I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this, I am 27 found a lump last week and have been referred to breast clinic on Thursday. I am petrified and I still have a chance of being lucky. I have found myself analysing every inch of my body to the point that I’m convinced I’ve just found a dodgy mole above my hip in the same side as the breast with lump, so now my head is being all stupid. 

I hope you’re appointment went well today and it was some positive news. Thoughts with you xxx

Hi Kmj,

Welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your lump, but glad to hear that you have been referred to the breast clinic and, that you are due there on Thursday.

Don’t forget to let your GP look at your mole, as this will need to be referred to a dermatologist if anything suspicious is noticed. It can take longer to get an appointment with a dermatologist, so the sooner you see your GP, the sooner you’ll be seen by one.

I do hope that all goes well on Thursday, but please don’t expect to get a definite diagnosis straight away. You will possibly have tests done to see if your lump is malignant or benign. The results of these tests then take 1-2 weeks to come back to the clinic, so you are likely to have an anxious wait for that time.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi everyone, hope all is well.  

Well 5 down and 1 to go. In 3 weeks time I will have finished chemo....yippee.

oncologist couldn’t find my lump today so I’ve been referred for an MRI to check the size and whereabouts of it.  So I’m taking that as a positive, even though I hate MRI’s. 

Not looking forward to the side effects over the next week or so bit just need to get on with it.  Starting to think about doing something to mark the end of the chemo before I have my op. Maybe a hot air balloon ride as a family, it’s on my bucket list of things to do and the weather might be good enough for one in September.

speak soon

WL

Hi Wollylamb,

I'm glad to hear that you've got no 5 behind you and hopefully, without any nasty side-effects this time. How fantastic that your oncologist couldn't find your lump today, so here's hoping that your MRI doesn't find it either. I don't like MRI's myself but it'll be worth having one if it confirms your oncologist's findings.

A hot air balloon ride as a family sounds like a fantastic way of celebrating the end of your chemo, or would be if we can ever get this rain to stop.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

That’s great takes the stress of you I’m getting my tumour removed on 3rd September 2 biopsy thank god right breast was just scarring from operation 9 years ago I had breast cancer then now. I have it in the left the mammogram section said one swollen lymph node but I got ultra scan 2 weeks ago no cancer under arm thank god still *** myself hate getting knocked out  I have had this tumour since 1 st week in June was pea size when I found it surgeon felt it 2 weeks ago just over the inch he said 3/4 weeks  be glad although I will ask to get more sedated this time I wish you well a hot air balloon lol no use for me terrified at heights but I like your spirit I’m glad like myself keeping positive good luck my friend hope you get best results you can get good luck x

So a few ups and downs since my last message.  The downs....I ended up being admitted again after my 5th cycle due to a temp spike again, and it was over the gorgeous bank holiday weekend! I have a feeling that this will happen again for my 6th cycle next week.

Had my MRI, I cried as they asked me to take my wig off which I wasn’t prepared for, sounds ridiculous but I had worked myself up so much that it just came out.

Not had the results of the MRI yesterday but met my surgeon today, he did and ultrasound and couldn’t find the tumour, and said I had responded brilliantly to the chemo, so much so that if the MRI confirms this then I have a choice between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, and I can have immediate reconstruction which was never an option before.  This was just the boost I needed before I head into next week.

Hope everyone is ok, would be good to hear how you are getting on.

WL

Hi Woolylamb,

I am so sorry to hear that session 5 caused you to end up back in hospital. What a pity that you didn't even get out for that lovely weather. Here's hoping that session 6 is less dramatic.

 Have you got your MRI results yet and what have they shown? It will be really great if it coincides with the findings of your ultrasound.

To be able to choose between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy is more than you expected, so it must be even better to hear that you can have your reconstruction done at the same time, if you need one. Of course, if you have a lumpectomy, you may not even need reconstruction.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that your MRI results concur with your ultrasound ones.

I am on holiday at present with limited wi-fi access, but am thinking of you and hoping for more good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi woollylamb big jean jolamine and all 

sorry not posted for a while . Have struggled with chemo on the low days. Didn’t want to drag anyone down with me especially if you are on good days x had my fourth chemo yday. They thought I had a clot in my arm as I’m getting a random skin rash where I thought I’d been bitten a few weeks ago but it keeps coming back and spreading up the arm. They weren’t concerned about rash but just by my join on the elbow I was quite tender so they wanted me checked out. So after having. Blood test which came back positive then luckily the sister at the ward pulled some strings to get me fast tracked for a scan on the arm I was given the all clear. Had been in for chemo at 930 got it started at 230 but it’s done and that’s the main thing. Slept and today it’s just the normAl sicky and tired feeling x I can’t believe how sick I feel but still have an appetite . I have put on so much weight I dread to think what I will end up being. I’m worried re money as my wage wil half this month how I pay the bills, two children birthdays coming up and the other dreaded x word Christmas! X counting the days til the good days return on this cycle then they change the chemo and then it’s every two weeks not thre. Dreading it as I guess just as I’m feeling ok I’m back in for next cycle but I’m looking at it that it will be over quicker x hope you are all sending my love to each and every one of you amazing inspirational women/men xx 

Hi Mejules,

I am sorry to hear that you have been having such a hard time with chemo. Have you mentioned how sick you feel to your care team?  There are a number of different medicaments that can be prescribed for this. If one doesn't work for you, it's always a good idea to try another.

Finance can be a big consideration for many cancer patients. There are some benefits available, and not all of them are means tested. Most hospitals have a Macmillan advice centre within them. They can help you to decide what to apply for. If they don't have a presence in the hospital, you can phone them and arrange to meet up.

I also found the.local Citizen's Advice Bureau very helpful. I do hope that you get some help from one of these sources, as you could certainly do without money worries on top of all that you're going through.

I am glad to hear that your arm scan didn't show up anything untoward. Here's hoping that all this chemo will be worth it in the long run.

Thinking of you and hope that you get some of the better days back soon.

Kind regards, 

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

No MRI results yet, I’m seeing the oncology nurse before my chemo tomorrow so she may have them.

How is your son?

WL

hi Mejules

It’s good to hear from you, I have been thinking about you over the last few weeks and how you are getting on. 

Sorry to hear you are having such a pants time with your chemo. Please don’t feel that you would be dragging us down, we are here to listen, even if you just want to have a rant and a moan.  It’s ok to feel low, I do sometimes as well. I’ve got my last chemo tomorrow and I’m dreading it as I’m worried I might end up in hospital again....

Sending you a big hug.

wl

hi

Hope everyone is doing well. I’m just starting to feel ok after my last round. I’m pleased itsnover as I was starting to struggle with it. 

Got my MRI results, they can’t find any evidence of cancer in the breast. And my nodes have reduced. I’m so delighted with the results it’s difficult to believe it’s real.

so surgeon again this wed coming to agree surgery options and get a date booked in.

ive been a bit low the last couple of days which I guess is understandable, feel like my life has been put on hold and I would like it back so I am going to start taking it back now I’m through the worst bit.

wouls be great to hear how you all are.

x

hi I had my breast tumour removed on the 3rd of September also 5 lymph nodes it was my second tumour had aggressive in right breast it was 2 cm got chemo all m6 hair fell out still it grew back I have the surgeon this wed afternoon find out what my results is might need chemo this time it’s an invasive tumour but he said everyone gets radio therapy that’s for the breast  please remain positive I know it’s hard but you have had good news up to now I’m lorraine  I sometimes say why me had 4 leg ulcers too this last 9 years and 2 breast cancer tumours what gets me through it I think some people need to have there breast off etc keep in touch I hope you get good news on wed I see surgeon then too x

Hi Woolylamb,

It must be great to have your chemo behind you and, to have had such a good result with it. I hope that all goes well on Wednesday, as you discuss your surgery options.

Feeling low is part of all you've been going through, but you can start taking back control now. I see each day as a bonus and welcome each dawn as a challenge.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Lorraine,

I'm glad to hear that your surgery is behind you now. I hope that you get good news on Wednesday. I too have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. first time I had a lumpectomy, but a year later, I had a double mastectomy. Unfortunately, due to previous non-cancer-related surgeries, I couldn't have reconstruction, but losing both my breasts was a small price to pay for my life.

It is all too easy to sink into "why me?" mode, but it does nobody any good. I see each day as a bonus and welcome each dawn as a challenge.

Hopefully, you'll soon be able to do this again too.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Everyone,

sorry I haven’t posted in a while but have been struggling the last couple of weeks.very emyand constantly worrying and thinking the worst . 

I finally finished chemo yesterday 4 AC and 23 Taxol and Herceptin. He’s keeping me on Herceptin for a year but it’s only every 3 weeks . Have yet to meet with surgeon to discuss and have yet to be re scanned . 

Woolylamb great to hear you too are finished chemo and that your scans came back clear . One hurdle down you are doing fantastic. 

Jolamine hope you are keeping well and hope your son is on the road to recovery. 

Mejules hope you are keeping well too , and everyone else . 

I’m very thankful to have to all here as we support each other. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. 

J xx

Hi BigJean,

I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles with chemo. I'm sure that you're relieved to just be down to the Herceptin now.

Have you got a date to see your surgeon to discuss the effectiveness of the chemo yet? I hope that you find that it's been helpful.

I'm doing ok thanks. My son is gradually improving now and will be starting 3 weeks of intensive rehabilitation at the end of this month.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

[@Jolamine]‍ [@Woollylamb]‍ [@BigJean]‍  [@Lorz]‍ 

hi all

sorry not been on here for a while. Had number five on Friday the first of my new chemo - pretaxillian or something like that. Sorry I’m not one for remembering what I’m on. My memory isn’t is the best at the mo. Was dreading it but think the double dose of steroids I on is getting me through it ok albeit not sleeping well. Lucky if I’m getting four hours but feel so tired but just can’t slerp. Abit of a dodgy belly and acid but not as sick as with my other chemo. Three more rounds every two weeks then I’m done with chemo. I did ask oncologist how does it know it’s working but because I had mastectomy and node removal there is no way to tell. He just said if you are not back here within five years with recurrence then we know it’s worked but without doing chemo etc the chances are Id e back. I’ll do anything to try not to be back. The only downside to these steroids are I’m becoming abit of a psycho - blowing up over slightest thing did anyone else get like that? 

When I saw oncologist I had a meltdown re thy scar had dimpled but he examined me and said it was normal. I said when I had scan for blood clot on arm and chest it bought back the scan on my boob and I’m now paranoid it’s my healthy boob. I just wish I’d been offered to have that one taken off too but bless oncologist he checked me thoroughly and reassured nothing was there but reiterated that I cannot be scared of examining myself and to check regularly and if any worries to ring and they will see me straightaway but he said it’s normal to think/feel like that. I do get quite abit if pain where my scar is but he said I’m still healing inside from the operation.

see you don’t hear from me for ages then I can’t stop rambling. I blame the steroids for this too .  My children have been great through this although my middle one lost his temper on the football pitch yday because someone said s*cj your mom! It was a far-away team so they know nothing About me and it was just a boyish comment but my lad lost his head. He has done so well since my diagnosis and excelled his and schools exoectations with his GCSEs And has shown no sign of struggling but I guess sometimes the slightest thing can trigger a reaction. 

Woollylsmn and bigjean I’m so glad to hear you have finished chemo . You truly are amazing ladies and jolamine I have no words to describe what a super trooper strong inspirational lady you are. I wish your son the best speedy recovery and I hope he is keeping well mentally too xx lorz I hope you are remaining positive and let us know how you get on x

if you are still awake reading all this then I applaud you take care my amazing warriors and speak soon xx 

so sorry to hear that  jolamine a double mastectomy  is what I was going to get if 8 had been carrying the gene but it came back negative I have had a lot of trouble with the left breast another operation on Tuesday here. I have terrible low blood pressure and my heart beat drops touch wood nochest pain last time the nurses were taking my pulse every hour got no sleep on Tuesday thank god by wed lunch time went back up the anestic lowers it as well I was looking at a video clear margins breast tissue cancer the USA have a white device it scans the skin called a prod so when tumour is removed they scan the tissue there and then if it’s still cancer they remove the skin there and then the uk is so behind  I listened as a lady surgeon explained no clear margin the patient has to have further surgery what is getting to me I saw him on Wednesday my surgeon he said it’s still better than losing the breast then said you may require 2 more operations did not cry but I did when I got home they are good they sedated me down there inject you to relax you the mask too takes your mind off it I suppose everyone be the same Mooney likes operations lol  my right breast was straight forward. 2 cm tumour removed 4 lymph nodes and chemo was fine for 9/12 years then I found tiny lump on left breast pea sized but over an inch after biopsy’s the right breast was scar tissue at first they thought I had tissue cancer there but no you have been through worse than me god bless you I know what you mean each day is a bonus xx

hi jean do they put a sickness injection through your line ? I had terrible sickness 9 years ago I got sickness pills too which helped me a lot ask them I’m waiting for another operation on Tuesday here had tumour removed lymph nodes removed but the surgeon explained not a clear margin I still have breast tissue cancer I watched a video clear margins on you tube in the USA they have a white device called a prod it scans the tissue there and then if it’s not good they remove it then too which prevents the patient going back for more surgery I have terrible low blood pressure probably get put on bags of water again ask your surgeon or doctor for sickness pills jean hope this helps you best regards Lorraine x