Hi Pearl,

Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your latest diagnosis. Have you been told how long your pathology results are likely to take?

You were fortunate to get all your tests and surgery out of the way so quickly - we are certainly fortunate to have the NHS.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and am due to have further investigation next week. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. We are always here for you.

Do please let us know how you get on.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your reply Jolamine, 

I am due to receive my pathology results in the next 2 weeks due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

Pearl xx

Hi Pearl,

Here's hoping for good news. How are you coping after your mastectomy?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

I think I've been coping well since my mastectomy but, since Monday, I have had a swelling under my arm and along the wound is as tight as a drum, its also very painful. I called the breast nurse yesterday and, unless it gets any worse, I have been given an appointment for tomorrow morning to get it checked out as she thinks I have a seroma. When the pain hits I resemble someone with tourettes who has just been tazered! Funny the first couple of times but not any longer. 

Hi Pearl,

I'm sorry to hear about this, but glad to hear that you've been in contact with the breast care nurse. I had a double mastectomy second time around and had to have my breasts drained a few times to reduce the swelling. It should feel much easier once they drain it for you.

Please let me know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Welshie,

I'm so sorry to hear about your results. If it's of any consolation, I have had both a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy. Although the mastectomy was tender for a little longer, I had less bother from this than I had from the lumpctomy. Most of us find waiting for and getting results one of the hardest parts of our cancer journey, so it's no wonder that you're developing a phobia already.

I suppose that we should be thankful that the pathology tests pick up things like this and that you don't carry on believing that your lumpectomy has worked until worse develops.

Hold on to your positivity. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on on 15th. I hope that your surgery is more successful this time. We are always here for you.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

Sorry it's taken so long to reply, I've just had a rubbish few days and wasn't in the right frame of mind to talk. I had my seroma drained and it definitely felt so much better afterwards but I was made to feel like I had bothered the hospital about something unimportant as there was only 150ml fluid removed. Everyone kept on about how there was ONLY a small amount removed but there was no concern for me, how painful it was, or my feelings. I've also still not had the pathology results yet due to the holiday period so feel like I'm in limbo right now. I just wish I could get on top of the pain in my armpit, shoulder and down my arm, maybe then I'd cope better with the swelling (again).

Pearl

Hi Pearl,

Don't worry about having a few 'down days' - we all have them. I am glad to hear that you had your seroma drained and, that it felt so much better afterwards, even if they only removed a little fluid. What are you taking for the pain and have you asked for anything stronger? The pain should begin to reduce as the swelling subsides.

Have you had your pathology results back yet? I hope that you don't have much longer to wait.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

I have been taking Co codamol for the pain but it wasn't helping, the swelling was so bad it was leaking from the end of my scar so I called again and was seen this afternoon. The consultant couldn't believe the amount of swelling since I saw him last week and he drained another 500mls from it, I actually look like I've had a breast removed now and it feels so much better. Still waiting on pathology results, have an appointment for Wednesday so they should have them by then.

Hope you are keeping well xx

Pearl