The waiting game

I'm so glad I found this forum and now know that waiting for results is difficult for everyone at times I think I'm just a negative person but it seems the waiting game is tough.  I had duct ecstasia around 8 years ago with no reoccurrence.  I recently decided I would get the lump checked behind my left nipple but wasn't concerned as my nipple has been inverted for 8 years and I fully expected to be told it's duct blockage again.  Came as a shock to find that's not likely. .  3 biopsies on lump and one in Lymph node.  Words used like worried and highly suspicious during consultation.  To be honest I'm in shock that awful sick feeling in your tummy and another ten days till results appointment.  I asked some direct questions but obviously she wouldn't commit till results are in but in her experience I will be having treatment. Keeping as busy as I can but an emotional wreck right now. Relieved to hear this is the norm for most of you awaiting results. 

Parents
  • Hiya 

     

    I am new to the forum and I am so worried as well.

    I found a lump on my right breast a couple of days ago and i have an appointment with my gp next Thursday...the waiting game is the hardest ...I cannot stop crying and thinking the worst...it is really hard .

     

    I hope you get some great results .

  • You too it's a worrying  time for sure.  I feel exactly  the same.  My best day this week as so busy at work.  Distraction  seems to be the best thing right now. Hope your results are good too x

  • Hi Elvira114 

     

    Sorry for the late reply ...i think all the information started sinking in...

    So I have breast cancer ,at the moment stage 1 , waiting for the 2nd tumor the results for HER2..hopefully back in a week's time. 

    If it is also negative I will have no chemo and only  mastectomy, reconstruction and hormone therapy. If it comes positive then chemo first and then all the rest ...

    I feel scared but relived now that I know in a way what is happening.  The Dr said that hopefully I will finish with the operation before Christmas but not for definite yet..

    At least I will be able to sleep a bit better tonight ..I haven't had a good night sleep for weeks .

    How are you ? Have u heard anything or started treatment?  I am sos sorry if you mentioned it earlier but my brain was scrambled these last few weeks.

    Thank you so so much for thinking about me ,you are so kind .

    I know we will make it ! We are strong .

    I hope you have a lovely evening.  Please keep in touch .

    Sending love to you xxxx

  • Hello lovely ladies I had my results today my pet scan good but have some spread in armpit so treatment starts in a couple of weeks  and following chemo breast surgery and armpit surgery and lymph removal followed by radio and herceptin for rest of year.  This is by no means a walk in the park but the relief that it's not spread into organs or bones is immense.  It feels scary but do able and I too will sleep well tonight.  I feel full of hope and optimism.  I know that's easy said with the journey ahead but there's something about knowing everything that gives control back to your life.  Sending loads of love and positive vibes to you Elvira114 and V1234.  We can do this.  Please keep me updated.  Xxxxx

  • Hi Madgee, 

    So good to hear from you!!!

    I am so happy your PET scan came back good and has not spread into any other organs ! 

    I did feel a lot better , after all the sleepless nights and everyday crying, when the Dr actually  told me what the treatment plan will be . It feels like a weight is off my shoulders .

    Definitely a better sleep tonight Madgee and Elvira114

    Have a lovely night.

    Sending lots of love to both of you.  Keep strong and positive!

    Please keep in touch xxxx

     

     

  • I'm so so pleased your scan came back clear!! I also had some spread to the lymph nodes in my armpit (I think 3 are affected) but that happens quite often apparently. Never fun to hear but like you said, the best news is no spread! It felt like I already won half the battle when I heard, so I hope you also felt a bit better after!

    I completely agree with you that at least knowing all the facts relieves some of the anxiety, It think it allows you to go into fight mode. Now you know what you're dealing with, they have a plan. And yes it will be hard, but we can do this.

    Do you already know when you'll start chemo? They've given me the exact same treatment, and because I'm currently going through IVF I'm scheduled to start chemo on the 22nd. I also got told yesterday that the cyst they found was indeed a cyst, the CA125 levels in my blood were normal, so no change to treatment and we still go full steam ahead :)

    I hope both yourself and V1234 were able to sleep ok. Remember we got this ladies ♥

  • So pleased the Cyst is a Cyst another box ticked bless you.  I'm just back from the oncologist but no date yet.  He said if I haven't heard from cancer team in next 48 hours to call them.  He expects me to start within one to two weeks.  He explained that I will have two types of chemo first 3,called Fec then the next three will be a different chemo with herceptin. I have left with piles of paperwork to read but I'd much rather be reading homes and gardens lol. I'm also waiting for heart scan date and had to do bloods.  There's something comforting knowing you two are going through the same thing as I've felt quite alone at times.  We can do this let's get ready for the start and look forward to a years time when hopefully we can put it behind us.  Take care girls ️️

  • It looks like they're all over it and good to know you should be starting soon! I think they've told me the same regarding 2 types of chemo and herceptin, but I think so far they've only told me I'll be getting EC and not FEC (I wonder why... I might ask my oncologist next time!).

    What type of material have they given you to read? Do you know if you'll be given a port or PICC line to give chemo through? Sorry for all the questions, trying to prepare myself as much as possible for whats about to come :)

    And I know you know this, but just in case you need to hear this again. You are not alone and we will get through this. We're here when you need us!! 

  • Hi Elvira.  They haven't mentioned  pic line and there was a few questions  I forgot to ask tbh. He talked a lot about avoiding infections colds etc along with the dreaded covid but I have had covid and am double jabbed but to early for my booster.  The big thing I asked was if all goes as it should and no big hiccups at the end of all treatment  are they looking at me being in remission or cured and he said we are aiming for cured which is the goal we all need to be going for.  I am just back from wig fitting as want it all in place so have picked  a wig and also bought a couple of soft cotton pull on bandana type hats and she showed me how to dress the plain one with a scarf she was so lovely.  I wanted her to help me choose while I still had hair don't want that job when I haven't.  I'm not going for the cold cap to try and save my hair as its very fine and I don't think I would have had much success. Not sure what yr plans are but If you need a wig I'd look at that now. I should have start date in next 48 hours. Sending love to you it's a year just one year with the best care and best treatment, we've got this . 

  • Hi Madgee and Elvira114, 

     

    I hope you both are well .  

    I feel tired today ,I think it is all te stress all these weeks!!

    Tomorrow I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon about the masectomy and reconstruction.  I hope he will give me all the advice I need so I can make a decision.  I think I will go with using my own tissue but I know it is going to be painful!

    Are you both have any advice for me please? 

    So much information, I think my brain is going to explode ..

    I wish you both to have a lovely evening..rest well .

    Keep in touch please. 

    We got this

  • Bless you  not sure of yr age but I am 59 so reconstruction  not on my priority list but irrelevant  of age if your appearance  is very important I totally get it because it's very important to have some normality to look forward to and to be the You you want to be when it's all over.  Just research but go for what's right for you  hunn it's so important  you  get thru this and are comfortable with how you look st the end of it all.  Sorry I'm not much help hun x

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  • Bless you  not sure of yr age but I am 59 so reconstruction  not on my priority list but irrelevant  of age if your appearance  is very important I totally get it because it's very important to have some normality to look forward to and to be the You you want to be when it's all over.  Just research but go for what's right for you  hunn it's so important  you  get thru this and are comfortable with how you look st the end of it all.  Sorry I'm not much help hun x

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  • Hi Madgee, 

     

    I had no idea about the reconstruction but the Dr mentioned it during the discussion yesterday.  I am 45 years old . I  am not really sure what I will go for , I just want everything to finish and kill this horrible disease!

    I  hope u have a good night xxxx

  • Hi V1234, 

    I think it's completely normal to feel tired, the stress is exhausting! I hope you still managed to get some sleep?

    I've had a brief conversation with my surgeon, she will do the mastectomy and node clearance and if possible a reconstruction straight away. We haven't discussed it in detail yet as I need to get through chemo first, but in an ideal world, I would do it from my own tissue because for some reason it makes it feel more like 'me'. But if not possible, it's not the end of the world personally either. This is super personal though, you need to do whatever you feel comfortable with. Maybe discuss all the options with your surgeon and they might be able to advise you best :)

    But I agree on wanting evertyhing to finish and beat this things butt!! 

    Madgee I hope you have heard some more news on next steps and went to start treatment. Great shout on the wig shopping.. I've been contemplating on using a cold cap, but have had so much hair loss already from the stress (ironic isnt it) that I'm not sure if making myself more uncomfortable during chemo is worth it. Did you go to a special store? Not even sure where to start!

    Sending love to you both xxx

  • Hi Girls got my date start next Monday just want to crack on now.  Sadly couldn't squeeze my covid booster jab in. My wig lady was lovely and it's really quite nice but need my hairdresser to trim the fringe. I also bought some bandanna type hats and i plan to get a cheaper wig for walks in the winter in case it gets wet. I'm spending the weekend with my best pals at a cottage obviously  all being well they healthy  and all doing lateral flows think that will be great for my mental health and a fab distraction.  Hope you both coping  and ready to rid of this disease so you can move on and enjoy everything  once again.   It won't beat us.  Love to you both we got this xxxx

  • Your so much younger than me hun it might be the right thing for you to have a reconstruction  but you have time to consider your options.  I have spoken with a lovely lady who is coming to the end of this journey.   She chose to have reconstruction  and is about to have her other breast me to match.  I guess it's on howi mportant it is to each individual.   Who knows I may have a change of heart.  Stay positive  and take one day at a time.  Sending love x

  • Hi Madgee and Elvira114, 

     

    I hope you are both well. I was thinking about you both today.

    It has been not a very good day for me today,I was feeling a  bit  down .

    Feeling a bit better this evening when my husband and my daughter came back .

    Have a good night. Sending my love to you both. Stay strong and positive xxx

  • Tomorrow  will be better  hun. We are going to have some really rubbish days on this journey but there will be good days too as we adjust to this new way of life but remember  it's not forever.  Stay strong sending a huge hug. Sometimes  I feel a lot better after a good cry, don't bottle it up, taking is good. Take care  x

  • Hi ladies,

    Madgee- going away for the weekend sounds lovely! Taking your mind off of things and spending some quality time is such a good idea. How are you feeling about Monday? 
    I'd bought a wig over the weekend (just from Amazon for fun) and have decided that I am fully going to embrace the shave and just use bandanas and wigs. It's just hair right? And when else do I get to wear wigs like that? 
     

    v1234- it's ok to have bad days. We're not robots and emotions and anxiety is high when you have to deal with this. Don't be too hard on yourself, try to take it one day at a time and tomorrow is a new day <3  you got this, you're strong!

    Im starting to get a bit anxious about chemo coming up and side effects. Putting a brave face on, but I find it difficult waiting now for 2 weeks for it to start. I know it'll be hard so let's just get this over with! I'm also afraid that the cancer is slowly growing and spreading while I'm waiting for chemo to start, even though my oncologist has told me it won't go that fast. Anyone feels this? 90% if my day I'm my positive bubbly self, but the other 10% dark thoughts creep in.. 

    Thank you lovely ladies for being here, you have no idea how much it means xxx

  • Hi lovely I'm really nervous about Monday but gone from dreading it coming to wanting to get started.   The sooner I start the sooner I get rid of it.  Pleases yr embracing the Wig situation.   We get  a voucher towards a wig apparently  but haven't got mine yet.  I've already decided when it grows back, I had long her right now, I'm going very white blonde and funky and I'm getting some doc marten boots, I'm definitely  going to embrace the cropped look.  Today is  a good day for me but I've had some shockers and suspect there will be more along the journey but at the end of this long journey I think there will be a new and better me x

  • Hi lovely ladies,

     

    Madgee I really love the idea of the new look. Elvira114 I totally understand the fear of chemo starting and thinking if the cancer is growing inside you !!!

    I am the same !! I know ,my Dr was saying the same ..it is slow growing but I just wanted out.....sometime si want to scream !!!

    It is a better day today ,thank God it is a bit sunnier this morning in Glasgow...that definitely helps.

    I am waiting now for my "" fish request" no idea what this was but after googling it ,I know now . The waiting game is torture !!

    I am trying to be more positive today  I know everything will be OK, for all of us

    Thank you so much for keeping in touch , it helps so so  much .

    I am sending  positive energy and hugs to you both xxxxx

  • Hello lovely ladies,

    Im also loving the idea of a new look!! I'm really enjoying the wig shopping so I think I might embrace this too. 
    I know exactly how you feel with the anxiety on chemo, but simultaneously wanting it to start. I've heard that the nurses are incredible in helping managing side effects. So we'll be in great hands! 
     

    I'm glad you had a better day V1234, and like you said we will all be ok. We got this!! Cancer might be strong but we are stronger <3 

    Please do explain what a fish request is? I haven't heard of that term yet. 
     

    Sending hugs xxx