Hi, I'm newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer,

Hi , I am so sorry about your diagnosis.  I don't think the procedures are anything to be scared of if they are anything like the breast biopsies.  I imagine they would give you some sort of anaesthetic.  Have they explained the process to you, if not ask them too.

Lots of people on here have had mastectomies and they all seem to recover really well and quite quickly without much pain.  Lymph node clearance is ok too, there is some pain but pain meds work.  Make sure you do the arm exercises as instructed and try not to miss any days as they really help recover your motion and prevent a condition called cording which is painful and restricts mobility.  No panic if you get it as the arm exercises will sort it out.

Try not to worry too much, lots of us have been through this and come out the other end just fine.  It can be a tough journey but it's doable.

Good luck with it all xx

Hi Supernanna,

I’m new to this forum so forgive me if I make any mistakes. 
I’ve just had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance last week. I didn’t have the biopsies you’ve mentioned but I had several breast biopsies which I was extremely, extremely anxious about beforehand. The week leading up to those procedures, I was a mess, and even rebooked one appointment. However, they were far far more straightforward than I expected them to be. Please make sure you tell the professional performing the biopsy that you are apprehensive/anxious, they will understand and be careful with you. They will give you anaesthetic. I didn’t feel it whilst they were doing mine, and they work as quickly and as safely as they can to prevent any prolonged anxiety. The key is to talk and tell them how you’re feeling, don’t put on a brave face - you’re allowed to feel the way you feel. 
Sorry I can’t offer any clinical guidance but I hope this helps in some way. 

Thank you

Thank you, my breast biopsies were fine, just struggling as these biopsies are more scary to me as they're going down my throat. I'm worried as the results might mean I can't have the mastectomy and lymph clearance if they show the cancer in my lungs is metastatic. It takes a week for the results from it which feels like an age. I'm not good at not knowing....good luck with your treatment and thanks for your reply. 

Sending hugs and prayers that all goes well ️️️️

Thank you xx

Supernanna,

I can completely understand this, not knowing is horrendous, at least if you know (and even if it’s not the news you hoped for) you can face it and start to live with it. But being in limbo is horrible. And a week feels a long time at a time like this, but it will pass. 
Have you thought about asking your GP for a short term medication to help you through certain procedures like this? I appreciate this doesn’t help for tomorrow though. My GP suggested it to me when I was awaiting biopsy results and when I was told I’d have to go for further biopsies. I think it even just helped me mentally to think I’d taken some meds that would help me through, sounds silly I know. Good luck. 

Thank you. The procedure wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Sadly my results will take up to 2 weeks, but feel a lot better to have got this bit done. Thank you, I think I will speak to the dr about anxiety meds. Thank you all for your support. Much appreciated  xx

Hi Supernanna,

so glad you’ve been able to get through the day and go for the biopsy. Well done. It’s good that you’ve got a little bit of relief from just getting this part out of the way. 
2 weeks sounds like such a long, long time today but it will pass and soon enough you’ll have those results you need. 
Good luck xx