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Hi there thanks for letting me join.

I was diagnosed last week with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast after telling my GP about some nipple discharge. The mammogram didn’t pick it up but the ultrasound did. It was very small but they wanted an MRI to confirm there was nothing else. From waiting for post biopsy appt (4 weeks instead of 2) to then getting MRI appt for mid October after being told it will be “next week” ) my anxiety has been through the roof. Stopping the HRT (which was why I was with my GP initially in the first case; 4th attempt at a different patch was finally working and helping sleep) has been awful as don’t sleep and topped with the anxiety I have not been coping very well.

Anyway, we by chance discovered my husbands work provide cancer care through an insurance policy and I have within the space of 3 days had my MRI, seen a consultant and had the results. Surgery was planned for next week and I felt like everything was back on track and was feeling pretty positive about everything.

Unfortunately the MRI showed there are lots of suspicious areas in both breasts that need further biopsy either under ultrasound (next week) or in London under MRI guidance. I am terrified this is far more serious than they first thought. I know MRIs can throw up false positives but I wondered if anyone else here had had a similar experience or has bilateral breast cancer. From what I’ve read it is quite unusual but also more serious in terms of prognosis. Talk about emotional rollercoaster!!

sorry for the long ramble; so much going through my head right now! We also have Covid in the house right now (my husband can’t even hug me right now ) so I’m isolating in my bedroom to avoid getting sick and missing any appointments! Crochet is keeping me sane xxx

Xhaltsalute over 1 year ago

I can totally relate to how you are feeling just now as my story is very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 1 IDC in my right breast in May after a routine mammogram, I had no symptoms. As I had dense breast tissue they sent me for a MRI which luckily for me was arranged within a week. My MRI then showed suspicion areas in my left breast and so I had further biopsies via US and as one of the areas was particularly difficult to locate I was sent for a biopsy under MRI. Thank goodness my hospital is a large University hospital and this was arranged fairly quickly. The results showed stage 1 grade 1 IDC in the left breast.

Fast forward I am now 6 weeks post bilateral lumpectomies with SLE. Luckily my margins and lymph nodes are clear and I am now awaiting 5 day radiotherapy and on Anastrozole. I consider myself lucky with my outcome and treatment path and my breast surgeon said it was lucky I had an MRI as my left breast may not have shown any symptoms for another year. Bilateral bc is not that common but better to get the treatment in one go as opposed to a year or two later.

The waiting is excruciating as is the insomnia and hot flushes ( I had to come off hrt too!) but you will get there. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

woolyfelter over 1 year ago in reply to Xhaltsalute

Gosh that is similar. I was told the London hospital is the only one that does MRI guided biopsies so it’s a bit of a trek and I am hoping the power of Bupa will whizz it through if it’s needed…I certainly don’t feel the local NHS service has been that efficient. I work for the NHS myself and know first hand how stretched things are but I was a bit down about the lack of honesty in waiting times etc tbh. I’d rather be told the truth than given false hope things will be quick.

I am glad you are in the right track; thank goodness they caught both sides early! Can I ask what Anastrozole is? Not come across that. Also was the recovery for bilateral lumpectomy the same as for single (ie day case surgery etc?)

thank you x

Xhaltsalute over 1 year ago in reply to woolyfelter

Yes the wait is hard. I too did work for tHe NHS and the system is bulging at the seams !

My surgery was a day case and the recovery has been fairly good, just a little inconvenience being both sides but perfectly doable. I’m fairly active and was back riding my horse 4 weeks later Anastrozole is an estrogen blocker which I will be on for 5 years, I was ER +

Hope that helps, I know I searched for similar stories. X

woolyfelter over 1 year ago in reply to Xhaltsalute

Thanks for explaining and glad to hear you up and riding your horse so quickly!

best of luck with your onward journey xx

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