Forum Discussion

Tracey2800's avatar
Tracey2800
Member
7 years ago

Staying Positive - new diagnosis

Hello All, 
A little over 3 weeks ago I saw a dimple on my breast that was only obvious when I raised my arm over my head. Since then I’ve had mammograms, ultrasound, biopsy, radioactive tracer injected and as of yesterday, a wide excision tumour and node removal. My breast, urine and poop are all bright blue 😆 Now the waiting for the results begins. 

I received the call to say that it looked like I had a malignant tumour while I was quite literally standing in front of 60 students on an excursion (as the lead teacher). It took every ounce of my willpower to hold it in until I got home!
Since then I’ve had some very low moments but I’ve tried to approach this positively and with an attitude of ‘I can beat this’. Fortunately I’m surrounded by supportive colleagues, friends and family. 

With the support of my family, and if the biopsy is favourable, I’m planning a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. My surgeon says there are other options but I’ve lost faith in my breasts. For me I think this is the best path back to not thinking about this every waking moment. 

What a whirlwind it’s been. I’ve never had to make so many decisions so quickly. How I wish I had a crystal ball 🔮 
lumpectomy
mastectomy
Reconstruction
  • Wonk's avatar
    Wonk
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @Tracey2800, I’m so glad you found your way here. There are so many beautiful people here who can help you through this time.  I’m relatively new and had my wide excision and node removal 9 days ago. My boob is still blue and thanks @kmakm I didn’t know it will take 3 months to fade!
    Wow it’s such a whirlwind and how awful to receive the news in front of a group of students. You must have really had to hold it together, you were amazing to do that. I’m glad you’re surrounded by family and friends. These are the people that you have to allow to help you. Many strong, independent women find it hard to accept help. I’m one of them! But over the last week my friends have dropped off dinners every day for my family of 5, and I never realised how much I would appreciate it. Tonight the freezer is empty but my heart is full of gratitude.
    The decision of mastectomy is a really confrontating one. First reaction is to get rid of everything so this horrible thing is gone.  Once you have the full histapathology results your surgeon will have a much better idea of your unique situation and will be able to provide pathways for you to consider.
    The waiting time is tough and I often found myself on this site as I fluctuated from being positive to sometimes just feeling really low.
    We are all here for you and will support you through this xxx
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hello and welcome. I too chose to remove both breasts and reconstruct as my cancer wasn't even visible on a mammogram but fortunately it was in a spot easily felt. I didn't think I could  trust another cancer wasn't growing undetected. My photo story is in the breast reconstruction group. The waiting for the next plan is hard as you just don't know what the next 6th months will entail but it's totally doable. ..as many of us are here to talk about it. Kath x
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 years ago
    Gosh @Tracey2800 .... that was a tough BC initiation ..... but once you have your results and can formulate a treatment plan, it sort of becomes a tad easier.  Having supportive family, friends and workplace really helps .. and now you can also put up any query or concern that you can think of, here .... and those who have been there, will be able to also offer guidance and support xxx

    There will be ups and downs, tears and fears, but also smiles and even laughter along the way.  If we can help you in any way, just ask 

    Good luck with your results xxx Thinking of you xx. The waiting is the pits. Grrrr

  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi Tracey. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that you find yourself here but I hope you find it as warm and supportive as I have.

    If you are considering a double mastectomy and reconstruction, you should join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group. Scroll down and tap Groups. You could also check out Reclaim Your Curves.

    I had a BMX and DIEP recon at the end of April this year. You can read and see my experience in the group. It is a massive thing to do. It is not easy. The recovery time is long, and there are many possible complications.

    Because I had chemo I had a lot of thinking time, which I needed. I have no regrets, especially round the fact that I had two lots of DCIS discovered via post-operative histopathology, that were invisible on mammograms & ultrasounds. I've since discovered I have a CHEK2 gene mutation that pre-disposes me to breast cancer, and a bunchof other cancers. That further confirms my decision. You can tap on my @ name to read my story.

    If there is not a cluster of people in your family with breast cancer my understanding is the chances of another cancer in your other breast is not more than the general population, or just a little. Make sure you talk it through with a counsellor who understands breast cancer. You know yourself best, how you can live with 'scanxiety', but please make sure you understand the ramifications of removing the delightful erogenous zone that are your chesticles! I have foobs, they fill out my clothes, but there is zero sensation there, and no nipples.

    Good on you for checking out that dimple! Seriously, a lot of people ignore stuff like that. I had the blue dye injected into my nipple, oi... It took about three months to fade.

    It is a whirlwind at the start, and the learning curve is vertical. I hope you're doing OK. Good luck with your test results and let us know how you get on. K xox