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Inflammatory breast cancer

Giftwrappedkittycat
Offline

Hi all, 

I've just found this forum after an online search. In December I noticed my left breast was hard, the nipple enlarged and a small red mark appeared above the nipple. It didn't improve after a couple of weeks so I got an appointment with my GP who referred me to the breast clinic. I had that appointment yesterday and had a mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray, punch biopsy and another biopsy from the red mark. The doctor told me that the mammogram and scan showed suspicions of cancer and they would assess the biopsies and give me another appointment next week to tell me exactly what is going on and what treatment I need. The hospital phoned today telling me I also have to get a CT scan which will take place in a few days. I am guessing this is to assess whether the cancer has spread? Is this routine or do they think it has spread and they're trying to see how much and where? 
Is there anyone on here who has had a similar experience that would be willing to share and let me know what I can expect. At the moment I am in shock as are my family and friends and in my calmer moments in between the meltdowns, I'm trying to get info on exactly what I'm facing. Any info and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks. 

  • Hello Giftwrappedkittycat

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's understandably a difficult time for you and I think many of our members here will agree when I say that this period between diagnosis and getting your treatment plan can be particularly hard. At the moment there are still a lot of unanswered questions that you have and this often leaves people feeling more anxious. Hopefully your appointment next week will bring you some reassurance about the next steps. 

    It's not uncommon for people to have further tests such as a CT scan as part of the diagnosis process. It helps to give the team responsible for your care a fuller picture of what's going on and enables them to decide on the best treatment options for you. Try not to worry too much about the scan at this point. 

    We know that it can help to talk things through with someone and you might find it beneficial to have a chat with one of our nurses ahead of your next appointment. I'm sure they will be happy to offer you any advice and support that they can as well as help you think about questions that you might want to ask the Consultant when you see them. If you'd like to chat with our nurses they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thanks Jenn. I might phone the  number you gave me next week and chat things through before my appointment on Thursday. 

  • Offline in reply to Giftwrappedkittycat

    Hello,

    I am sorry too meet you here, have you been given a breast cancer nurse when you went to your appointment, it could also be an idea to ring her or the clinic if you wanted to ask any questions to them? They can offen look up your notes and give a clear reason why.

    i would often ring a few days after my meeting asi couldn't take it all in.

    Please stay to the light. Love Sarah 

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