Hi Julianna,

I'm sorry to read how you're feeling although this is of course perfectly natural. Try to keep as busy and distracted as you can to keep your mind off it, or perhaps to take some quiet moments to read or go for a walk if you can. It sounds simple and probably easier said than done but often these simple things can help.

Meanwhile if anyone here has similar experience then hopefully they'll be along soon - do also feel free to search the forum using the button in the blue bar above, to find any other relevant discussions that may be helpful.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi there ..

Sorry you slipped by as it goes so quickly ..  but glad Ben has replied .. 

There's no easy way round the wait .. it's the part that was hardest for me ... l had a grade 3 her2 neg oestrogen positive lump... and a total right masectomy in July 2017 ... l asked the Dr for some mild anti depressant the week leading up to op .. I got dulsilupin which were my best friend that week .. 

It just took away the panic... and on the morning, just wanted that uninvited guest out ... and came off those tablets within a couple of days after ... masectomy is easier then lumpectomy... I think because there's no brused flesh left .. so only needed a couple of paracetamol after ..

I just look at my scar now, as my story of my journey... and it took away my boob, but gave me something far more precious.... time ... Ben is right , keeping as busy as possible is the best advice .. try to do things, anything to keep your mind occupied.. then as the day comes .. your getting that crule little xxxx out your body ...  

So sending you a vertual hug... being brave is being scared witless but you do it any way.... Chrissie xx

Hi Julianna,

The waiting times at the beginning of your cancer journey seem unbearable but three weeks from consultation to surgery is about right. A few weeks waiting won't make things worse for you. The best thing you can do is to try to not think about it. I find reading a gripping book helps my mind to forget about cancer for a few hours.  Later, when you have your treatment plan, the waiting times between stages can be a breathing space that you will appreciate. I certainly appreciated the three weeks from consultation to my second surgery for lymph node clearance as three weeks of blessed normality before the next hurdle. 

Please please don't worry too much about the mastectomy, I found recovery fairly easy, as did everyone I have spoken to.  I know you are shell shocked just now, but you will deal with the whole situation much better as time goes on and you realise that cancer isn't the death sentence it once was.

xx

Thank you so much for you kind words. I hope you are on the road to recovery? 
I really enjoy reading usually, but didn't feel able to read. I will give it a try . 
I know that I've got to start eating properly as I've got to be strong for the surgery. 
xxx

Hi Julianna,

I am sorry to hear that you find yourself in this worrying predicament. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and a number of false alarms in the past 10 years, so know only too well how scary the waiting time can be.

I had a lumpectomy first time around and a double mastectomy a year later, when I discovered aother lump.

I would agree with Sheltie_Lady that 3 weeks is about the norm when waiting for surgery. I would also agree with Chriss that a mastectomy is easier to cope with than a lumpectomy. You might find it helpful to get your GP to prescribe a mild anti-depressant for you while you are waiting. I know that it feels as if it is never-ending at the moment, but you will eventually get all your treatment behind you and move forward.

It is perfectly normal for our emotions to be all over the place at this stage. Many of us report being very tearful, angry, worried for family, start thinking the worst, have difficulty sleeping and eating etc. This will settle down once you start treatment and feel that you are moving forward.

You might find it helpful to buy some nightclothes that open at the front for your hospital visit. A small heart shaped cushion can also be helpful for recovery post-surgery. Your may also find it helpful to have a soft, non-wired bra for when you come out of hospital.

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you. Do please keep us informed of your progress. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi , thank you so much for replying. All of your support is bringing me comfort. You have certainly been through it , during the last 10 years. I hope you are doing well now ? 
xxx

Hi Julianna

I was diagnosed on 19th September 2019 and had lumpectomy and lymph node removal on 1st October.  When I went for results on 30th October I was told things had spread and I needed a mastectomy.  I finally had this on 4th December so waited for 5 weeks.  I am now 4 weeks post mastectomy and go for my results on 7th January (Tuesday).  Trust me, the waiting for either an operation or results is the worst thing ever.  

Do anything you can to take your mind off of things, easier said than done I know but for me I only told our two children, my parents and one set of friends so carried on with life as normal without people knowing and this helped me personally......

Good luck!

Rosie 

Hi , thank you so much for your reply.You have had such a long journey. I'm sorry to hear you've had to go back for further surgery. 
I have a lump which is ductal invasive and then I have pre cancerous calcification all around the breast. I'm devastated to loose the breast , but I am grateful that they might be able to get rid of it . 
I wish you all the best for this Tuesday . 
best wishes xx

Hi

my bc sounds the same as yours lots of calcification and a small amount of ductal invasive cancer 

I had to have a mastectomy because of all the dcis its very hard to get onto a hospital trolley feeling well and in shock with what's happening I have to say I was angry scared frightened 

but it did pass

people say oh you so strong but that's not the case you are on this ride and you have to go with it there really isn't a choice my advise is to carry on with your tidying fill you freezer with easy meals take some zinc tablets in advance of your surgery these will help with the healing 

buy a V shape pillow these are great for sleeping on your back 

are you having reconstruction straight away ?

i told the surgeon I liked my boobs and didn't want to lose one but rationally I knew keeping it would kill me 

how vain 

the whole thing is crap but these are the cards we have been dealt 

3 years on I'm ok up to now 

x