Just out of the hospital having had some less than positive news. The MRI showed a much bigger area of cancer, and the MDT have decided I should have a full mastectomy, even though the surgeon thought she could still do a mammoplasty. I’m gutted. I was asked about immediate reconstruction (own body tissue or implant) but have decided on no reconstruction. 
I came out of the last meeting feeling positive. Now I’m feeling the complete opposite.

Last time it was suggested I wouldn’t need chemo- now I’m being told I might. That was my worst fear. 

Oh , I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, you must be devastated ! Please don’t make any immediate decisions regarding reconstruction , take a few days to let the news sink in first. Sending a big hug xx

Thank you. The surgeon did say I could decide on reconstruction later if I changed my mind. I opted against an implant because it won’t look the same anyway, so I didn’t see the point. The other option, using my own body tissue for reconstruction, is an I hair operation with long recovery time. I don’t want that. I’m self employed and I want to get the surgery done, recover, and get on with my life! It’s not as though I’m young and am planning in flashing my body around… however, I’m still gutted to be making that decision.

xx

Awwww I’m sorry you’re having make such a hard choice when you weren’t expecting it, at least you have the option if you decide to do later on. 

totally understand just wanting it over with, hopefully this will be the last bit of bad news and you can now get on with what’s planned without any other hiccups.

xx

Hi Lebell,

Yes, I’m glad they have recognised the full extent and are acting according- it’s just a shock as I thought I was going just to be told when my surgery would be. I was expecting everything to change. I didn’t have a date before but now know it will be on the 24th. 

I think I also found it difficult that the surgeon clearly still thought a mammoplasty would be fine, but had to go with what the MDT thought. I’m also scared at the prospect of chemo. She said I would have it depending on lymph nodes (which they currently think are clear) but also the size of the cancer- which confuses me slightly if they are removing it all?

Thank you for your support xx

Hi all, hope you don’t mind me jumping on this post. I have been reading your posts and you’re all very supportive of this in between stage and also the ongoing treatment following this period for those that need it. I am in awe of how you are all coping. 

I have just today been to my gp about my right breast. I have had an itchy burning nipple that’s comes in waves for around 5 mth, and just recently felt like my right breast has become tighter. My gp felt around both breasts and found a lump on my right breast. I was in shock as I haven’t felt a lump at all and for her to have found one has really knocked me. She has referred me to the breast clinic and now waiting for the app within the next 2 week. 

my head is an absolute mess, I’m trying to distract myself but as I have just had the app today I obvs can’t. Hopefully after I have digested it a bit more I will be calmer. 

Hi Sunflower,

I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve found yourself in this position. All of us here know exactly how you feel.

Once I’d visited my GP, I had a call very quickly from the breast clinic, and I was seen within a week. I’ve been one of the unlucky ones, as I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, but the majority of people referred to the breast clinic have a happier outcome- there are several types of lumps and reasons for them, and most of those aren’t cancerous. So the odds are currently in your favour!

The worst times for all of us have been the waiting, as our minds go crazy with worry. I have found it best to keep myself busy- luckily, I have a very busy work life, and when I’m at work there is no opportunity to think of anything else. Try to resist the temptation to Google symptoms etc - it doesn’t usually help!

My experiences at the clinics have been good in that everyone has been lovely, and really empathetic. Make sure to ask about anything that you are worried about, and take someone with you if it helps. 

wWshing you love and luck for whatever is ahead - this forum is so supportive, and I’ve found it really helpful to check in here regularly. I’m sure you will too xx

Hi Sunflower,

welcome to the forum, sorry your also finding yourself in a stressful waiting game.

unfortunately like goonergirl girl I also have cancer but so so many that are referred get fantastic news, the odds are definitely in your favour.

I would say try not to worry but we all know that’s far easier said than done.

I had my referral appointment exactly a week after my GP appointment and the staff were amazing, they were very caring but also very honest. I had my Ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy all done in the same appointment so it was all quick, although some areas are different and may have appointments on different days, that’s if you even need all of them (fingers crossed you don’t)

keep us all informed on how your getting on and if and when u want to chat we’re all here xx

Hi Sunflower,

A vey warm welcome to our forum.

I am sure that the fact that your GP has found a lump in your breast which you were unaware of, must have knocked you for six. As others have said, not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. It is a fact that, out of every 10 people who attend the breast clinic, only 2 will get a cancer diagnosis. 

Despite these goo odds, waiting for a diagnosis, is always a trying time and one which tests our emotions to the limit. I do hope that your appointment comes through soon. Even with a cancer diagnosis, it is not the end of the world. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year of each other. That was 14 years ago and I still lead life to the full.

I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found when you do attend the clinic. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. In the meantime, we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx