Your story sounds so similar to mine! I was diagnosed stage 1 breast cancer but after surgery it’s turned out it was in my sentinel lymph node and bloodstream. Now stage 2. Just waiting to start my 6 cycles of chemo then radiotherapy and tamoxifen xxx

Hi Angela,

I'm glad to hear that you don't have too much longer to wait for your biopsy. Most of us don't tell anyone, with the exception of partners, until we get a definative diagnosis. I am so sorry to hear that your partner is not very supportive. Do you have anyone else in your circle of family or friends who you can rely on for support? It can be helpful to bring someone along with you to appointments.

You are bound to have days when you feel a little anxious. There are so many unknowns at the moment. You will feel better once you get a diagnosis and know what treatment will be involved. We all find that our emotions are all over the place at this stage and, most of us would agree that this is one of the hardest times of the cancer journey.

I shall be thinking of you on 21st and hope that your biopsy is more conclusive this time. Please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello Lesleys, I'm so sorry to hear that you have lymph node involvement.  I was certainly very lucky in 1996 that my lymph system was clear.  The consultant said that I was young enough at 35 and he had a 'belt and braces' outlook.  Lets throw everything at you!  Although quite daunting, I found that the chemo and radiotherapy were not too bad, but I know that isn't the same for everyone.  I'm so glad that you will have the support of a Breast Cancer Nurse to guide you and will be there when you need them.  Is there a Maggies Centre  or similar where you are?  They were not available to me in 1996 in Salisbury, but certainly here in Scotland, are a fantastic resource.  In hindsight, I was naive to think that a cold cap would preserve my hair :( and I think that is a memory I will sometimes conjour up from 22 years ago.I hope that your treatment goes well.  You know that there are lots of people here who will listen and offer practical advice too.

Wishing you all the very best and big hugs are coming your way.  Please let us know how you get on and reach out when you feel the need.  Paula xxx 

Hiya! Yes I’ve to go to a maggies group before chemo starts. I think it’ll be in Kirkcaldy (Scotland here too). 

The doctor did offer the cold cap but I’d already read up on it and decided it really wasn’t worth it. I’m not too fussed for losing my hair, it’ll grow back!

im expecting it to be quite harsh so if it’s better than I think then it’ll be a bonus.

the nurse at the hospital phoned me today just to check in and make sure appointments were good and to sort my wig etc out. And to remind me to see the dentist xxx

I think it would have helped if I'd even cut my hair beforehand!!!  The 'ice cream headache' every time was horrible!

Its quite natural to be aprehensive of a new experience, but lots of us have been through it.   I'm sure other chatters will chime in with their experiences.  Glad to hear that the nurse is keeping in touch regularly.  They are such a lifeline.  But then, so is this site :grin:

I remember picking up my wig and then going to my friends house for lunch.  Her toddler son found it in my bag and was cuddling it calling 'Teddy'!! OMG how we laughed.  Mind you, I never did wear it :)

Paula

I just wanted to say that I will have an update which I will post towards the end of the week under a new 'topic'.  Don't want to hog this one.  Lots has happened since May.  Mastectomy with reconstruction and, unconnected, a hysterectomy.  All this whilst having 7 months of full on Sciatica (which I feel has been the real B***h).

Keep strong everyone.  Paula xx

Hi Murrayfield how are you doing now hope you are doing well. I am also from Aberdeenshire. Waiting for my referral to come through from the breast clinic in Aberdeen. Did you have to wait a while to get seen. I have found a lump in my right breast. Hoping it is just due to going through the menopause. It's been there for a few weeks now. Trying not to worry too much. Hope all is well.

Hi Scottishwife,

I am sorry to hear that you have been referred to the breast clinic. Most people are seen within 2 weeks from the date of referral. Of all the people referred to the clinic only 1 in 8 turns out to have cancer, so here's hoping that you are one of the lucky ones.

Please let us know when you get your date through. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi jolamine thanks for your reply got my letter through today my appointment is on Tuesday 26th of November. I get a mammogram first and then got to breast clinic. Glad I know a date now not long to wait just over the 2 weeks from seeing the GP. 

Hi,

I am glad to hear that you have got your appointment through already. It is helpful to know that you will have your mammogram before being seen at the breast clinic.

I sincerely hope that it all turns out well for you and, that you don't find anything untoward.

 Please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx