Forum Discussion
Such a scary learning curve
Hi all,
i am just starting to through this process. 3 years ago I found a lump and went for an ultrasound, they found 4 and said they were just fibroadenomas so no further action required. Fast forward 3 years and these lumps had grown and they found a new one so recommended just testing 2 of them. Went and saw a surgeon and he said to just remove them all and that would be it, might have to have some HRT therapy and stop taking the pill. Got the results and the pathologists thought was mucinous carcinoma but had to confer and then came back with papillary carcinoma. Had to have breast sparing surgery and it is now invasive ductal carcinoma and there are areas of DCIS in there too and it is hormone receptor positive which I believe is a very good thing. End result is today is a right sided mastectomy with lymph node removal. The surgeon has told me most likely HRT and radiation afterwards. I’m so scared when the results come it is going to be worse than expected since that is what has been happening since the start and I’m worried about getting lumphoedema. I’m also so angry that this was most likely cancer 3 years ago and I was told there was no need to do anything about it. This is all so scary and new and just trying to work out what everything means (I work in the veterinary industry but trying to figure out the pathology report was a mission). Luckily I have a very supportive husband and great friends and I am trying to be so positive but you cant help thinking worst case scenario every now and then. Sorry about the lengthy rant - thanks for reading
i am just starting to through this process. 3 years ago I found a lump and went for an ultrasound, they found 4 and said they were just fibroadenomas so no further action required. Fast forward 3 years and these lumps had grown and they found a new one so recommended just testing 2 of them. Went and saw a surgeon and he said to just remove them all and that would be it, might have to have some HRT therapy and stop taking the pill. Got the results and the pathologists thought was mucinous carcinoma but had to confer and then came back with papillary carcinoma. Had to have breast sparing surgery and it is now invasive ductal carcinoma and there are areas of DCIS in there too and it is hormone receptor positive which I believe is a very good thing. End result is today is a right sided mastectomy with lymph node removal. The surgeon has told me most likely HRT and radiation afterwards. I’m so scared when the results come it is going to be worse than expected since that is what has been happening since the start and I’m worried about getting lumphoedema. I’m also so angry that this was most likely cancer 3 years ago and I was told there was no need to do anything about it. This is all so scary and new and just trying to work out what everything means (I work in the veterinary industry but trying to figure out the pathology report was a mission). Luckily I have a very supportive husband and great friends and I am trying to be so positive but you cant help thinking worst case scenario every now and then. Sorry about the lengthy rant - thanks for reading
46 Replies
- Dear @"Kiwi Angel" , best wishes from jennyss in Western NSW
- Best of luck, we are all here to listen x
- @"Kiwi Angel"
I was awake all night and cried all day during my time in hospital, twice. I too had fibroadenomas that were hiding cancer. My ultrasound from 2 years previously said nothing to worry about. So I didn't. I know how you're feeling. Crying releases feel good hormones into your body. Don't try to stop it. Encourage it, especially when there's no one around. I found showers were a great place to have a really good howl. My heart goes out to you. xo - Big huggs mydear
Positive vibes for recovery
B - I am still in hospital going home tomorrow. I am trying my best to be positive and just take it one step at a time - bit of an emotional hit today though but just have to wait for CT and histo results which is hard. Not good at the waiting game.
- I know it feels overwhelming. One step at a time, though. That's what everyone says and it's true. Deal with it when you know what you have to deal with. I assume you're still in hospital - can your doctor prescribed something to help you calm and sleep?
- I’m very lucky to have my fabulous husband with me. Just can’t now stop my mind going to the possibility of dying when at the start of January this was all supposed to be nothing.
- Oh, @"Kiwi Angel" I wish I could do more to help. I know what you're going through. Have you got someone supportive with you?
- Hi@Kiwi Angel
Sending you a pm - I am pretty scared right now and can’t stop crying
