Hi Kitty,

When are you due to have your procedure? I sincerely hope that it all goes well for you.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

I have my surgery on 15th January. I have the injection in my arm pit same day, the morning before. I'm worried about that. X

Hi MummyMartin,

Do you mind me asking why you may be having chemo as well? Sorry, I'm really sad & I've made notes on everyone that's been diagnosed around the same time as me lol. Helps to remember who's who etc.

Lisa x

No you’re welcome. I was initially told radiotherapy (18 week wait) and medication for 5 years-assume hormone? When I went first my 2 week check up after surgery I was told they are sending sample to California for Oncotype DX test which might suggest I could benefit from chemo. Wasn’t prepared for that so another long wait for results. If yes I will have that before radiotherapy. Each persons treatment is so different. I’m back at work next week but driving is uncomfortable as seatbelt goes across breast. 

Gosh, thats tough about the chemo. But did you say that you'd been already told before that is was a possibility? Was that before you're lumpectomy? 

I'm taking a full 6 wks off because I have a very physical job & I'm left handed (it's my left breast & armpit). I'll probably try to ease myself back in slowly. Fortunately I walk everywhere for my work so no issue with the seat belt but I'll probably be knackered!

I was not told about chemo at any point before surgery. I am 3 weeks post surgery and still tired. I don’t sleep well as I’m having to adjust how I sleep to compensate for tenderness. I have a heart shaped cushion I bought which has been invaluable to give space between arm and breast. 

Ah ok, I'm sorry. Yes I can imagine if chemo was mentioned that would be a whole new thing to get your head around. 

I've been given a couple of heart cushions too so good to hear how useful they are.

I’m happy to keep in touch with personal message if you like? Whereabouts are you from? Up North or South England? 

Yes, ok, that's good. I'm up North in Northumberland. Where abouts are you?

South England near Brighton 

Hi Lisa

Both on the 15th January- that's actually a comfort.

I had my tracer done just before Christmas. It was similar to the biopsy really. 

I'm having the blue dye the morning before my surgery and I'm dreading it.

My tumour is a Grade 2. It's progesterone, estrogen and HER2 receptive so I'll have chemo and radiotherapy afterwards. 

How are you feeling about all this Lisa??

xxx

Hi Kitty,

I think to know you have to have chemo must be a lot harder to deal with. To be completely honest, I'm absolutely fine about it all, but at the moment only radiotherapy & tablets have been mentioned. Of course I will be anxious about the results after the op, to know if my lymph nodes are clear.

My mum had breast cancer twice during her life & went through it all with no complaints. The way I see it is to just focus on the here & now. Let's not worry about what we don't know. I know right now I feel perfectly fine & well, I don't feel ill. There may come a time when I get bad news but there may not & I'm not going to spend time now worrying about something that might not happen.

I'm sorry you're dreading it so much. What is it that you're most anxious about? The whole day? 

We've got this! We can hold each others hand thru it xx

Hi Kitty,

I think to know you have to have chemo must be a lot harder to deal with. To be completely honest, I'm absolutely fine about it all, but at the moment only radiotherapy & tablets have been mentioned. Of course I will be anxious about the results after the op, to know if my lymph nodes are clear.

My mum had breast cancer twice during her life & went through it all with no complaints. The way I see it is to just focus on the here & now. Let's not worry about what we don't know. I know right now I feel perfectly fine & well, I don't feel ill. There may come a time when I get bad news but there may not & I'm not going to spend time now worrying about something that might not happen.

I'm sorry you're dreading it so much. What is it that you're most anxious about? The whole day? 

We've got this! We can hold each others hand thru it xx

Thanks Lisa, and you're absolutely right, and I'm doing really well with not worrying! Once I'm doing normal stuff, housework etc or playing with my grandkids, I'm fine.

At night, I can't sleep and I start thinking!!! And there's nothing worse than thinking, is there??

I'm worried most about the injection of the blue dye because I've read that it's very painful and I don't do well with pain. My bp drops and I pass-out. 

I know I sound like a big baby but . . . Well I think I am!!!

I'm glad you're ok and feeling well. 

Xxxx

Hi Kitty I didn’t find the blue dye any worse than the biopsy. If you managed the biopsy you CAN do this too

To be honest my consultant did say that is painful, but apparently it only lasts a few seconds so please don't spend time worrying about it. I hate injections at the dentist & if I can cope with those (I really don't like them) then this is ok. 

Xx

Yeah . . . I'm expecting the worst, then anything else is a bonus

Don't they give you a local anaesthetic???

The locals for the biopsy and the Tracer were completely ok!!!

I'm just gonna have to pull up my big girl pants and remember- I have cancer and the doc is saving my life!!! 

The injections at the dentist are awful aren't they??? 

Xxxx

No apparently no anaesthetic for this one, known as an isotope injection I believe. 

You're the day after me aren't you, on the 3rd. It's hard trying to keep track of everyone's different things, I've actually made notes haha 

Xx

Oh no, getting in a muddle already. Should have checked my notes! Your op is 15th same as me xx

Hi MummyMartin

Thanks, i coped with the biopsy and the tracer procedure but I had a local anaesthetic first!!

I think I'm getting my knickers in a twist and I need to stop!!!

It's when I'm on my own or awake at night!!!! I start thinking . .  No good comes of thinking at all!!!!

Yeah I'm quite positive about it all. I've 2 grandaughters aged 4 and 6. I plan to be around for a long time yet. Many memories to be made and fun to be had!!!

I know I'm having chemo, radiotherapy and hormone treatment too - I'm a progesterone, estrogen and HER2 patient. 

Wishing you well - keep strong an focused!!!!

Xx

That's OK, yeah, we're both on the 15th. No time at all really, which is good. 

Get it over and done with. 

I wonder why you can't have a local first???

I'll just pass out - I have history!!

Xxx

They may put a numbing gel on first I guess, if you tell them that.