Waiting for diagnosis

Hi,

I'm really sorry that you find yourself here.

I've been through chemo and I'm having a mastectomy this week and I can honestly tell you that the stage you're at right now is the hardest and scariest. Not knowing is the worst and I think most people would agree.

First thing to remember is that it's not cancer until they tell you it is. And it might not be. Once you know what it is, you're in a position to confront it, whatever it is. Personally I found the appointment where they told me I had cancer terrifying BUT I left feeling that they had a plan for me and that I was in good hands. It was still crap but I was reassured that I could get through it.

After seeing your mum go through this, of course you're going to be very worried. I can't imagine how hard that time was for you. If it is the worst, which it might not be, treatment has improved and moved on. 

I've got my fingers crossed for you, I've got everything crossed for you. Best of luck with your appointment, I'll be thinking of you. Let us know how you get on.

Mads x

• Thank you for your kind words of advice. Hope everything goes well with your operation this week. X

Hi Cath49,

How did it go today? Hope you're doing ok. 

Argh! I can't work out how this site works...sorry for the multiple responses!! X

Hi Cath49

How did you get on today?  I hope you are doing ok.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I’ve got Ductal BC grade 1 13mm receptor positive. But got to have another biopsy tomorrow because they seen something else on the mammogram. I’m booked in for surgery on 16th Sept if the other biopsy is ok to have it removed, then radiotherapy. 

Hi Cath49,

Really sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It sounds as though they're on the case though. Hopefully that second biopsy is nothing and you can just go ahead with your surgery in September and then the radiotherapy.

Have they told you what will happen if the second one turns out to be something nasty? I was told I was having chemo and a mastectomy from the beginning because I had two of the little buggers, then they found a third one...ugh.

How are you feeling about it all? I remember thinking that I was fine and everyone else had gone mad! In hindsight, I think it was the other way around. Everyone else was normal and I was in denial. On the plus, they've caught it early with you, it's still pants though. 

I've got to get organized for the mastectomy tomorrow. God I feel sick thinking about it. 

Best of luck with the results of the second biopsy. Update us when you know.

We will get through this.

Mads X 

Hi, 

Thank you for asking when you’ve got your own worries about tomorrow and I hope everything goes well.

The biopsy today was horrible massive needle that had to have coordinates to be in the right place, my breast is very swollen and very sore paracetamol not working. I think it will be a mastectomy if the other bit is cancerous. He did say treatment will have to be changed but I get results back on Wednesday. 

I did my crying last week, now want  the bloody thing gone whether it be lumpectomy or mastectomy. My main worry that I’d left it too long because I thought it was because of the weight loss. I think I’m ok and others around me are shocked especially my mother-in-law she’s so upset I’ve got a really good relationship with her. 

Will be thinking of you tomorrow, take care and I will send you a message at the weekend xx

Hi,

So sorry the biopsy was horrible. They're vile at the best of times but when they're rooting around trying to get the right angle it's worse. On my third one they spent ages trying to work out how to approach it and it was super painful.

Are you not allowed to alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen? I'm totally not a medical health professional but it might be worth finding out if that's possible to take the edge off. Although it being a weekend now...I'm not sure who you'd call. Maybe the Macmillan line? Maybe 111 could get you something stronger?

Sounds like you're processing your emotions well, which I think really helps. I know what you mean about wanting it gone, no matter by what means. There are lots of options for reconstruction if that's the route you end up going down. But yeah, get rid!!

It's understandable but weird how everyone puts the attention on us but kind of overlooks our families, at least that's how I've felt. Sorry to hear that your mother in law is finding it hard going. It's so good that you have a close relationship though. It's always good to have your mother in law on your side!

My op went ok. I'm so glad the little blighters are gone! It's pretty weird being totally flat on one side and a G cup on the other!! I had sentinel nodes taken as well so I guess I'm not out of the woods yet but they've always said they thought nodes were clear. Fingers crossed! I think I get my results on September 1st.

Glad you've only got to wait till Wednesday now. They seem to be moving quickly for you which is good. 

We'll get through this!

Mads xx