Not yet diagnosed but overwhelmed with worry

Hi Phyllis A 

I haven't experienced this but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

How did your appointment with the consultant and your biopsy go? I hope you don't have too long to wait for the results.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi,

I know everyone tells you to not worry & that is very difficult, but there can be other explanations for symptoms.  I had breast cancer (DCIS) in my left breast & had surgery & radiotherapy (R/T).  Eight months after surgery (6 months post R/T) I also developed alarming breast cancer symptoms & was immediately referred back to my local breast clinic.  My symptoms were discolouration & redness to my breast - with additional warmth when compared to the other breast, orange peel texture to the skin & pain.  After being poked & prodded, mammogram et al there was no sign of breast cancer.  The likely explanations, my GP had already given me antibiotics as she been concerned about breast infection due to the warmth, so when I was seen at the breast clinic this would have already been clear & the classic breast cancer orange peel symptom (which I still have) is most likely due to Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (something I've not been told I've actually got, or was warned I might get), which would have been nice.

Try to de-stress, at least a little, until you know all the facts.  Personally, finding a local Cancer Support Group was very helpful for me - not something I felt I needed at all during my initial treatment, but has been an amazing support since I've had my scare.    

Let me know how you get on.

T

Hi T ,

Thanks for your reply and I’m so glad you were not diagnosed with further cancer.

I've not heard of Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome so will read up on it . 
my results may be available on Thursday when I’ll be having a mammogram and ultrasound too .

Im hoping that I’m not imagining the discolouration is lightening - it certainly isn’t worse but had a new bruise appear last week . 

I am worried and still get upset but I have a lot of support from family and friends and am walking 3 km every day  in preparation for Race for Life in May .

 best wishes to you 

C 

Hi C or is it Phyllis,

I was wondering how you got on last Thursday as I know you were hoping to get some results, along with having your mammogram & ultrasound.

I hope you are OK.

Best wishes,

T

Hi T ,

Thankyou for remembering  .

the biopsy shows there is an effect from the Radiotherapy . The mammogram and ultrasound showed nothing to worry about .

The consultant started to explain how sometimes angiosarcoma  can appear after radiotherapy , when I told him it already looked a lot better . On examination he was clearly surprised how the skin had changed and decided  a further biopsy wasn’t necessary right now . He said he’d arrange an appointment with the Radiotherapy team .

since then the skin has continued to clear - it’s so strange ! I have  an appointment with the Oncology/ Radiotherapy team on Monday 3 March to discuss further . I have  photos to show them as it’s such a marked difference .

we did discuss a vague memory of me walking into the side of a door - but I’m not clear about that . If it was that then the breast must have been traumatised due to sensitivity or something .I hope this is the answer and not something more sinister .

I do feel more positive but looking forward to further reassurance from this next appointment  .

Thankyou for your interest and hope that you continue to keep well .

Carole