Hi Nikkipea,

When I was first diagnosed (at 41) with cancer in my left breast they had to do a whole heap of scans again to be happy that my right breast was cancer free.  I also have very dense and lumpy tissue and they just weren't happy going on the mammogram, ultrasound and MRI alone.  In the end I had two other scans (tomography and CT) with contrast to satisfy them that the right breast wasn't cancerous.

I wanted double mastectomy all along but they were reluctant as post-chemo they felt my body was still dealing with a lot.  In the end the news that I had a BRCA2 mutation came in before my mastectomy and they urgently looked to see if they could fit in doing the double after all but they couldn't.

How are you coping anyway?  Do you have a good support network?

LJx

Hi TwinTwo,

Thank you for your reply. They have said they will do more ultrasounds next week.. they struggled to find the cancer on the ultrasound so I am just a bit cautious as to how the will come to a decision. I’m guessing this will mean more biopsies (if they find anything) and more waiting ️ 

I was coping fine before this week, surprised myself.. been at work full time and busy with friends and family. Today is the first day I’ve woken up and just want to shut it all out and not talk to anyone! I know I need to remain positive and patient. I have private insurance and they are telling me that they can’t beat the NHS appointments which is making me angry, what’s the point in paying for it!

Im sure there are many different emotions to come yet along this journey, I just hate the waiting game when you feel your life is at risk. 

Nikki x

Thank you for your reply, 

Sorry to hear what you are going through too. You’re right, we have to put trust in the professionals as they deal with this stuff every day.

I will take a look at my cover, thank you.

Well what you set out to do today has worked so thank you! I am putting on my positive pants and getting ready to go out for lunch with friends! I think part of this journey is to remind ourselves to make the most of every minute, courage is a great example to others and spurs us all on

Thank you Ojdoingmybest xx

Hi,

I have just been for my appointment to discuss the other areas they have seen on MRI, one of which is bigger than the original lump I found. They want to do biopsies but no radiologist available! So have to go back next week.. they seem way to laid back over the fact I have 3 tumours. I rang the private hospital as I have insurance and they can’t see me before Wednesday either. I just feel really let down at the moment, I’m just expected to carry on with my day to day and working a stressful job and it’s killing me.

Can I not just opt for double mastectomy? I don’t want more biopsies as it increases the chance of spreading by quite a lot.

Thanks

Nikki x

Sorry for the delay in replying, I'm visiting my parents to get away from a house guest (of the canine variety) to which I'm very allergic.

All I can say is what others will already be saying, this IS the hardest time.  The waiting is horrible, the not knowing is horrible.  It's hard, but definitely best, not to ever jump your diagnosis beyond that which you know for sure.  Albeit some people want to be prepared for worse news in a way, but statistics are still on your side that most are caught at stage 1 or 2, so please continue your great work in distracting yourself, but don't beat yourself up when it gets you down either.

LJxx