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
- Kiwi Angel said: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 - Seconding Zoffiel - CT scan is standard just to check. And it is nerve wracking but painless. Best wishes @"Kiwi Angel"
- OK, the CT is pretty standard--nerve wracking but it, unfortunately, a necessary evil. It's a terrible time for you, wishing you the best of luck. Mxx
- Just saw the surgeon and he said he can see lymph nodes so now I need chemo and CT scan to see if it has metastasised. F**k, F**k - the news just keep getting worse and worse.
- @"Kiwi Angel" when you have a shower you can hang the drain bag from the shower taps but remember to put it back in its bag before you walk away (ouch) and if you find your drain swinging around a bit get some micropore tape from your nurse and add extra tape to strap it down as it makes a huge difference!! Xx
- With the drains it will probably depend on how much they're filling. It may be up to two weeks or you may get one or all out before you go home.
- Thanks everyone. Didn’t have the best sleep but managed to doze abit - the little armpit doughnut is good. Pain not too bad but I did really gently try and put my hair in a ponytail and got a shooting pain in the affected arm. Learnt a position I can’t move in! Didn’t realise I would have to have the drain in for 1 to 2 weeks - that will be interesting carting that round in my little bag. Will have to remember to carry my handbag on the opposite shoulder too.
- Hi @"Kiwi Angel" wishing you a speedy recovery, don't be surprised if you get a bit teary as prior to surgery everything is so rushed you don't have time to process it all and it is scary stuff!!! Just remember you've just ticked off a huge step so that's one less thing to worry about! Big hugs. Xx Cath
- Rest up now love and keep us posted how you go. We are all here for you remember that. Margie xx
- Don't be scared to ask for pain relief and take the opportunity to ask all the questions you need to - and make sure you have clear exercise instructions. Apart from that, enjoy having nothing else that needs to be done!
