Thank you! I had biopsies taken today and am obviously worried. I have an appt on Thursday for the results. 

Hi Ratbagtazbag,

Welcome to our forum. This is always a worrying time when there are so many unknowns. Are you taking someone with you to your appointment on Thursday. I would strongly advise you to do so.

I hope that all turns out well for you on Thursday and that nothing untoward is found. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I am so glad that you have told your sister and, that she is with you now. I have been totally honest with my entire family since my diagnosis and the support that I have received from family and friends has been what has got me through this nightmare. Telling your sister at this stage is good as she will not be upset at being left out of things and will feel more involved in your fight against this disease.

 I sincerely hope that all goes well for you on Thursday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all, 

J\ust generally adding to this thread because I hoped it would be better news for some and I am up and down with all of you as you find out results.

My biopsies have had to be repeated because they don't believe my little rock (3.5cm x 2.5cm) is actually formed of normal breast tissue. It's apparently a thing that you can miss the lump during biopsy and hit normal breast tissue - I nearly didn't believe that until I had a nurse friend confirm it. The only good news is my lymph nodes are clear, but I don't think they believe that either. 

I am going Monday to get the results because they are convinved its cancer so they think they will be telling me the type and stage but the growth results will take a while longer. Meantime I had to have a CT scan on Thursday and the person who writes the report was there waiting for me to get done so he could write it up for clinic. 

I am trying to stay positive - it's not cancer til they tell me and right now my lymph nodes are clear and my last biopsy showed normal breast tissue. I have to say the summons for the smear test came this morning and I was ready to lash it though. 

G x

Hi Gistaline,

I am sorry to hear that your biopsies had to be repeated, but they are as well to check that they haven't missed anything.

The fact that your lymph nodes are clear is good news and, I sincerely hope that the rest of your breast tissue remains clear when you get your results on Monday. I am sure that all you needed this morning was your invitation for a smear test. I hope that you are bringing someone with you to your appointment on Monday. It is always a good idea to do this.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx 

Hi Jolamine, 

Thank you for replying, less than 24 hours to go now 

G x

Hi Gistaline,

Not long now.

Fingers crossed for a good result.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I hope all goes well tomorrow x

Hi Jolamine

I did reply to this post but I think there was some kind of error because I cant find it now.

No I dont know what type of cancer it was, I probably was too stunned to follow the conversation at the time, however having seen the oncologist recently I dont need to have chemo/radiotherapy (which was good news) there was some medication on offer but with side effects which I declined and he didn't press the matter.

My stomach problem is still being investigated and I have to go for a CT scan in 2 weeks time, fingers crossed, I will let you know how I get on.

Regards Limey

Hi Limey,

You might find it helpful to know your grade and type of cancer if you are ever asked for a medical history. You could wait and ask your consultant or oncologist, or phone your breast care nurse to find out. You are not alone in finding it difficult to take in all the information you were given. This is why it is always a good idea to take someone with you, especially when you are going for results.

I am glad to hear that you need no further treatment. The decision not to take any further medication is solely yours to take and, I'm glad to hear that your oncologist didn't put any pressure on you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Gistaline,

Good luck for today. I hope that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Gistaline,

Good luck for today. I hope that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hey Jolamine

Thanks for thinking of me. So stage 3 invasive ductal cancer not specifc type triple negative. 

I have an appointment with the oncologist on the 13th March and then 6 months of chemo, followed by surgery and possibly radio but I am more inclined to have a mastectomy.

Thankfully they were persistent with me.

G x

Hi Gistaline,

I'm sure that this is not the news you wanted. Have you been given the choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy? I have had both. The lumpectomy was 10 years ago and the bilateral mastectomy was 9 years ago, when I discovered another lump, which was another primary cancer. I found that the double mastectomy was easier to cope with and I din't need radiotherapy or chemotherapy after this.

Please let us know how you get on on 13th March. We aare always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

To be honest even though it's a diagnosis I feel lucky, I was so inclined to walk away last week after them .missing it first time.

Ive not been offered surgery first, I have to have chemo first to shrink it and get it under control and then the surgeon wants to do a lumpectomy, but I am more inclined to have a mastectomy, and a double one so I don't have to have radiotherapy and because if there is no breast tissue it can't come back there. I don't know but we have all that to talk about.

My kids are older but living at home but they both have autism so I am more concerned about them managing all of the treatment and how they will feel if it comes back. So lots of wait and see.

Thanks for being there, I will be back to you xx 

Hi Gistaline,

Chemo  is offered first where there is a sizeable lump in order to  reduce it before surgery. A number of surgeons don't want to do a double mastectomy, as they see no point in removing a good breast. They claim that having doesn't improve your chances that much more than having a single mastectomy. 

I was fortunate, in that my surgeon was quite happy to give me the bilateral mastectomy with my second bout of cancer. I certainly fe;lt happier with this as I felt that I have removed as much as possible to prevent another recurrence. Bear in mind that even if all your breast tisdsue is removed, you can still get it elsewhere in the body.

You will find it easier to discuss things with your care team if you draw up a list of questions before you go to your next consultation. It will be especially difficult for you to manage your treatment without worrying your children. You will find that the more positive you appear about getting a cure, the better your family will react. 

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx