Hello everyone, sorry to be so long and boring I'll apologise upfront, but perhaps even writing it is useful in and of itself :)
I'm an almost 60, postmenapusal woman between my decree nisi and my decree absolut so about to lose everything that matters to me anyway, I went to the GP with a lump. No biggie, although I'd had fibroadenoma sometimes since I was 18 and I knew this lump was different. GP and fast tracked me to the breast clinic. Over 4 weeks later I got an appointment. Since the GP saw me I had had a discharge from the nipple so wasn't feeling optimistic, DCIS I recconned at least. When doing the biopsies of the areas of interest they 'collapsed' when the biopsy needle popped them, everyone was reassuring, banging on about cysts and I felt I had over reacted, and/or they thought I had over reacted. They also biopsied an area which looked a bit like a 'polyp' that the sonographer noticed. I was sent home with a phone appointment to give me the results as that was appropriate the consultant thought.
It was not fun 2 days later to have the consultants secretary phone me to say "You have to come in to have your results in a face to face appointment", no explaination, I could figure that one out for myself though, as I'm not a 'mushroom' (who thrives in the dark). 5 days later at the appointment they said they found DCIS in one biopsy, nothing much to worry about, very treatable. But they'd like to do more tests now to check it isn't IDC and by the way they need to check the lump again after all as they don't know what it is, also it may have spoiled the view and have something behind it? Oh and they need to check my armpit, they didn't bother last time. The lump is probably nothing, It'd be very very rare to have two different sorts of breast cancer at the same time so they're just being careful etc etc. They don't know my cousin was one of those very very rare people, they told me the DCIS wasn't genetic so why mention it, I tried to mention it but too distant a relative so won't count. I'm naturally wondering where they get their statistics from, what are the odds! lol, I'm not as confident as they apparently are. I know what I don't know which is pretty much everything, they don't seem to like to say that had the biopsy not found cancer they'd be happily waving me home. Doesn't even sound like they know I do have DCIS rather than IDC yet but they didn't say that. They mentioned 40% of DCIS become IDC, so 60% can sit there, sometimes for decades, but they can't tell which will spread and which won't sadly. Fair enough.
So I'm interested to have the extra ultrasound to look at the whole breast rather than just where I pointed at and the nipple. I'll be glad to know they could biopsy the lump that the other biopsy result was insufficient to tell what it is. I'm told.If they see anything interesting I may get a tomosynthesis (now that's an interesting DVD I'd like to see!) I'm told if they squint at it upside down and sideways they may find something out. I hope I get one.
I'm depressed and not trusting and am a litlle past worrying if it turns out worse than they think or not, but I am still interested. So I'm holding on to that. Perhaps I should mention they referred me to the Mental Health team. What with Covid and decades of underfunding they'll be lucky I thought, to get a response before the year after next. Maybe being interested and having a sense of humour will carry me through. If there is no more info I will probably plump for the unfasionable 'watchful waiting' that terrifies them so. I can't face the surgery and radiotherapy offered, I won't face it, I can't. on the little they know so far it'd be mad if I did. Nothing is set in stone of course, maybe we will know more this side of Christmas I'm not holding my breath.
Owwww Tlania, you are going through so much at the moment, the last thing you want is this too. Owww - take a few deep breaths and try to relax ... in this crazy world we are living in. I do think they are strange to think a 'phone call' to say come in makes you think you are 'fine' - still, its how they have to do these things.
So much for the '2 week fast track' - I am sorry you are getting what seems like messed around, I think most departments are all over the place - not that this helps you. I think phone up and speak to the Nurse, explain you feel like you are been messed around and you would like to see someone to discuss what is happening. I know this might not seem like it now, as you will be in shock with it all, from what you have wrote it does seem like they are looking into for you. Push them for an 'early' appointment - this way once you and they know is going on, from there they can start a treatment plan for you (if... if, it turns out there is 'one' lump ask them if they can do or refer you for TARGIT IORT - this is a combined Lumpectomy and internal radiotherapy - both done at the same time, all done in one operation. I will say there are certain criteria for this treatment, I know 'one' lump being the main one.... plus they really don't like to tell patients about this treatment, that's a different story though).
If you was not suitable for TARGIT IORT then the normal lumpectomy operation, followed by healing and then the radiotherapy is from what many have said really do-able. All the treatment is 'do-able' it is our minds that run away with us and the un-known.
I can tell you I had lumpectomy /wide local incision - I can honestly say the operation was a doddle and afterward the pain was 'non-existent' - I felt like I was a cheat, honest, I could not believe it - the most painful part for me was where the biopsy had been carried out for the lymph node and, well, this wasn't painful as such, it 'stung' for a day or so, a strange sensation.
Referring you to the Mental Health Team is kind of them and they are shown to be listening, however, I do think you are depressed, you have every reason to be, with all you have had going on and then now this on top of it all. If there is 'something' there - then I say, let them 'get it out' and like the end of your divorce, its' all done - its out and you can plan for next year to be the start of 'you' looking out for you.
My goodness, the menopause, divorce and all that comes with that, this Covid situation and now this - you will be depressed and without sounding 'i told you so' ..... you have every right to feel this way and it is something you have to work with, slowly, little by little. This might just of being sent to you 'as a distraction'.
What I will say, is please don't do the 'watch and wait' - you will wear yourself out with worry, the quicker you get it all done with the sooner you can move forward. Ultra sounds are very good, especially for the 'fuller' bust. You are in the right place - You will get thought this and if it is 'it' - don't expect help and sympathy of the people you would normally think of - I'm being honest, its a strange world you have stepped into - lets hope you won't need to stay here - however, if I am honest from what you have said.... you are in the right place. The ladies and guys on here are a mind full of information - they really are, no question is silly - just know we are all here for you.
Owww and don't wait for them to contact you - you keep pushing them and if you feel funny asking, tell them its your friends pushing you, you have waited long enough, this needs sorting.
