Should I take someone with me?

Hi, normally it would be best to take someone with you. I always found I was flustered in all appointments, so it was useful to have someone who would remember what I didn’t take in. However, each appointment I’ve had in the last couple of months I’ve been told not to bring anyone with me (Covid19 precautions). If you have a BCN perhaps you could give her a ring and ask? I know nothing about the procedure I’m afraid, so can’t help you there. I always take a list of questions with me, and write down what they say, perhaps that will help. Anyway, good luck for this afternoon.

I had wire guided excision to remove 11mm of DCIS from top of my left breast.  I am left with a small dent on the top of my breast which is barely noticeable.

The procedure involved attended the BC in the morning where they used a mammogram to insert a very small wire - less painful than a biopsy.  The fine wire was then curled up and covered in tape and I went to a hospital 10 miles away for surgery.  I went to theatre at 3pm and was home eating soup by 8pm.  I had no pain after surgery.

There was a lady there with me that day who had exactly same procedure but that was to remove a benign lump as they thought better out than in.

Good luck today.

Thank you for your replies lovelies, I did take hubby with me in the end. I apologise for not responding sooner but I couldn’t find the thread! 

Im booked in on Monday for the procedure and although I’m not looking forward to it, I’m looking forward to getting it over with. 

I’m worried because it’s actually been 7 weeks since my mammogram which I was recalled for - to me that’s quite a long time if it does turn out to be malignant. Both my mum and grandma got breast cancer at 57 and died at 60 - i was 50 last Friday and probably haven’t looked after myself like they did! I’m also worried because until now, i couldn’t feel a lump.

Words of reassurance or just random words gratefully received as I’m having a low moment on this emotional rollercoaster!! 

Xx

Hello there Mrs Fozz. My mum had BC at 47 and had a radical mastectomy, she died at 63 but further complications from early onset alzheimer's was a factor in her death. As I approached 47 I was very anxious but that anniversary came and went and 10 years later in February of this year I was recalled following a routine mammogram. It wasn't a surprise to learn that it wasn't benign. It was however very small and hadn't spread so I was very thankful.  I had a lumpectomy and 5 days of radiotherapy.  I am telling you this because even although it was a direct family member it doesn't always mean you will have the exact same experience. I know it's very difficult to think otherwise though and my heart goes out to you. Wishing you all the very best of luck with your appointment and hopefully the news will be positive for you. Sending a big virtual hug. X

Hi , like you and , my mum died from breast cancer (at 53) and I was not really that surprised to get a diagnosis myself, although I’d had other benign breast issues over the years (nodular breasts, duct ectasia, fibroadenoma, cysts). But it’s very important to keep reminding yourself that each case is unique. And treatments really have moved forward hugely since their time.

Re the 7 week wait, tortuous though it is, I believe that 7 weeks in the life of a breast tumour, malignant or benign, is actually not long at all. They don’t generally grow that fast, I read somewhere here that many lumps have been around months or years before they’re felt. Another piece of positivity is that it was found via screening - I believe that’s another plus as I think generally that means it was probably earlier in its development. But I know you just want the beast out asap, and you will also then know exactly what you’re dealing with as well as getting an idea of the treatment plan. Such a horrible time, waiting for procedures and then for results. I read your interesting profile (not waffly at all!) and you sound like someone who keeps busy. Keep on keeping busy, I’m sure others will pop in with their experiences and support. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

Hi , 

Thank you so much for your reply. It’s actually helpful just chatting to people who understand what this torturous wait is like. I have a lady who works for me and she’s been avoiding me for a couple of weeks or so. I confronted her on Wednesday. She said she was avoiding me because I’ve been snappy and she thought I wanted space, I told her I was snappy because she was avoiding me and right now, all I need is a friend! It’s impossible to talk to my hubby, we’re farmers and getting harvest in this year is testing, so he’s a little stressed as it is without me adding to it. I have 2 daughters, 23 and 14. The 23 year old is old enough to understand the consequences of all this for her, and the 14 year old suffers with anxiety and is due back at school.. not that I could burden a 14 year old head anyway! Obviously my dad went through it with mum, so talking to him is difficult too! Mostly I like to keep myself busy and distracted but I had the pre-admission Covid test today so couldn’t avoid thinking about it... hence the emotional nose dive! Anyway, as you say, every case is different.. this may all turn out to be a blip in time that can soon be forgotten. Thank you, you’ve helped. X

Hi HappyFeet1, 

Thank you so much for your reply. You’re absolutely right, there is every chance that if it does turn out to be malignant, it is going to be early as I couldn’t feel anything at all. I can feel a small lump now, but I’ve no idea really if it’s ‘the thing’ itself or another random lump! I like you have had many lumps and bumps over the years, mostly fibroadenomas and general lumpiness, so this what I’m now feeling could be something completely unrelated! Thank you  for reminding me of those positive gems, we sometimes lose sight of things.. as I did today! It’s so good to have a place like this where people who really understand can rationalise things. As I mentioned in my reply to FionaIL, there really isn’t anyone to talk to at home, and whilst I’ll normally keep busy and not need to release, going for the pre-admission Covid test today has allowed realisation to creep in! Thank you again, and thank you for reading my profile... and saying it’s not waffle! Xx

Hi MrsFozz

Hope all goes well for you on Monday and going forward. It is so good to have people to chat to on here who understand what we are going through. We all have different scenarios and will go through different journeys but I really think we understand the anxiety and it is just good to offload to people who know where we are coming from. Your posts have given me quite a lift as you appear to be very down to earth and realistic about your situation, despite the anxiety and despair that goes with this whole diagnosis business. I had decided to take a break from this forum as I was focusing on the 'downs' and the 'doom and gloom' but this thread has drawn me back in. We are all in an unwanted and unenviable situation but being able to talk openly to others who understand is so valuable. 

And I loved your profile!! x

Thank you so much PatsyP2, I know exactly what you mean about focusing on the downs. I’ll never forget the atmosphere whenever I went to mum and dads after her diagnosis, she cried daily, she hardly spoke, she resigned herself to the same fate as her mum. I found it hard to see her like that, I couldn’t reach her, she wouldn’t accept help from anyone. I absolutely can not and will not let my children see me like that... especially if they have to go through it one day! It’s a given that we’ll have down days, being able to come on here and speak with people who understand is invaluable. For me, at this moment in time, i try not to trawl posts for answers. It’s easy to put a search in about something and convince yourself that’s what’s going to to happen, until we know what we’re dealing with, the path can change direction. When we know what we’re dealing with, we can take one day at a time. Thank you for your good wishes.... and for saying you like my profile! Sending some positive vibes your way. Xx

Thank you Mrs Fozz. Your outlook and attitude seems to mirror my own - lovely to meet you! I don't yet know exactly what my diagnosis is and the waiting is truly tortuous. But I am determined to remain 'me' as much as possible and not let the diagnosis define me. I know there will be down days and that treatment may be very unpleasant but I have to retain my own identity throughout this. I have also given up on the searching and trawling which I found myself drawn into, despite my best intentions. We are all unique and I have quickly learned that our paths will be very different and will also change direction - probably more than once!

I have not yet confided in anyone other than my husband. We haven't had any emotional conversations - we are both very private people who generally deal with things better on our own and also we both always want to know the facts about anything rather than discussing in the abstract (although I am definitely more emotional initially in all situations!!) However, I do think he needs someone to speak to - I have the lovely people here and will have the support of the medical teams. I intend to tell my 3 children (all in their 30s) once we know exactly what we are looking at. I know that will be the hardest part of the whole process - absolutely dreading it -  but it will also be a relief for them to know. And I hope that they will support each other and their dad. 

Please do let us know how you get on xx