Hi,I finally went to the doctor in October as my left breast started swelling over a period of 3 months, my nipple became inverted and I started experiencing constant dull aches and sharp electric shocks throughout my breast and nipple.My doctor sent me for a ultrasound and mammogram. Results not good, 2.5cm lump 8cm from my nipple with tethering to my nipple and overlying skin thickening. He then sent a referral to my local hospital for a biopsy. 2 weeks later I get a biopsy and my doctor calls me back to confirm IDC.Now another 2 weeks has passed and I am finally seeing a surgeon this Friday. In the meantime my boob hurts so much, swelling increases with every period. I am on pain relief and I haven't told anyone, because I have nothing to tell.I feel so outside of the system at the moment.

Hi @sjd_barra. I’m sorry that you have needed to join our group, but I’m really glad that you have,as there will be lots of great support for you from the girls on this site.The first few days and weeks are definitely among the most difficult as you wait for answers and often feel like you are in a holding pattern until you have some sort of treatment plan.You have the awful diagnosis but not the rest of the information to move forward and complete the picture and that can be very stressful and quite intimidating. All I can suggest right now is to try not to over think things. I know it is difficult to tell people about your diagnosis when you don’t know what the plan is going to be. Maybe you could make contact with your local Breast Care Nurse and chat to her. She will know a little more about what is normal for appointment waiting times in your area and may be able to answer some of your questions while providing great support at the same time. I know waiting for your appointment on Friday will feel like a lifetime away, but perhaps you could catch up with a close family member or friend and go out for a coffee or see a movie. Easier said than done I know but if you can try to stay occupied and doing things you enjoy for the next few days, it might help stop your mind from wandering into the “ what if “ forest.I will be thinking of you on Friday and hoping that you get a clear picture of what the next step will be. Please pop back on and let us know how you are going. We are all here to support you.Take carePolly

@sjd_barra,I've only just seen your post and just wanted to say welcome. The lovely ladies, as usual, have given you some good information already. Yes, the waiting just sux. Endless waiting for results, waiting for surgery, waiting for treatment and just a whole lot of waiting for doctors that are running late. Once you see the surgeon hopefully things start moving along.It is all very surreal at times. You feel fine,(bar the ouchy boob) there is no sign of you being "sick" so to speak and yet somebody is telling you you have cancer. Swinging from some kind of denial to absolute despair is very normal. You are entitled to a copy of all of your results. The images probably aren't as important as the reports as most of us would have no idea of what we are actually looking at. It is a good idea to keep all your reports and results in one place so you can take them with you to appointments incase anything is needed. If you have no luck with the doctors giving you copies ask your breast care nurse (if you have one) if she can get them for you.It is handy to be able to refer back to them along the way as their is so much information to take in that remembering everything is near impossible. A list of questions is a good idea and don't be afraid to ask anything even if you think it might be silly. I took to asking "Can you give me that in dumb terms please" when the medico lingo was a bit confusing.Remember, this is your body, your gig and you need information so you can make informed decisions along the way.All the best lovely. Stay in touch. We all "get it".xoxoxox

Thankyou for the links @SoldierCrab. Especially the one on understanding your pathology report. My report is incomplete but it has helped me work out a list if questions I hope to have answered.

@sjd_barra So sorry that you are here among us, but you will find this forum to be your lifeline for some time to come. You've already received great advice from the ladies above. I would add: during consultations, don't hesitate to ask for more explanations if you're unsure, and to ask if what they've told you = ALL the options. If they're recommending one option over another and haven't explained why, ask them to do so. If you have a friend with you, she may be able to pick up on things that you're missing if you seem a bit overwhelmed, and ask for more info as well. Big Hugs.

Most IBS is classified as stage IIIC or 4. The T stands for tumour. The 4 is due to size and that skin and some nodes involved. This is different from stage IV cancer just to clarify.

30 days later and I feel confused

31 Replies

Sister
Member
7 years ago
It's hard not to wander over to Dr Google at times, particularly when there's something new to look up. But as @primek says, you're an individual, not a stat, and many of those figures are actually fairly old. It still can feel like you've been walloped with a huge hammer though. Ask your medical team - they are the ones who should be able to give you the latest info based on your particular case.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Yes I agree. I know with my diagnosis the internet just freaked me out also. Half the time the stats are without treatment. Techniques and treatments are constantly improving. The trouble with stats is it doesn't tell you which side you as an individual sit.
So...yes...trust your team. They will be honest with you and it's fantastic you are starting chemo so soon. The beauty of pre surgery chemo is they then know it's responding and allows for better surgical outcomes.
Take one day at a time. Kath x
sjd_barra
Member
7 years ago
Thankyou @primek. I am not looking at the internet again. I accidentally seen some statistics on IBC and I am worried, deeply worried.
My doctor wrote me a certificate for my work for 2yrs.
I am trying hard not overthink anything at the moment.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Most IBS is classified as stage IIIC or 4. The T stands for tumour. The 4 is due to size and that skin and some nodes involved. This is different from stage IV cancer just to clarify.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I have no idea either what T4 is @sjd_barra but you've got a plan of action now. As others have said, it's shitty but you can get on now with treatment. Take care.
primek
Member
7 years ago
I was wondering if your pathology was Her2+ since you mentioned 18 months?
arpie
Member
7 years ago
OK ... BIG hugs coming your way. You can do this.

Throw any questions up that you want info on, @sjd_barra - nothing is off limit!

Great that Debbie was there for you! She will become a very important part of you treatment.

Take care xxxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Well as shitty as it is, at least now you know and you can crack on with treatment. Hang in there @sjd_barra. We're with you. Biggest of hugs, K xox
primek
Member
7 years ago
So glad it's all moving quickly now. It's shitty though. A lot to take in.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@sjd_barra All the best as you set out on that long road.