Newly diagnosed.

Hi I’m a newbie to this too. Mine is lobular too. I had no symptoms and it was detected on a routine mammogram.  I’ve had CT, MRI and bone scans. I had surgery 2 weeks ago, a local wide margin excision and axillary lymph node clearance. I had the surgery as a day patient and was in hospital for 12 hours, came home with a sack of medication (antibiotics, pain relief, and clexane injections to prevent blood clots) a drain in situ and lovely surgical stockings. 
I was worried about the anaesthetic but my surgeon was brilliant and during my appointment went and found the anaesthetist to query some things. Let your surgeon know your concerns and the surgical breast cancer nurses. I was back in the ward 2 hours after I went to theatre. 

Hope all goes well for you x

Thank you Angua1 for your message.  Like you mine was found after routine breast screening. The radiologist said that the whole team had been very surprised by the result, very unexpected. I have had no symptoms. I hope you are starting to feel better. All the best. Take care. 

Hi. Yes they said similar to me, that it’s quite unusual to detect it. I don’t feel too bad. My drain is out and pain is minimal. Just case of waiting now for histology reports and taking the next step.  

Hi I was diagnosed with grade 1  9mm ductal carcinoma  in June but after lumpectomy it turned out that it was 21mm grade 2 lobular and in lymph nodes, so just had auxiliary clearance 2 weeks ago. The surgeon was shocked that it was lobular she told me she didn’t expect that. Lobular cancer goes mostly unseen on a mammogram as it often doesn’t stick together in a lump, so I count myself very lucky they saw it as I couldn’t feel anything and had no symptoms.

With regards to your asthma you’ll get to discuss it in your pre-op, but also discuss your concerns with your surgeon. The anaesthetist comes around before your operation but he will already be aware of any underlying medical conditions you have. A lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy takes about 1 hour. I didn’t have much pain and slept for nearly 2 days after (apart from having food) after that I was fine and back driving within 2 weeks.

Sending hugs

Diane xx

Hi Diane. Thank you so much for your message. This is all so very new for me. When I saw the Radiologist on Tuesday (this week) she told that the whole team were very surprised at the diagnosis and because it’s invasive lobular carcinoma surgery will be delayed until the MRI has been done. So more waiting around, but have had to tell my eldest daughter this morning, which was very distressing. Any information is so very much appreciated so thank you for telling me about your experience. I hope you continue to make a good recovery. All the very best. Ros x

Hi Angua1. So pleased to hear that drain is out and you aren’t having too much pain. I really appreciate all the feedback and comments which is helping me to understand what is likely to happen. All the best. 

I spoke to my surgical breast care nurse yesterday. The team of them have been amazing. Do you have one you can contact?  

I have a named nurse in the breast screening but I think she gave me her number because she realised that there would be a delay because of having to wait for the MRI. I should have rung on Friday but was out with my daughter and didn’t want to distress her.  I am trying to keep it together for the sake of my daughters but am finding it really difficult. I will definitely ring the nurse on Monday and see if she can find out what is happening. Situation not made easier because I am finding it difficult to sleep and have had horrible nightmares. Apologies, waffling on again. 

Not waffling at all. Sleep is something that eludes me too. The nurses were my lifeline especially when I was in the really dark head spinning place. The delay whilst doing all the scans was the worst, plus I’d never had a general anaesthetic and was terrified of that. My daughter has learning disabilities and I worried how we would cope/explain to her. I’m the only driver in the house and didn’t know how I was going to get to appointments. My best friend has been an absolute star ferrying me around and checking up on me . My mum has also been a tower of strength, although she says it’s given her a purpose as my dad has had to go into a nursing home with severe dementia. My husband has been there when I’ve woken screaming or said the right things when I’ve wanted to curl up into a ball and hide from the world. 

Angua1

The stress, anxiety and panic attacks really does play on your mind and very real...I am so with you in all your fears...its darn hard. 

Try writing down your worries...and tackle them one at a time. I keep a journal now to pour my heart out. Every time I feel negative I ride my exercise bike. Like you I have a child too I totally understand where you're coming from. I told my child yesterday and he went immediately to Google cancer survival rates! To which I said to him  some stats are out of date  don't take them in entirety.

Not saying I have all the answers, we are here ...and now is what we have! So choose wisely be warrior or worrier (i have to choose many times, make many decisions) I fight for my peace of mind against the dark side each day. Some days it overpowers but I do breathing exercises to keep them at bay. The way I see it...we need to get stronger in body, mind and soul...and get combat ready. Nothing seems easy these days ...I so feel for you. You sound like you have your mother and bestie ...rely on their love and support at this time!

My family is on the other side of the world. So my partner bears the brunt. But it's temporary. Be in the present...wish there is more I could do for you and would like to give u ladies all a big group hug!!!

Sending healing vibes 

C x