Hi   i got diagnosed with stage 2 on 31st March and had the surgery on 21st April.  In the time between biopsy and surgery  I felt similar that my breast was uncomfortable and itchy. I think its partly physiological as you just want to get it out of you ASAP. I also felt sharp pains on and off on talking with consultant on surgery day he said its likely due to having so many needles being inserted in breast before op, nothing had changed to the size of tumour. 

I totally understand how you feel though, do you have a good support network? 

Happy to stay in touch as you go through this. My next bit is results on 12th May to then see what next steps are radiotherapy or chemo.

Best wishes

Louise x

Thank you Louise. How are you feeling? Your surgery came through a week faster than mine, however it sounds like your results appointment is a week later. Mine is due 2 weeks after surgery. The waiting must be/is bloody awful. Please keep me posted on how you are doing and feeling. I have written your results day on my calendar so I can send you especially big virtual hugs on that day. Have you any preferences/fears about certain treatments? Ecky123

Hi Ecky123

My biggest fear is having to have chemo. Although the radiotherapy won't be pleasant plus it would be every day for 3 weeks and a 50 min trip each way. 

It definitely is a stressful wait. From getting my results I knew  everything dates, procedures etc now I've had surgery its just the not knowing. 

Surgery went well and post op I'm ok just uncomfortable and sick of wearing a sports bra all the time lol. I'm also currently waiting for a dvt scan as had a scare.

Have you got a good support network? 

Louise xx

Hiya. I have a good support network. I live alone, but my daughter is close by and I have good friends. I dont really like to bother them as I know they are worried for me ! How about you?

 Its the chemo that scares me the most too  and the waiting for results after the op. will drive me insane. Its all very well trying to distract others from a stressful situation, but its not so easy trying to distract ourselves !  I was taking HRT but obviously have had to stop (wondering if that started the whole thing off?) So the combination of a nasty diagnosis and having to go cold turkey on my HRT, Well, my mind and concentration are shot to bits

I am a fitness instructor and havent worked for a year, so was just preparing to start all my classes.

I have postponed them until 3 weeks after op., but concerned I may have to postpone for longer. Cancer has lousy timing !

I will keep my fingers crossed that you can get away (not the best way of putting it, sorry!) with just radiation therapy and maybe hormone therapy. 

I am thinking of you. Do keep me posted on your thoughts and feelings

xx

Hi good to hear from you. Glad to hear you have good support and your daughter isn't far. I live with my partner and he's been an absolute rock. My daughter lives 2 hours away, son 20 mins and dad, brother and his family are 2 hours away. Sadly mum passed away in January so it's been a very difficult year. Made harder as due to post op nightmare for dad they were apart the last 7 weeks of her life after 61 years of marriage.

Know what you mean about concentration I have things I could be doing but can't focus. I was never allowed hrt after I had total hysterectomy 2017 due to family history. Mum was 1 of 5 sisters out of 7 who got breast cancer. 

I'm should be on the waiting list for 2nd knee replacement but due to this it's postponed. 

You must be itching to get back to work after so long and now you have to wait longer, but hopefully not to long. 

I still can't believe this is happening, its only the discomfort from surgery making it real does that make sense? 

Bye for now

Louise x

Hiya

Its funny I think, that we all  think we are so different, but really we are all the same and have very similar issues and experiences.

Like you, I lost Mum last year and with the lockdown only managed to see her once from diagnosis till the end which came 6 weeks later. But there are so many stories from people who have been through horrid stuff this past year.

I keep telling myself that although I have no control of these situations, I do have control in how i react to them. but sometimes that is much easier said than done !

I am due my second covid jab 6 days post op. I had a really nasty reaction to the first so decided to try and get the second vaccination brought forward. Given my circumstances I dont think it is a lot to ask, but it has been damn near impossible to organize. Yesterday my GP was on the receiving end of a major rant about this. So much for controlling my reactions eh !!!!

Have you suffered much pain after your op and have you been given strong enough medication to deal with it? 

Thinking of you a lot. 

We have got this, sister. We are on the same team. xxxxxx

Hi 

Sorry to hear you had a bad reaction to your 1st covi jab. I work in a gp surgery and they wouldn't do 2 of the staff a day early but totally understand you wanting yours earlier. Although I have heard if your bad one 1 its highly unlikely you will be with the other. Will keep everything crossed for you.

I was told take paracetamol which I have occasionally. Pain has been ok more discomfort on doing certain things. Now I get an what feels like an electric shock every so often, but have read all the booklets I was given and its possibly where the nerves were moved to get to lymphs. 

Sorry to hear about your mum as well its so hard isn't it, when I got told I was more upset mum wasn't here and had gone through it 20 years ago. Knowing she survived it has given me strength. 

My dvt scan is tomorrow it should of been Wenesday but the sonographer triaged it and as the gp had put she had started me on blood thinners decided having it within a week was ok!!! To say I'm p.... off is an understatement. I've had to stop my naproxen for my osteoarthritis which has left walking hard going. I also have to get myself in the right frame to lose weight but it's so hard.

We certainly have got this, it's so good having someone to chat with who totally understands. 

Best wishes 

Louise xx

Ooooh, keep me posted on your DVT scan. Breast cancer is hard enough without flipping DVTs.

Have they told you get what type of Breast cancer it is yet. I know you said its stage 2, but there are different ones. For example hormone positive, HER 2, triple negative etc.

The original biopsy pre surgery could have given them an idea. I pestered my breast care nurse yesterday and managed to find out a bit more info.

I think different types are treated in different ways and for me, I wanted to know worst case scenario, but I realize its not like that for everyone.

Also did you have drains put in after surgery to help swelling. I have been warned to maybe expect that.

Its very very tiring having something like this on your mind isnt it?

xxxxxxxx

Hey

Good news all clear for dvt. 

My cancer is the hormone positive. I also like to know everything I find it easier coping if I know. Where are you in UK I'm in Lincolnshire and my breast clinic are fantastic from consultant down to reception they can't do enough for you which makes you feel each individual is important. Only thing no one warned me about was the electric shock feeling on and off underarm where the nerves were moved, omg it stops you in your tracks.

I didnt have a drain think my consultant only uses them if its a mastectomy. 

I know what you mean about being tiring. We had early start for appointment, got home and did couple bits then just laid on settee.

Xxxx

Great news about the DVT and from what I understand hormone positive is one of the easiest tumours to treat.

I found out yesterday mine is hormone positive. SNAP  We have something else in common !

The breast cancer nurse said, and i quote "its good news, its hormone positive" I am taking that as being the best outcome in a difficult situation.

Does make me wonder, again, if HRT helped cause my cancer, but too late to worry about that now.

Onwards and upwards.

I live in Cheshire by the way.

Have a lovely day, take it easy and spoil yourself. I reckon we deserve it !

Thinking of you. keep me posted

xxxxx