Recently diagnosed with breast cancer

Hi everyone , I’m 44 recently diagnosed with Breast cancer DCIS and also hormone positive . Its in my lymph nodes aswell . Had CT , Bone Scan and MRI . I’m back on Tuesday to find out results . I’m freaked out having pain in the middle of my back and kept thinking it’s spread . Everyone says it’s stress . I’m fairly healthy never smoked . Just wondering has anyone any advice please . Xx

Parents
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    Hi BigJean,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason you've joined. I hope that your results on Tuesday can help to put your mind at rest. Even if the news is not so good, it helps to know what the next moves are and puts a more positive slant on things.

    I suspect that the pain in your back is consequential to your diagnosis. We always seem to think the worst and develop all sorts of additional symptoms. In most cases this seems to be due to stress.

    I have lost my mum to breast cancer and, have had 2 bouts myself within the past 9 years. Waiting for results is always one of the most stressful times of a cancer journey. Try to keep yourself distracted by other pursuits and do your best to stay away from Google. The fact that you are healthy and have never smoked, should stand you in good stead with any treatment needed.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hi Jolamine ,

    thank you for your kind words . I’m so sorry you lost your mum and you going through it twice . I am not going to let it get me down just back from a big walk with my family and I feel great . That’s the weird thing I don’t feel sick at all . 

    I’ll let you know how I get on on Tuesday but I am ready to fight 

    talk soon xx

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    Hi Lorraine,

    What type of trolley was your mum using? We were provided with one with two shelves, which are raised at the edges to prevent spillage. It is on wheels, but it has brakes on the handles so that it doesn't run away. This was given to us by the OT. It is certainly worth asking your OT, as there are other trollies which might be more suitable.

    I'm glad to hear that the nurse put in new stitches where your others had burst. Here's hoping that this is a lesson learned - no lifting means exactly that!

    What a lot your poor mum has had to go through in the past year. You will probably find that her conversation tends to be repeated more frequently with the passage of time. It is such a cruel condition. I live in a bungalow too and am at the top of a steep hill, but I can still manage to use my scooter. With your legs giving you so much bother, it might be a good idea for you to try a scooter out at the same time as your mum?

    Have you any idea how long the waiting time is for a new house? If you have been in your present bungalow for long and are happy there, it won't be easy to move, but it may be for the best in the long run.

    Your new doors sound great. All of my doors are white and,  I know exactly what you mean about the painting.

    I'm glad to hear that your leg is closed, even if not good enough for a compression stocking yet. You'll just need to be very careful not to knock it against anything, in order to give it a chance to heal completely. I hope that you hear from your surgeon's secretary by the end of this week and that you get your results soon now.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi 

    so my surgery went ahead as planned, i was I. Theatre for 10 hours! Recovery is going ok so far , got a temp and they don't know why and my right arm is sore where they took lymph nodes from. I was sat in a chair yesterday, they want me to do a bit of walking today. 
     

    Wishing you well for tomorrow [@BigJean]‍ 

     

    wl

  • hi jolamine. Sorry not been on mum was ill been busy doing her shopping cleaning the house etc I will be asking her ot if they have better trolleys ty I saw my surgeon yesterday I was it sleeping too well the thought of another operation terrified me with my low blood pressure etc but I knew it was good news no doctor or nurse with him smiled how are you said still a bit tender etc but fine good news no more cancer tissue you now have clear margins what a relief he said you will need chemotherapy I knew that jolamine  with the tissue being affected told him my hair fell out before but it grew back smiled also said you don't take periods now no 12 years ago I stopped spoke about I will get injections to prevent bone cancer like a flue jag I'm thinking don't know will ask my nurse Linda did not want to ask too much questions I knew he was busy radiotherapy is a must too then he sent a nurse she offered me leaflets said I did not really need them she said if you don't get a letter or call in 4 weeks phone back up here agreed she was really nice and my leg ulcer has healed too so it won't interfere with chemotherapy I kept compressing leg as it was still leaking clear fluid but now had off compression for 2 weeks dermatologist has kept me on antibiotics to make sure cellulites stays out my leg how are you my friend ? Ty for replying asking me your a kind person xx

  • Hi WL , 

    omg 10 hours that’s a long time . I hope you aren’t in too much pain . I’m so glad it’s all over for you . Onwards and upwards that’s another hurdle done . I’m very nervous about tomorrow not sleeping great but I just keep telling myself this time next week it will be all over . 

    Thanks so much for letting us know how you got on . Sending you hugs ️ ️

    J xxxx

  • Hey

    I know it's nerve wrecking, I didn't sleep well before my op, but you are in good hands. I think I feel a sense of relief that the little blighter isn't here any more, as well as the pain.

    All those months ago I would never had thought we would be here. 

    I will be thinking of you tomorrow. X

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    Hi Woolylamb,

    I am delighted to hear that you have at long last got your surgery behind you. You don't get to rest up for long, but this makes it easier for you in the long run.

    I found that I was sore underarm for a while after surgery. They only removed 6 lymph nodes and all were clear. I found driving over speed humps was very uncomfortable for a few months.

    I am sorry to hear about your temperature and hope that there is no sign of infection.

    Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

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    Hi BigJean,

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and hope that it all goes well. I expect that you'll be relieved to have your surgery over and done with after all this time.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Lorraine,

    It must be so difficult caring for your mum when you are going through all this. You must have been so relieved to hear that you have clear margins this time. I am sure that going through chemo and radiotherapy will be another challenge, but you can do it.

    I am glad to hear that your leg ulcer has healed, but that your dermatologist has kept you on antibiotics to keep cellulitis at bay. You will be glad that you no longer have any discharge from your leg and that there will now be no further hold up with chemo.

    Do please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. Always here for you.

    I saw a neurologist on Saturday, as I have had some strange turns recently. I have also experienced a strange effect from the left side of my head, down my neck, shoulder and, into the arm to above the elbow. He has referred me for a brain scan, but I'll have to wait for about 6 weeks to get it. Otherwise, I'm fine thanks.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Lorraine,

    Could you please resend your friend request? My computer is playing up and I seem to have lost your request.

    Many thanks,

    Jolamine xx

  • oh I really hope it's not anything serious your a real star always replying to all who emails you I hope you get your scan before Xmas and not too serious I was feeling anxious you reassured me more than once it would be okay it's all different to 9 years ago my surgeon mentioned neurologist I'm waiting to see said you have went through change no periods no I'm 58 then said as you have lymphoma and leg ulcer well leg closed but skin not Bonny to look at lol said he put down to refer to them to get injections for my bones said make your bones stronger good against bone cancer I don't have bone cancer but maybe this is just out have you heard of this my nurse away on holidays I'm not sure I've injection or more phoned nurses today they weren't sure either he never said name of injections got my doctor tomorrow she might not know but ask her by the way can't thank you enough phoned my mums ot they coming out tomorrow to give my mum new trolley the one you recommended 2 shekfes brakes on it  my mums 80 and shaky off balance as hardening of the arteries in her head she has had a couple of strokes and early stage of dementia so I'm glad she's getting people and things to help her kind regards Lorraine x

Reply
  • oh I really hope it's not anything serious your a real star always replying to all who emails you I hope you get your scan before Xmas and not too serious I was feeling anxious you reassured me more than once it would be okay it's all different to 9 years ago my surgeon mentioned neurologist I'm waiting to see said you have went through change no periods no I'm 58 then said as you have lymphoma and leg ulcer well leg closed but skin not Bonny to look at lol said he put down to refer to them to get injections for my bones said make your bones stronger good against bone cancer I don't have bone cancer but maybe this is just out have you heard of this my nurse away on holidays I'm not sure I've injection or more phoned nurses today they weren't sure either he never said name of injections got my doctor tomorrow she might not know but ask her by the way can't thank you enough phoned my mums ot they coming out tomorrow to give my mum new trolley the one you recommended 2 shekfes brakes on it  my mums 80 and shaky off balance as hardening of the arteries in her head she has had a couple of strokes and early stage of dementia so I'm glad she's getting people and things to help her kind regards Lorraine x

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    Hi Lorraine,

    I had a phone call from the hospital today to see what implants I have in my body, prior to brain scan and, the girl who phoned told me that it is normally about 6 weeks before the appointment will come through. As usual, they are running behind with appointments.

    Many ladies become prone to osteoporosis as they become older. Cancer treatment can also affect the bones, so I expect that this is the injection that you will get. Your GP should be able to tell you all about it, as this reduces the chance of broken bones.. It is purely preventative, so nothing to worry about.

    I'm delighted to hear that the OT is coming out to see your mum tomorrow and is bringing a trolley for her. Are you or your sister going to be there when she comes? It might be worth getting her to do an assessment of your mum to see if she can give her anything else that could help.

    Did you notice my post asking you to apply for a friend request again? I had written a reply accepting you. This just disappeared into the ether and off my pending requests. My computer was playing up at the time, so maybe this was why.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • hi yes my friend think I know how lol yes my sister going to be there I appreciate you telling me about trolley she got it this morning an£ loves it said much easier to move and stop I really hope nothing too serious but with the effects you were better to see what's causin* it as you know if you turned unwell which I hope you dont they would run tests sooner I know what like it's all the waiting tests etc lorraine xx

  • Hello everyone

    I hope it’s ok to join at this stage but I’ve been reading your posts and you’re all clearly such strong inspirational women that I really wanted to join you. (My real name is Helen btw!)

    I’ve been recently diagnosed with HR- (I think - it’s hormone driven anyway?) breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago but was told today that although the ultrasound scan didn’t show this, it has been found in the lymph node that was taken out during my surgery. Mercifully the margins were clear. Next week I’m going in for another operation to remove the other lymph nodes in my armpit. My mind has gone into overdrive thinking of all the various aches and pains I’ve ever had over the last few years.

    To say this is the scariest experience I've ever had would be a huge understatement. I’m frightened of everything. My husband (Steve) is being incredibly supportive but I know this is awful for him too. As you all know though, some days are better than others. (Today isn’t a good day though I’m afraid.)

    It’s been helpful to read all your posts and see how you are all supporting each other as it’s showing me that this thing can be kicked into touch with the amazing medical knowledge we have now.  

  • hi I had a breast tumour removed and lymph nodes I was the opposite not clear margins so another operation they removed cancer tissue but the I got told on the 25th of October clear margins was so relieved don't worry when they take out lymph nodes can't travel  I have had breast cancer twice 9 years clear in right then up pops a pea sized lump time I waited biopsy etc was I over an inch anyway now  seeing treatmen5 doctor on the 18th to discuss my treatment i would just like to say welcome there's women here will keep you right also not a big operation as you have already had the tumour removed they give you a premed so your nic3 and relaxed which is good 9 years ago they gav3 me liquid to drink never worked lol they said to me that's why you get pre med injection relaxes you good luck Lorraine xx

  • Hi Lorraine

    thank you for replying - it’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you’ve been told your margins are clear now - it’s a big relief isn’t it. Good luck with the treatment plan. 

    I was a gibbering wreck for my operation a couple of weeks ago but keep telling myself that I came out the other side & was very well looked after so I can do it again. My biggest fear at the moment is that it’s already gone somewhere else so I’m just trying to get that thought process under control. Xx

  • try and not worry they removed one lymph node already so I'm quite sure they thought you would be okay to wait for another operation I waited 3 weeks the surgeon said to me right after first operation you may need another I was praying no lol they called me back yes need another operation just say to yourself it needs to be done they are going to get rid of this dreadful disease you will be okay or they would have done it there and then if a high risk when are you going in warrior a good name Lorraine x

  • I’m back in next Thursday. You’re right - they don’t mess round do they. When is yours? And yes, they know what they’re doing and there is so much research now into breast cancer isn’t there. Don’t feel like much of a warrior right now but that’s the aim!!

    To be able to talk on here to others who (sadly) are in similar positions may just help me cling onto the last threads of sanity I have left. Thank you. Xx

  • I read a lot of things on you tube the doctors there do short videos and it calmed me down the USA are so much in front I read a margin probe it's a white device can detect cancer tissue which is great Manchester hospital has it but hopefully the whole uk and Scotland have it too mean less worry for patients and less operations for surgeons the nurse tol£ me they also have a scalpel  with a light  called i scalpol that can show surgeons where cancer cells are I also just read last week the USA and uk top scientists are going to be working together yes they are more advanced than 9 years ago  next Thursday  good just enjoy your time I watch tv listen to music clean etc I'm back up 18th of November they will tell me my treatment then I'm expecting chemotherapy now after tissue was affected still if I lose my hair again I can wear a wig lol too cold to be bald lol xx

  • The research is fantastic isn’t it. So reassuring. I haven’t read anything about the scalpels you’ve mentioned but that sounds really good. The doctor today mentioned being involved in trials etc but didn’t go into any detail. I’ll definitely be doing something to contribute to the research when this experience is behind me. Steve & I have planned to do the moonwalk so I’ll have to see how I get on with whatever treatment I need but am sure I can shake a bucket somewhere at least!

    You're right about keeping busy. I love knitting & it’s quite therapeutic really. I’ve never watched as much daytime telly as I have done over the last month - homes under the hammer every day lol! 

    Enjoy chooosing your wig if chemo is in your treatment plan. There are a lot of pretty cool ones around now aren’t there? Xx

  • I am the same I aim once my treatments is over I want to raise 500: pounds and give it to my hospital you can buy stickers or a can from the site get involved after having breast cancer twice I want to give my hospital a little ty for looking after me I do put good things like jackets clothes etc into the cancer research in town same with heart shop unwanted furniture as heart and cancer is 2 bigest things but that's good you are going to do it too have a good sleep xx Lorraine