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Hello Just been diagnosed with breast cancer

H.
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Hello,

Just been diagnosed, had routine mamogram called to breast unit two weeks later. Last Thursday had another mamogram, ultrasound and three biopsies taken, they put a marker in finally some of my questions were answered why put a marker in what is it and what is it for with the marker is for the surgeons to know where to go! Now I know I need surgery. Repeat mamogram then drove home with a few tears.  Appointment for breast unit was Tuesday, could not be properly examined the doctor said as so bruised and swollen from Thursday, why did they not examine before the biopsies? would make sence to me.  Told Tuesday that it is cancer and would need surgery and radiotherapy doctor asked me" how do you feel about that". Had phone call Wednesday to be told lobular, looked through the booklet I was given only to find it mentioned once on page 11. Tried internet not clear, so phone hospital and asked if they ment invasive lobular they just said yes.  Out for six hours yeaterday travelling to and from MRI, they have done both breasts, I asked to see what it looked like but was refused, the radiographer told me to go and enjoy myself! and could not say when the results would be with the other hospital. Do they about think what they are saying? what should I read into this when the biopsy doctor was right?  Appointment this Thursday with radiologist to see if it is feesable to have radiotherapy as I cannot lift the effected  arm to my head  I was due to have shoulder impingment and rotator cuff surgery this Tuesday, I have now been taken off the waiting list which I have been on for eight months NHS, was initally told it would be done in three months time from July 2017. ( inital shoulder problem started June 2015) Now just waiting to have next breast clinic appointment.  I think I have gone on too much Oh by the way it is my 56 th birthday on the 3rd. Thank you if you have taken the time to read above.

 

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    Hi H. Welcome to the forum that no one really wants to join.

    Wow! You're going through confusing phase where everything is new and scary, and you don't know what's going on. Most of us here have been through it. Since you're already at the front of the queue for your other surgery, I would hope that when you get permission from your oncology team, you should be able to resume that position withou having to go back to the start again. 

    Since I'm a bloke I haven't had any personal experience with breast cancer, but I thought I'd reply now so you know that someone is generally reading these posts. I sure my many female colleagues here will come forward with more practical help and support for you.

    I can tell you that radiographers never give you any clue what they've seen on the screen. The major reason for this is that they're not medically qualified. MRI scans in particular take a lot of skill and experience to interpret, and in the UK MRI and CT scans are nearly always passed to a radiologist (a qualified doctor) for interpretation. The radiographer's job is to get the best possible pictures in the time available; the radiologist's job is to interpret them. 

    This means that there's simply no point asking a radiographer what's on the screen - they can't tell you. 

    More generally, I should warn you that you shouldn't read anything into the silences or "funny looks" of doctors or nurses; nor into the timing of appointments; nor the types of test you might be given; and you should avoid using Google.  If that last part is too difficult, then avoid US web sites, particularly US hospital web sites (apart maybe from the Sloan Kettering hospital). Stick with Cancer Research UK and MacMillan for your information. 

  • Offline in reply to H.

     

    Hi H,

    I see that you have only recently joined us, so I wish you a very warm welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I am so sorry to hear about your experience so far. It is always near impossible to get any information from a radiographer or radiologist. They leave this to your surgeon to tell you.

    I have had 2 bouts of cancer. The first time I had a lumpectomy, then took Tamoxifen for a year. That was 8 years ago. The second time was 7 years ago when I had a double mastectomy and then took Letrozole for 6 years. Waiting fot the results of tests is always a scary time and I feel for you just now.

    You might find it a good idea to write a list of all your questions before you go back to see the consultant. I do this between all of my appointments and take my hubby along to all of my visits to write down the answers I am given. Your consultant won’t bat an eyelid at this, as many of us do this.

    I fully agree with what Telemando has told you. If you want to know more about your type of cancer, go up to the blue banner at the top of this page and type it into the search box. This will bring you previous posts on the topic. There is also some good information about the different types of breast cancer on the Cancer Rsearch site.

    I hope that this helps you meanwhile and I hope that your appointment with the radiologist goes well on Thursday. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand anything. It is important that you know exactly what you have before you are asked to consent to treatment. What a disappointment it must be to have to cancel the operation for your shoulder. I hope that you can reschedule this soon after your breast surgery.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you whenever you want to talk.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    So sorry, it is all hard to understand, Macmillan/Breast Care Nurses are your best bet or try a Haven, it sounds like you need some extra care with your shoulder problem. It does feel sometimes like a cancer conveyor belt that you are shoved on along with the other 1 in 16. Take care and good luck.
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    Hi

    I know this may soundodd to some but I have read that if I need radiotherapy that dot tattoos are put on the skin, does anyone know if something else is available? I understand that the tattoos are small but I really do not want them.

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