Hello from a new member of the family

Today I joined the army of people sitting around different waiting areas, carrying my belongings and my "gown" as we went through the various tests to find out if we had breast cancer. Some were, like me, totally new to the routine, others were at various stages in the journey and one lady was given the great news that she was still clear of her cancer five years since her treatment ended. 

I already suspected that my symptoms of strange lump, pain and puckering were caused by the big C, so I wasn't surprised when the lovely consultant showed me the first ultra sound scan with its big black area where there should have been breast tissue, saying it was pretty definitely cancer, and proceeded to tell me what would happen next. 

What did happen over the next two hours was quite unpleasant and painful and I now have a 12 day wait to find out exactly what we are looking at regarding type of cancer and treatment. Strangely enough I have no feelings of fear for the future, although twenty years ago I had a scare that saw me fearful and tearful, now I'm an old dear I'm just cheesed off that I will have quite a lot more unpleasantness to face. I'm one of those boring people who don't often get ill, so when I do I'm the patient from hell, or so my daughter tells me. I admit to being grumpy if I'm ill for more than two days. 

I have read a lot of the posts, here, during my wait to go for the tests, feeling like an outsider looking in, but now I'm in, too!   I suspect future posts from me will be less upbeat, but I would like to record my experiences here, and to share others' experiences, too.

Parents
  • Wishing you the best of everything,stay strong,xx

  • Thank you, that's vey sweet of you. 

  • Hi 

    Sorry haven't been around for a few weeks, 2 weeks ago felt particularly pants and last week was on holiday, had a great time in cold but generally sunny Northumberland, really beautiful place and lovely people.

    Christine

    Sounds like your op went well, which is great.  And the offspring seem to be a bit more hands off which must be good.

    Caroline

    Glad radiotherapy is going well, I have this to look forward to in March I think so am glad to hear its going ok.  It does seem quite full on doesn't it, every day for 3 weeks.

     

    So after a lovely jaunt oop north I have the start of paclitaxel next week which will hopefully be more easy going than EC (which was not too bad at all).  Should get the result of 2nd MRI next week to see what naughty lumps are up to. Have another willing victim to accompany me to chemo so taking full advantage and having a very tasty Indian the night before.  I've even started my Christmas shopping whilst up north, am feeling quite virtuous...

    Sam X

Reply
  • Hi 

    Sorry haven't been around for a few weeks, 2 weeks ago felt particularly pants and last week was on holiday, had a great time in cold but generally sunny Northumberland, really beautiful place and lovely people.

    Christine

    Sounds like your op went well, which is great.  And the offspring seem to be a bit more hands off which must be good.

    Caroline

    Glad radiotherapy is going well, I have this to look forward to in March I think so am glad to hear its going ok.  It does seem quite full on doesn't it, every day for 3 weeks.

     

    So after a lovely jaunt oop north I have the start of paclitaxel next week which will hopefully be more easy going than EC (which was not too bad at all).  Should get the result of 2nd MRI next week to see what naughty lumps are up to. Have another willing victim to accompany me to chemo so taking full advantage and having a very tasty Indian the night before.  I've even started my Christmas shopping whilst up north, am feeling quite virtuous...

    Sam X

Children
  • Hi Sam,

    Sorry to hear you were feeling unwell, but glad to hear your holiday was good.

    Recovery from the underarm surgery is as painful as I expected it to be. I'm feeling ok in myself, except that because I am sore, feels like razor burn or a bad scrape and raising my arm is painful, I am taking pain killers which I didn't really need before.  These make me feel quite sleepy so I am not doing much at all. That is exactly how the kids want it!  My son stayed here for a week and cooked some delicious meals for his sister and me. He's gone home now, and my daughter is at work so I am enjoying just the two dogs and my own company. I am under house arrest until my drain is removed, which is taking time, again. I'm still draining up to 100mls in 24 hours, but this time there was no time limit imposed, I just have to wait until I'm draining less than 30mls in 24 hours.

    I go for my follow up meeting on Friday, then I will know what else is in store for me. I feel like I've got away with something up to now, only having surgery and my journey will really begin when I know what treatment I will be having.  

    Hope this chemo is tolerable.

    Take care,

    Christine