Hi JoJo

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This has really helped me today. Sarah xx 

Hi zoey,

Glad 2 hear you are doing well. I have my onco appointment on Thursday so hopefully I will get my treatment plan and dates for when things are expected to take place.

I made the decision to go back to work last week but I'm doing reduced hours but it's making things a bit more normal before treatment starts.

I ditched the sports bra on day 1 I couldn't stand it. The only issue I have just now is what is I think described as cording under my arm and my boobs still hard. I'm going to ask about these issues on Thursday.

Hopefully by the end of the week I should know what's in store for me. 

Take care and good luck if u do decide to go back to work

Nikki x

Hi YorkieGirl76,

As others have mentioned I'm uncertain how a definate diagnosis can be made without the biopsy results. Was it a Doctor who said it was cancer or someone else? Unfortunately I had 2 ultrasounds and was told at the time it was a lactational adenoma and nothing to worry about. A GP who examined me said it was a blocked milk duct.  My biopsy then confirmed it was cancer. I'm 36. 

I can imagine prior to the biopsy results it may be common for others to say what they suspect a lump to be but not sure how a diagnosis would be made. 

When you mentioned hormone receptor do you remember specifically what they said? I know it's hard to take all the information in when you are there, I forget everything. My lump tested positive for estrogen and HER2. I can only speak of my experince but I was told because of the HER2+ and my age I would have chemo before surgery which will start in the next 3 weeks or so. My surgery won't be until October/ November time but not sure exactly at this time what it will entail, I was informed the chemo should shrink my lump prior to surgery. 

I wrote a lot of questions down before I have my meetings. It always helps if something pops into your mind. 

x

Hi, they said after looking at the ultrasound and mammogram images it was clear to them it was cancer, she even said during the physical exam it felt suspicious and obviously they do this day in  day out so know what they are seeing. 

I waited 2 weeks for biopsy results due to easter bank holidays but it was confirmed 3 cm triple positive, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma,  so I was booked in for surgery a week later, as it was large I had a therapeutic mammoplasty which is basically lump removal and reconstructive surgery and also sentinel node biopsy. 9 days later results back; no node involvement and clear margins. So good results there, but as its her2 + I'll be having chemo, herceptin, radiotherapy, hormone blockers and bisphosphonates for my bones.

Oncology appointment on 27th may where I'll get the full regimen details.

It's been a whirlwind 8 weeks and the waiting for results and appointments is the hardest but I'm feeling positive and prepared to fight it!

We'll probably be staring chemo at similar times, very best of luck with everything and here if you want to chat xx

Thanks for sharing your story jojo, I'm feeling very positive I have amazing family and friends around me, everything is moving forward at a pace but its the best way!

surgery is done so now waiting for my appointment with the oncologist to go through my chemo treatment plan.

Well done for getting through all your treatment xx

Hi, 

Good luck for Thursday, hope it's good news and no chemo.

Sorry to hear about your cording...is it painful? I'm still quite tight round the scar and my boob is also hard, I think it can take months for the boob to get back to normal, but definitely have a word when you see someone.

Work are dragging their heels a bit, as I'll have to have a return to work interview and possibly a risk assessment, so hopefully I'll hear this week if I can go back next week. It would be nice as I dont plan to go back during chemo, the risk just isnt worth it.

Let me know how you get on Thursday,

Take care 

Zoey xx

Hi, I can't imagine having to wait 2 weeks for results, that must have been hard. 

It sounds like you know a bit about what you are having and about your lump. I think I'll find all this out in the next 2 weeks or so. I'm meeting with someone to discuss the chemo on Tuesday. That's great there was no node involvement, I'm having an ultrasound on my lympth nodes on Wednesday so I hope nothing crops up. 

You're right it is a worldwind. I had to tell my workplaces this week (I have 2) and I think they were shocked but very supportive. I've had most of my hair cut and will likely have more chopped nearer to when i'll be having treatment. 

We might be starting chemo at similar times by the sounds of it. Likewise I'm also available to chat. Good luck with everything over the next few weeks. x

Hi zoey,

Hope your doing good. I had my oncology appointment yesterday and basically been told I need chemo, radiotherapy then 10 years of tamoxifen.

I never consented to chemo as I felt I had been put on the spot. I will be going ahead with it though after a bit of thought last night. My nurse has already pre booked me to start next friday so that arrangement is in place. Just need to go back for another discussion with the oncologist and sign consent one day next week. I am also going to try the cold cap to see if I can save any of my hair so time will tell. 

Now I know what's in store for me I'm actually OK with it all. 

Let me know how you get on at your oncology appointment too

Nikki x

Hi, 

Oh that's not what you wanted to hear, but I guess if it gives you the best chance of preventing reccurence/spread then its what we must do.

I'm glad you're ok with it now, you sound like me...as long as you know what's happening and why,  then you just deal with it!

Do you know what kind of chemo you'll be taking and how many cycles? I'm ready to get going with mine and I'm getting fed up of waiting now!

I'm going to try cold cap too if they recommend it, I've heard some chemo drugs it doesnt work that well with, and it can add a lot of extra time to your day. I've already been looking at wigs/hats and other bits in case I lose my hair! 

I hope you have a good week, 

I'll keep you updated, always here if you want to chat.

Zoey xx