Hello,
3 weeks ago I noticed my left breast was a bit pink. Didn't think much about it . 10 days ago felt it in the shower and thought it was a bit heavier and swollen. Couldn't feel a lump exactly though the skin felt a bit thick. Saw GP who referred me to the breast clinic. Next day I could feel a lump. Went to clinic today. The nurse found the lump at once plus 2 small lumps in the lymph nodes under the armpit. She was certain it was cancer. I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies. Obviously I don't know what showed on the mammogram but the ultrasound only showed what the nurse had found. The radiologist too seemed sure it was cancer. It is very frightening, especially as the nurse wanted to do blood tests and a CT scan. I can only assume this is to see if it has spread. It is clearly a fair sized lump as the nurse suggested they might want to do chemo first to try to shrink it. Can't figure how I didn't feel it earlier. Makes me feel really stupid. Of course I should have had my 3 year mammogram a year ago but due to the pandemic it didn't happen. Ironically I have just received an invite to book it! Should get the biopsy results within the week. Really anxious as to what they will show and how treatable it might be. I am an older patient and I don't know if that makes it worse. I can't sleep and don't want to eat. I suppose what I want is some kind of reassurance but without knowing what the tests show it is hard for anyone to give it.
Nice to find a forum like this. I don't feel I can sound off to friends (although they tell me I am welcome to do so) and I have no partner, children nor brothers or sisters. Any advice on dealing with the emotional upheaval would be great.
Hi Anxiousjan
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that are facing a breast cancer diagnosis. I know it's easy for me to say but don't feel stupid for not feeling the lump, you most certainly are not. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago I had chemo first to shrink the tumour and I had an almost complete response. Breast cancer is very treatable nowadays. I had surgery to remove the remaining tumour and two lymph nodes and then I had radiotherapy and a further six months of chemo in tablet form. I had my six month check up yesterday and I am in remission still.
The CT Scan is as you say is to check to see if your cancer has spread.
Wishing you the best of luck with your CT scan and with your results.
Best wishes
Daisy53
