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Recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

sazza
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Hi everyone,

I am very much a novice with forums so please bear with me.....

I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer on 17th April after finding a lump in the side of my breast that felt like someone had slipped a marble in there when I was not looking. I then underwent the all too lengthy wait for a Doctors appoinment, to see a Doctor and get a referral, then the wait for a hospital appointment. Then everything happened in one day, a mamogram, a scan and then a core biopsy on the lump and a fine needle biopsy on a second lump under my arm that I didnt realise was there....and then a 'chat' with the consultant who told me there and then, that they thought it was cancer. I was on my own at the time because I had convinced myself it was a cyst so didn't want to make a fuss.

This was followed by another 10 day wait for the results which confirmed the cancer and by the way its grade 3. To cut a long story short and to skim over the initial shock, horror, numbness, planning my funeral (in my head) and then acceptance, I'm now at a -OK lets get this sorted- phase.

Had my lumpectomy and slnb last week and was recovering quite well until I was hit by a 'hospital aquired infection' which has made my boob become very sore and swollen, hard and lumpy and left me feeling pretty rough to say the least. Another vist to the hospital and I am now rattling with the amount of antibiotics I have to take and you guessed it, waiting for the results of the operation to find out if it has spread into my lymph nodes and if so, how far. Im under no illusions this time, as they have already told me that at least 2 of them are 'highly suspicious' which I have learnt is hospital speak for they think it has spread.

Has any of you had one of these delightful infections and if so how long has it taken before the antibiotics to kick in and has it delayed your treatment?

Sorry for being abit long winded.

  • Offline in reply to sazza

    Ah bless you you've been through a lot. Sorry the news was a bit of a shock but you sound very positive and having your hair cut with just a small tear is very impressive I think I would of been in floods of tears as they were doing it. I have short hair that I'm trying to grow but all seems pointless do I've been checking out wigs instead, instant long hair

    So my lumpectomy is on the 16th June and I've still to tell my daughter, I'm leaving it until a couple of days before so she's happy for a little longer. I still only know it's Grade3 1.5cm and doesn't look as though it's spread but I have been told by 2 nurses that the norm now is to give chemo and radiotherapy which isn't ideal but like you I don't know whether I'm handling it well or I'm in denial it's actually happening and I'm good a blocking things from my mind, not sure if that's a good thing!!!

    i did find anothe lump on Friday and went into panic mode then, it's round the back of my rib cage another trip to the breast clinic on Monday to check it. But saying that it does feel different from the lump in my breast so fingers crossed.

    well I hope you enjoy your Sunday and hope the weather is as good as it was today

    Kim xxx

    n

  • Offline in reply to Dottie7

    Hi Kim, you will get to find out more after surgery when they do all the testing on what they take out. My lumpectomy was no where near as bad as i was expecting. They might even send of your samples off for a jolly to America as well :mischief:

    Ive also been looking at wigs and hats and bandanas etc. not sure what I will use yet. Wish i was brave enough to just go 'bare' but dont like the thought of everyone instanly knowing im a cancer patient, if you know what I mean, plus i would probably end up with a sunburnt head!!

    Your daughter will probably surprise you, kids have a habit of doing that. After the initial shock and fear, mine now have totally taken it in their stride. I update them whenever I have an appointment and we sit and talk about what has been said then we all just get on with every day life. We do make more an effort to go out and do 'family' stuff such as trips to the pictures, walks in the countryside, dvd nights and  such because Im off work it has given us the time to do these things that previously we were unable to do.

    So heres to 10 days from now, you will be having your surgery and i will be into my 1st lot of chemo and we will both be onto the next chapter of our 'journey'.

    All the very best Kim and let me know how you get on

    Sarah xxx

  • Offline in reply to sazza

    A few tips I was given for my first chemo, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after treatment, make sure you take your anti-sickness tablets, I bought those headace pads for the forehead which helped with slight headace. I was relieved when the first one was over because I felt I was on my way.  I only felt poorly for the first week, and then I felt O.k. for the next two.  

    I stocked up with freezer meals, and lots of nice treats.  That's probably why I put on 2 1/2 stone during treatment!!! but it was worth it.  I have lost it now.  I wore a great wig most of the time, it was better than my own hair!!!  My hair is back to normal now.

    Take care

    Diane

  • Offline

    Hi Sazza. Just wanted to add my best wishes along with the others. What an awful journey we are on here! The waiting is so awful! I had my lumpectomy last Wednesday, and am now waiting until the 19th for details of further treatment. 

    Very very best wishes to you, and hugs xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to sazza

    Hi Sazza, I noticed you havent been on for a while and im hoping everything is ok.

    Just to let you know Im thinking of you

    kim xxx

  • Offline

    Hello,

    I was diagnosed last Friday with grade 2 breast cancer

    i am in hell!!

    i cannot sleep 

    I have two young sons and am terrified I won't see them grow up

    waiting for date surgery having double mastectomy

     

  • Offline in reply to kazza

    Hi Kazza, Im so sorry you are struggling with your diagnosis but you have found the right place to chat and ask questions and generally just let go of some emotions. I too felt exactly the same as you when i was diagnosed with BC Grade 3 on the 18th May, my first words were "But I have a 7yr old" to which they just sat and nodded at me. Im further on now having had a lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed last Tuesday and next Tuesday I will find out what the steps of treatment are. It took a week for me to stop feeling numb and to try and think about things rationally instead of letting my imagination spin out of control.Give yourself some time to get your head round it and there is always someone on here to support you.

    Kim xx

  • Offline in reply to Dottie7

    Thank you Kim for your wise words

    hope your results are positive

    keep in touch

    kazza

  • Offline in reply to kazza

    Hi Kazza, how are you coping? Anymore news on treatment etc?

    kim xx

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