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 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 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 

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

Hi Mejules,

It's so good to hear from you and, good to hear that you are coping better than you did with your last chemo. Would you consider asking your care team or GP for a sleeping tablet to get you through this stage?There is no point in getting tireder and tireder because you cannot sleep.

Surely an MRI would still show how well your chemo has worked? Your emotions will hopefully settle down once you stop taking your steroids. I was an absolute mess emotionally when I started taking Tamoxifen and then Letrozole. I stopped taking Letroxole 2 years ago and have felt so much better since.

It is normal to get pain in the scar area for quite some time after surgery. I am so glad to hear that your children have been so supportive throughout all of this. Your son's outburst was just par for the course. Cancer doesn't just affect the person with it, but all of their family too. I'm sure that many family members need a release valve at times. Good on your son for doing so well in his GCSE'S. It can't have been easy for him, when he was dealing with your news at the same time. Hopefully, this reaction was just the 'trigger' you mention.

Only another 6 weeks to go and, I'm sure that you can hardly wait to put this all behind you. You are a true 'warrior' yourself having come through all this and I do hope that you manage to see it all through. 

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Ladies , 

I had mammogram and ultrasound last Friday . Didn’t get to see the doctor but asked the girl doing the ultrasound could she give me some results. She said my lymph nodes weren’t enlarged anymore. Nothing was said about the mammogram. So rang the breast nurse today and she told me I had response to chemo today in the breast and lymph nodes .  She didn’t elaborate on what type of response but I’m taking that as good results . 

Im meeting with breast surgeon tomorrow to discuss surgery. Another sleepless night for me but trying to be as positive as I can . 

Thanks all for listening. I feel like I’m back to the beginning all over again, I’ve pains in my shoulders I know this could be due to stress but very emotional today . 

Sorry again for long post .

take care everyone 

j xx

Hi

What fantastic news, hopefully you will get more details tomorrow on how big the response has been.  It’s hard to believe isn’t it, i was the same when I was told that mine had shrunk.

I also developed pains as well, I’m convinced it’s in my other boob, I guess that’s just natural and will probably be with us forever now, wondering if every ache and pain is cancer.

Hope the session with the surgeon goes well, I’ve got my third meeting with a surgeon on Friday, I’ve been referred to the plastic surgeons as my preferred option is the DIEP, however my surgeon doesn’t think the plastic surgeon will do it as I will need radiotherapy afterwards.  If he won’t then I will opt for the LD flap. I’m interested to hear what options you have and your thoughts after you’ve met with your surgeon. 

Will be thinking of you. 

WL

Hi BigJean,

This must be a great relief to hear that, after all that you have had to put up with, you have made some progress. I'm delighted to hear this.

I hope that all goes well tomorrow when you meet up with your surgeon to discuss surgery.I know that it is difficult to stay positive all the time, but the more positve you can be the better the treatment tends to be.

We all tend to find extra aches and pains at this time. Hopefully, this is all due to stress. Sorry to hear that you have had an emotional day today. Isn't that strange, when for a change, you've got some good news to celebrate? Not to worry, we all have good and bad days.

Fingers crossed for more good news tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Ladies , 

Well met the surgeon yesterday he’s very happy with my response to chemo . 

He told me I will be having a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed with no reconstruction for the time being . He said I will probably have lymphodema which he told me is very common. 

The surgery is scheduled for 2 weeks, I’m ok with loosing the breast I think the thought of being put to sleep is freaking me out a bit . 

I hope all is well with you ladies . 

Take care 

j xx

Hi

I am really chuffed that you have had a good response to chemo. I find it interesting how different surgeons are happy to take different approaches, mine is happy to do recon straight away, even though I need radiotherapy and lymph node removal,  I was originally told I would have to wait. 

When did you have your last chemo session?

I have the same fear of being put to sleep, I've not met anyone who doesn't worry about it. Just think in two weeks the next phase will be done. You are completely nailing it.

x
 

Hi WL,

Good to heat you are doing well too . It is strange how different surgeons opt for different things . He did say something about my BC being quite invasive can’t fully remember what else . He said in time he would reduce the other one . They aren’t small I’m a 34 E !!! I didn’t question him about not doing reconstruction! 

I too will be having radiotherapy afterwards . My last chemo was 20th September. 

Have you got a date for surgery yet ??  Only good thing is it will be done before Christmas will be really looking forward to that . 

Take care 

j xx