Breast Cancer Mastectomy

Hello,

ive gone to post her many times over the last few weeks but it doesn't seem real.

I am 31 years old found a lump 13th Oct 

Went to GP told it was more than likely a cyst and routine ref to breast clinic.

3 weeks later I attended hospital

consultant sent me for ultra sound, then mammogram then biopsy. Called back in to tell me I will come back in 10 days.

attend appointment told it was Cancer and I will have MRI

MRI showed another 2 lumps

biopsies in them came back benign 

so I had a lumpectomy on 5th Jan where they removed a lymph node also.

had follow up appointment yesterday and told lymph node fine but that I have high risk tissue that could develop into tumours in the future so am having a mastectomy on my right breast. Reconstruction will be in included in that surgery also, using an implant.

Surgery is 1st week feb - no exact date yet.

I asked if there was any worry in my left where I had the other biopsy and if that tissue is anything to worry about and he said no.

I asked likelihood of Chemo and Radio he said we don't know yet, it's hormone positive so will be given tablets.

breast nurse spoke weeks back and told me on the phone my lump was what they call a grade 2 I asked the consultant yesterday what stage am I, he looked at the notes and I'm sure he said 1, it's so hard to hear with these masks plus my husband was nearly about to faint it was a lot to try to take in.

please can anyone talk to me about their similar experience.

the wait and not knowing is making me so nervous.

I really want to know if chemo will be offered, I am frightened it won't be as I have set myself up for having it with the thought that it will get rid of anything left behind.

is chemo something you can request even if it's not offered?? I'm so sorry if that's a silly question, I'm panicking and will do anything right now, I have 3 little girls.

also if I am allowed I would opt for my other breast to be shipped off too so I have less worry if that in the future. Is this something I could ask, I'm not bothered about the appearance I just want the risks gone.

any advice would be so much appreciated 

thank you so much for reading me post 

sending love to all those touched by C

  • Hi. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and so far, I've had chemo and and recently a mastectomy and lumpectomy. It should be radiotherapy next. I understand how hard the waiting is, it's not knowing the answers. But, your team will do what's best for you. I think I would say, take it one step at a time. I used to think too far ahead, and my consultant told me that I would just overwhelm myself by doing that. I think its worth asking about your other breast and finding out what the chances are of recurrence there. I asked my surgeon whether I should have a mastectomy on both sides but he said it wouldn't make much difference to one of them. So I just had a lumpectomy. I hope you get your surgery date soon and everything goes well 

  • Thank you for replying.

    I am totally burning myself out it's horrible. 
    my head is so busy.

    I want to ask for another appointment with my consultant or phone me breast care nurses but I panic so much when I start typing in the extension number in my phone and then I bottle it and hang up or if they don't answer it buts me in a lower mood.

     

    im so tired of being in pain 

     

    how are you feeling now?? 
     

    so you mind me asking your stage/grade

     

    its something else isn't it being diagnosed.

     

  • Hello,

    I just came across your post. I'm just waiting on biopsy results from my womb so I can't offer advice on breast cancer. I know the low feeling though. I would try calling your nurses again and maybe have a list of questions ready so you feel prepared for the call. They will be used to people calling. Sometimes it's so much to take things in that we don't know what to ask at the time.

    xxx

  • Thank you for your reply.

     

    I hope you get a good result. Please do keep my updated.

    it's always nice to enjoy good news with someone or if it goes the other way, to just be that extra person to listen to.

    I find talking to people that are not related to me easier than talking to family.

    family ask too many questions and sometimes annoy me.

    im trying to explain one thing to them and they send me off in another direction firing questions at me. 
    I understand family are worried but sometimes it can feel insensitive.

     

    I hate phoning nurses I always feel like a pain 

  • Oh I completely understand what you mean. 
     

    I had a breast lump 2 1/2 years ago. My mum actually walked up to me and tried to feel the lump without even saying anything, it completely freaked me out.

    when you talk to family and friends, they mean well and are often saying things like "you'll be fine etc" but I find myself screaming inside that they don't understand and at this minute they don't feel fine.

    i feel a pain when I talk to dr's too.

    I would ask the nurses if it's something specific to your treatment but there are some cancer telephone helplines where you could call for general information. I called one when my grandad had blood cancer and they were fantastic in guiding me with what questions to ask his consultant etc.

    ill keep in touch and let you know how I get on. Feel free to message me if you need someone to listen xxx

  • Awwww you have made me feel so much better

     

    thank you so much

     

  • I know, the worrying and stress can be so exhausting. I had to wait 1 month from being diagnosed till I finally got my full results and treatment plan. I don't know how I didn't have a breakdown! Do try and speak to your consultant or nurse again. They might be able to offer you reassurance. I'm doing ok now thanks, still a bit sore from surgery but I'm getting there slowly but surely lol. My cancer is grade 2, stage 3, invasive ductal carcinoma. And her2 and er positive. At one point my surgeon thought it had spread but thankfully it hadn't. 

  • Hi,

    I am sure you will go through chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. I'm also your age going through the same treatment. 

    But in my case they discovered calcification which can result back to lump and the only solution was to go for mastectomy. 

    It was difficult for me because I just got married and planing for babies. 

    I'm trying to use my healing time to do what I love most and achieve alot before welcoming my babies.

    I have seen alot of young ladies getting pregnant after chemotherapy treatment, im positive mine will come at the right time.

    Please be positive and prepare yourself for chemo.