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Breast Cancer diagnosed

Baillie
Online

Noticed my left nipple inverted, didn't worry too much but went to GP just in case. Now following,  mamogram and scan which both appeared to be clear I had a  needle biopsy and core biopsy, I was then called in to say I have Ductal cancer

 No further details were given, however, I have a MRI Friday. I have no idea what happens next regarding timelines. Can anyone advise next steps and if things are rushed or can surgery be fit in with a planned family holiday

I know this might sound bizarre, but I would really like to have my holiday before starting all the trauma , I am actually dreading all this, as probably like for most people I am in shock and bewildered as to why, how etc

  • Hello Baillie

    I'm sorry to hear that you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Naturally, you might have lots of questions at the moment. 

    It's good to know that you have an MRI booked for later this week, and hopefully, it will give the specialists all the additional information they need to be able to talk with you about treatment options when you see them next. 

    In terms of how quickly it may be suggested you start treatment, it's difficult for us to say. What I will say, though, is I know we have had ladies post here before who have been able to delay their treatment start by a few weeks for an important occasion, such as a holiday or wedding. If you were given details for a specialist cancer nurse, then I'd suggest giving them a call. They may be able to give you a straightforward answer now, but if not, then they can document your information for the Consultant so that you can discuss this at your next appointment. 

    In the meantime, I wonder if you might find it helpful to have a chat with one of our team of nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. If you'd like to talk with them, they're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch, Baillie and let us know how you get on. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi Baillie,

    I am so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.. I suspect that your consultant is waiting on the results of your MRI, before deciding what steps to take next. When are you due to go on holiday? As our moderator Jenn has said, it would be worth contacting your dedicated nurse to make the team aware that you have a holiday planned. She can then make your consultant aware of this too. I expect that you'll soon have another appointment to discuss the findings of the MRI with your consultant and ensure that you ca go away as planned. 

    You are likely to get more information about surgery and treatment options then too. By then the team will have decided whether you need chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Some people just need one of these treatments, while others may need 2, or a combination of all 3. Some people get chemo before surgery. This is usually if their lump is large and it uses the chemo first, as it can help to reduce the size before surgery. Others have it after surgery. The number of sessions of radiotherapy and chemo can vary depending on the findings of your tests. There are also different types of chemo. Hormone therapy is usually administered in tablet form and is usually taken for 5 or 10 years.

    A lumpectomy is the most common form of surgery, but sometimes a mastectomy may be needed. I have had 2 bouts of cancer within a year and have had a lumpectomy, followed by a double mastectomy. I can honestly say that both surgeries were much more straightforward than I'd imagined and I recovered well after them. That was all 16 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regartds,

    Jolamine xx

  • Online in reply to Jolamine

    Hi thanks for replying.  I did get in touch with my BCN and she has made a note of my holiday dates.   She also said she'll let me know ASAP about the MRI results 

    However, I also checked what on the results of the core biopsy and it is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, which I didnt pick up when we first spoke,  so I think that's slightly better news than I first thought.

  • Online in reply to Baillie

    We go on holiday for 7 days on 23rd July. So fingers crossed for now

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