Breast cancer, IBS and Shingles

Evening Nora

My circumstances are slightly different but I can empathise as I too developed shingles recently during my wait for test results which was only two weeks but it definitely was the worst two weeks of my life,  spent imagining the worst.  Luckily I have not been badly affected by the shingles but I am sure the stress I was under was the trigger.  I would have preferred not to have advance warning off the doctor’s suspicions and found out the results at the same time I learned of the treatment plan which would be put in place and date of lumpectomy.  I think I only coped as the doctor prescribed a low dose (10mg) of Citalopram (non addictive) which has definitely helped me cope but not something I ever thought I would need. 

Actually getting the results and knowing what I am dealing with has been a relief and I wish something could be done to put an end to these agonising waits we all have to face. 

Did you get any anti viral medication from your doctor? I did but not sure I recognised in time that I had shingles for them to be of any use.

 It does seem you’re having to wait longer than is usual for your results.  I think a wait of 2 to 3 weeks after the operation was mentioned at my consultation.

Lots of luck x

Hi Nora H

Sorry to hear that you are waiting so long for your results.

Wishing you the best of luck with your results when you get them.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks both. They do have the lab results now, they are available at the end of last week.  The delay is in having them go through the MDT and delivered to me.  I have asked for the breast nurse to let me know after the MDT unofficially until they can fit me in for the results meeting.  I am sorry if I haven't been clear I'd like to think it's not me being dippy and due to the pain.  Could be either.

I also have a new worry, for the last two and a half years I have been with the most perfect man.  He can't do enough for me, takes me to every appointment, he is a total diamond. But and it's probably a crazy but, I feel so guilty for putting him through this, both of our lives are on hold as he is totally going through this with me.  Shouldn't I just feel blessed which I am, without the guilt.  I was hoping to go back to work while waiting for the radiotherapy, not because I want to, my role is dealing with bereaved families and it's just too hard right now, but the guilt again.  My employers are being great, putting no pressure on me. Now I know I can't work, cancer IBS and Shingles has currently floored me.  Now I have another layer of guilt. 

I should feel no guilt but only feel blessed.  This is such an emotional illnes.

Don’t feeling guilty it sounds like your partner wouldn’t have it any other way, as you say a real diamond which is what you need right now.  As for work sounds like you have a very understanding boss who is happy for you to come back when you’ve recovered so please concentrate on yourself right now and your partner x

Hi I have answered you on another post, but can I ask your current diagnosis pls, with the information you do have  best wishes xxx

Hi  shaz52

I have been chasing the results and was told it would be 6 weeks, it's such a long wait.  My breast nurse called this morning she has said most results are back but something has been sent outside of my trust and those results are not back.  

I am trying to not put 2 and 2 together and making 34.  My trust is a large trust so why send some off to a different one, I'm also assuming this is the cause of the extended wait,?  I'm trying not to think that the initial tests have flagged up something so sent out of area for additional tests.

The breast nurse can't give me any indication of the possible outcome, which I understand now.  She has requested that my results are prioritised given the illnesses I'm collecting while waiting.

In the better days I'd collect shoes and handbags

Hi, thank you, I phoned for mine last Wednesday because I originally had a call today. Was told last Wednesday, it was on mdt list to be discussed that day, but if they did not get time to discuss it I would be put on this weeks mdt list. So next time I looked my telephone call had been changed to this thursday morning. So far I know mine is 11mm possible with a satellite lesion still small, er 8/8  and pr 7/8 lymph nodes fine on ultrasound and mri. My mental health is in pieces and I dont get they think it's okay after nearly 6 weeks on the phone and tell me what they need to tell. What do you know so far xx

Hi,

I have had two bouts of Shingles, one about 5 weeks after my Mastectomy, luckily it didn't affect the RT because that was delayed due to an infection and again a couple of months after the RT. I believe Shingles is often triggered by stress.  The waiting is awful, I'm 3 years post diagnosis now and I was a wreck for months following the diagnosis, it does get easier with time but unfortunately for some, me being one of them their is always that worry of recurrence.  All the best and I do hope your results are soon in. xx

Hi have they received your results now, how long did they take.  Have you an appointment to discuss them.  Nearly 6 weeks for me and still no results. Can I ask what area you are in pls xx

Hi Shaz and Peterawake,

Still waiting for the results, the pain from the shingles is a lot less but I'm worried now that my immune system is bad that I'll pick up something else.  I'm going to be shielding to an extent until I get some news don't want to come down with anything else.