Breast cancer diagnosis after breast screening mammogram

Hi

You are in the same position I was this time last year with no palpable lump but abnormalities picked up on a mammogram.

My surgery went well with no nodal spread and I’m now looking forward ( not) to my first year mammogram this week.

I have 5 treatments of radiotherapy and have been in Letrazole for a year

The main side effects for me were terrible hot flushes at first but my oncologist was able to refer me for acupuncture ( I was at The Royal Marsden) at the hospital. I had 10 treatments but a the 6th they taught me to needle my own feet and legs weekly and it has been amazing. I hardly get any flushes now.

I also borrowed the dog’s gel filled cool mat for the night sweats .

I was told the first 6 months on Letrazole are the worst and they were right.

Some people get joint pains and they also find changing brands can help with side effects.

I was really scared about the surgery but a year on my scars are barely noticeable.The one under my arm was annoying for a while as it caught on my clothes but I put a silicone scar reducing dressing on it whilst I was waiting for my radiotherapy and that seemed to help.

you will have lots of appointments pre op but once you through that and the surgery it’s not too bad from then on.

This forum is very helpful 

Good luck with everything 

X

Thank you for your reply. It’s good to hear you are doing well. I’m sure the mammogram will be fine. I have pre op already and the implant seed to show the surgeon where to operate so all going to plan. Just a covid test to get three days before op.I might ask about the acupuncture if it doesn’t settles at least it’s worth a try. 
take care  xx

I hope your surgery goes well.

Remember to do your arm exercises as  it will help when you have radiotherapy .

Take care x

Hi 

No one has mentioned arm exercises yet. Is this a post op thing? 
take care xx 

Yes it’s post op… they usually give you a booklet showing what to do before you are discharged as it’s important to maintain as much arm mobility as possible.

Thank you! A really great post to read when at the start.