Hi CCPT

Glad you are feeling better and that having the extra day in hospital has made such a difference for you.  I feel fabulous but have been warned not to push things so trying to curtail my desire to do things!!!!

I cannot look at wound yet but will in time, that said, the area is totally flat except for slight rise due to dressing so that's it for now until I can get the reconstruction done, it's fine there are people far worse off than me so just grateful to be sat here writing this if I am honest.

The only reason I'm concerned about the new lump is that all focus has been on my right breast since my mammogram on 14th April this year, it's been a long 8 months and to find that last night was a bit of a shock but like you, I'm sure it will be fine and probably just calcification.....

Like you just waiting on the results of the tissue taken but I'm not going to worry about it as me worrying about it won't change the outcome.  I'll get the results on 7th January so lots of living and celebrating to do with the family before then.  Do you know when you'll get your results?  

Fingers crossed we both continue to progress well through this little unexpected journey we now find ourselves on..........

Take care of yourself!! Rosie

Hey, I was told up to two weeks for the results. January 7th is long but I bet they're certain they're clear in that case. It's been 12 days exactly for all the other test results so I'm thinking Tuesday week. I'm not overly worried, all the other tests still say DCIS so it's probably is. Can't wait to get the drain out and have a proper shower. More waiting waiting waiting! Definitely developing patience!! Currently planted on the sofa watching the Devil Wears Prada, feeling relatively happy! X

Hi Rosie,

I'm glad that you have good weather today and were able to get out for a nice long walk with Senyta. My great aunt used to have 2 huskies which she showed at Crufts every year. They were beautiful dogs. I'm afraid that we have had pouring rain and heavy winds all day, so I haven't ventured over the door. Instead I have spent the day writing annual catch up letters to various family and friends to pop in with their Christmas cards. It's the only way we can keep up these days, as we're all scattered throughout the world.

If you are finding that your padding doesn't give you enough shape, M & S sell a soft foam breast shape which is nice and light. I find the silicone ones that you get on the NHS are very heavy to wear, although you may not find this with a 32D. You will be given a silicone prosthesis once your wounds have healed up. These are usually replaced every 2 years, although you probably won't need your next one when you get your reconstruction next year.

I'm sorry to hear about the lump that you've discovered in your other breast, but you are as well to get it checked out. You're quite right that worrying about it doesn't help at all, so I hope that the nurse has put your mind to rest.

I had the same experience with my other breast a couple of months after my lumpectomy. I went through all the tests including biopsy, only to find out that it was benign. Unfortunately, when I discovered another lump in the original breast a year later, it was malignant and led to the double mastectomy. How did you get on with your dressing change? Did you have a wee peek or are you leaving that a little longer?

I'm glad to hear that the elephant is slowly losing weight. Thinking about it, it is possibly due to the build up of fluid after surgery, which does lessen quite soon. With the double mastectomy, I had a lot of fluid build up which had to be aspirated a few times and, this probably kept the 'elephant' from my chest. It sounds as if your results are one of the casualties of Christmas, as these usually come through within the week. Even a week seems a long time when you're waiting, so I don't envy you having to wait so long.

You're doing well to be making the dinner yourself. I thought that you would have had the family in for a cooking lesson whilst you supervised.

Enjoy your dinner and let  someone else do the washing up.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi CCPT,

I'm glad to hear that you are at home now. Still in your PJs? - that's exactly what you should be doing. You'll probably find yourself developing square eyes over the next couple of weeks, but don't worry about it. You'll be back up and into things before you know it.

I hope that you don't have the same wait for results as poor Rosie.

You'll need to develop plenty of patience along this journey unfortunately.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi CazStu,

How are you getting on? Have you made any further decisions re treatment?
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Aww thank you so much for checking in.

I am in complete limbo! I've made the decision to go for a double mastectomy as symmetry and reducing anxiety is important for me. I've met the breast consultant of my choosing but he is fully booked until the first week of Jan. So, I'm waiting to meet his breast nurse; pysch assessment and a date. Just feel in limbo - like I've been given the diagnosis without an end game! In the meantime, I've started Tamoxifen and the hot sweats are already causing sleepless nights. Plus, my anxiety is through the roof! I've had loads of endo / womb problems and was about to have a hysterectomy so, now I feel that I'm riddled with cancer and that the breast cancer is just the start. I've got a GP appointment tomorrow so can hopefully get some reassurance then. I'm sure I'll feel better once I know the treatment plan and I'm longing to just have the surgery and find out if it's spread to the nodes. 

Thanks again for thinking of me xx

Hi,

It's a better day today! I went for a long walk yesterday followed by a run and it did me the world of good. My GP was lovely and reassuring and I also spoke to a breast nurse who was very kind and completely put me at ease. I have a date for surgery - 7th Jan. It's a bit later than I hoped but hey ho!

I've left messages about my hysterectomy but my gyny is ill and his secretary is in leave so I'm still none the wiser. I'd definitely like to go ahead with it but will have to wait and see. 

My GP told me that 11 patients from the surgery were diagnosed at the same time as me - all from routine mammograms. He's never known it before. Isn't that shocking?

How are you doing?

Xx

Hi [@Rosie80]‍ and [@CCPT]‍ 

I just thought I'd see how you are both doing and how the elephants are? Much smaller I Hope. It looks like I've got to improve my patience as my surgery has been pushed back until the 7th Jan which is probably around the time you both get your results. I've got everything crossed for you. 

I was so sorry to read about the new lump Rosie. Have you spoken to your breast nurse about it?

I'm now completly immersed in Christmas. I seem to be going OTT and just feel determined to keep everything special for my girls. It's a great distraction if a little overwhelming.

Keep in touch

Carolyn X

Hi Carolyn,

It's good to hear that today is a better day for you. It sounds as if your GP and breast care nurse were helpful in reassuring you. You'll be glad to have a date for your operation, even if it is further away than you wanted.

Do you have any idea how long your gynae is going to be off ill? Would it be worth being referred to another surgeon for your hysterectomy?

It doesn't surprise me that 11 patients from your surgery were diagnosed at the same time. Although I agree that the figures are shocking, we are informed via TV advertisments that 1 person in 2 has cancer. It's not until you are diagnosed yourself that you begin to realise the incidence of this disease.

I'm doing fine thanks. Still waiting for a brain scan, but I'll need to be patient.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx