads team? I was told I could do so in the 2 weeks following the end of mine, after that back to the breast nurses. Hope you can get some relief and that the cooler weather helps. Love and hugs, HFxx

    HappyFeet1 xx
    Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi
  • Hi  , I’m taking extra antihistamine (fexafenadine in the morning and piriton at night, which seems to be helping, the piriton does also help me sleep as well as really reduce the itchiness. Just hope it eases.

    hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Daughter had a lie in this morning as I took Henry-dog for his morning walk (she was really tired after 2 long days working in London. Thank goodness it’s a bit cooler.


    hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Not quite so itchy tonight, thank goodness, maybe because it’s a touch cooler? 

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Oh dear, I did some gardening yesterday when I had a sudden burst of energy and my muscles are really telling me off today as a result! 

    So today has been a resting-up sort of a day!

    hugs xxx

    Moomy


  • Hi Moomy,  Oh how I feel for you with the itch.  It can be so all consuming and if you scratch it just leads to more itching.  For me I have ectopic dermatitis or eczema so need to keep my skin barrier moisturized.  Some tips that help me and hope they can help you too.  I do use hydrocortisone 1% if the itching gets too bad and I also have a prescription cortisone cream from dermatologist if I get a flare up but I try to maintain my skin so I don’t have to use it too often.  I never use soap only a cleansing bar .  I always use fragrance free as fragrances can cause flares.  I love products from Avene, aveeno and there are many others that are for skin like ours.  I live in Florida so the heat can trigger itch too.  I always moisturize my skin daily after a shower and never rub my skin dry.  Only a gentle pat and then apply moisturizer when skin is moist.  I took a couple of pictures of products that I use.  I hope your itching gets much better. One other tip Dr Dray a dermatologist on YouTube is great and she has so many great tips on skin issues like itching. I watch her all the time.  I have a few more products that I will send pictures of a little later.  Take care The picture of the Skin Smart  spray is something I love too.  Spray on itchy areas and let dry and works great too.

    Barbara 

  • Sorry so many posts with pictures but was having issues getting them all on one post.

    Barbara 

  • Thanks for the suggestions  , at present I’m slathering on Aveeno, it’s being kept in the fridge some of the time. I did have eczema as a teenager so maybe that’s why the itch is persuading me that it’s all over? Who knows?

    im keeping fingernails very short just in case I scratch when asleep or half asleep….

    hugs xxx

    Moomy