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Total Duct Excision

Girl_from_mars
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Having been 12 months cancer free I started to notice blood and discharge from my nipple. I went through a range of tests over 3 months ago which were delayed as a result of the pandemic but was back at the hospital this morning where the decision to complete a total duct excision was made. I'm understanding of the COVID complications and the reality that most of the theatre slots have been cancelled so I was surprised to be immediately booked into the Surgeons first theatre slot in just 3 weeks. I'm now panicking about the reality of this and what it may mean and I'm worried as an obese patient about the complications of general rather than local anaesthetic. I'd like to know what to expect and how others have managed to cope with the anxiety and stress of waiting, especially during the impact of isolation during covid.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Girl_from_mars although I'm sorry to hear about the reason that brings you here.

    I think your situation will resonate with many of our members here and I hope that soon enough some of them will stop by with words of support but the most important thing right now is to remember you're not alone in this, so write as much as you need, we're here to listen.

    Also, please bear in mind that if you find it too difficult to cope with anxiety and stress while you wait for your appointment, there are some tips on coping in the NHS Every Mind Matters website, which might help.

    I hope all goes well for you, Girl_from_mars.

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Renata

    My surgery has now been cancelled. No date to reschedule and no indication of the waiting time. I've gone from panicking about the reality of the surgery to worrying about the impact of waiting again. I can't stop crying. I feel like I'm negatively affecting the people I care most about.  

  • Offline in reply to Girl_from_mars

    Hi ,everything you have written is so me I had been having clear discharge for a couple of months and one bleed , my scans and mammogram were fine just enlarged ducts, I attended my appointment last week to have another sample taken amd told not to touch my breast and it may calm down and they would see me back in 3 months she did mention that sometimes people need surgery but never once indicated that it would be me .

    I woke up 3 days ago to a later saying my recent sample had blood and cells in it and thaz it was probably inflamation but in this case they would need to do a small operation to remove the ducts , this has floored me I have health anxiety and this is my worst fear being put out for surgery Im in shock im also obese , no explanation nothing just that letter I phoned and spoke to the secretary who said a breast nurse would phone me still no call , no clue how soon op will be nothing just left worrying sick with no knowledge of anything to do with the surgery and other options. 

    What hospital are you going to ? x

  • Offline in reply to mummymac

    Hi Mummymac,

    I'm sorry to hear you're going through this too. The waiting and not knowing is bad enough normally without the impact of covid and the extra delays and cancellations (which are understandable and can't be helped) that add further to the anxiety. 
     

    I was seeing the specialist but they had actually referred me to a private hospital in Chorley for the surgery itself due to the delays within the NHS. Not having any idea of when the surgery will be rescheduled is really affecting me, but I'm trying to focus on using the time to prepare more as I'm worried about the impact of my weight and fitness levels - problem is when I'm stressed I comfort eat which is clearly not helping. 

    Please call them again on Monday if you don't hear x
     

     

  • Offline in reply to mummymac

    Hey! I know this is kind of old, did you get your answers as to what was going on? X 

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