Forum Discussion
Testing
I have recently been diagnosed and have surgery booked in for a few weeks. I was lucky to have my cancer detected in a regular mammogram
I feel that this website will help me through the next phase and just wanted to see how it works.
I have already gained so much from the stories I have read and I look forward to having this avenue to share my thoughts and feelings.
Thankyou
17 Replies
From what I have heard, all situations are very individual. But the testing takes time, and the fact that they didnt find anything further in your nodes was lucky and a very positive sign. I had 2 surgeries under my arm, about 15 nodes removed and the knowledge that cancer had shown up in my nodes. I had my lump removed, and then I had a portal placed in the opposite side of my chest. I was told I had Triple Negative Cancer, which was more aggressive and lucky I found it early enough. I still have that portal in my chest, just incase.
Back where you are, I thought the worst, I panicked, I didnt understand, and I didnt get the whole triple negative thing. I didnt want to have chemo, either, and to find out I had the type of cancer I had, thought I was very unlucky.
Today, I am well, cancer free and back at work, and 9 months since all that. So try to take a big breath and dont "assume", try not to worry about what you dont understand. Ask doctors the medical questions. Get on here and find peace of mind. There is only one thing for certain - youre not alone. Also, most of us do survive! You found yours early too, so well done! X Bel
Hi donna. I can imagine your frustration over christmas, waiting for results, very unfair! thanks for sharing that with me, I will keep busy (gently) and the time will go soon enough. cheers
Thanks deanne, that does make sense. Probably best to wait and get all results in one hit. It is all, about being patient, isnt it! I will take your advice and work on recovering from surgery and slowly getting stronger to cope with the next part of the journey. Cheers
- It is good to have that first step done and know that the cancer has been removed! Waiting for results is definitely the hard bit of this process. Usually they have most of the results after a week but the test for whether your cancer was Her2 + or - can take longer so this may be why your surgeon has said the full results will be available in 2 weeks rather than 1 week. Try to reassure yourself with the knowledge that your cancer was small, early and most likely not in your nodes. That is all excellent news. Keep busy, do your exercises for your arm and maybe organize some distractions like coffee or lunch with a friend or family member. I spent time researching healthy lifestyle changes, cooking healthy meals and going for walks to help my body recover for whatever was next. Take care. Deanne xxx
My lump has been removed, along with 2 nodes. The preliminary biopsy of the nodes came back clear of cancer, so that is promising.
My surgeon has told me to come for post op appt in 2 weeks, when I will get the full, pathology results. Reading other blogs on this site, I notice ladies get their results much sooner. I wonder, should I push for an earlier appt with my specialist.
This is day 3 after surgery, I Am feeling flat and uncomfortable, and a bit sore. I have been keeping very positive since learning of my cancer and am very thankful that it was detected so early, at only 10mm lump. 2 nodes were removed as they were very close to each other and would have been difficult to ascertain which would have been the sentinal node (I think that is what was said anyway! :! )
Now to continue resting and the waiting game again!
Welcome on board, I am sure you will find this site an enormous source of support along your journey.
We will all agree the waiting is one of the hardest things, will be thinking of you on the 6th.
Sending you hugs
donna
Welcome to the BCNA Website, I hope you found it as emotionally supportive as I always have. It is difficult waiting, and I found that beginning part the hardest. The minute I picked up the phone and rang the Cancer Council and cried on the phone, I opened the door to many new friendships and great help and support. I was blown away at the great advice, the support and information that is available to Breast Cancer people, not so, for many other types I since have learnt. I had a year off to treat my cancer, and you are welcome to read my blogs as I was very open and honest about it all. I am now 8 months later, after treatment and back at work. Good luck, and take long deep breaths, and drink lots of water! XX Bel
Welcome to the BCNA Website, I hope you found it as emotionally supportive as I always have. It is difficult waiting, and I found that beginning part the hardest. The minute I picked up the phone and rang the Cancer Council and cried on the phone, I opened the door to many new friendships and great help and support. I was blown away at the great advice, the support and information that is available to Breast Cancer people, not so, for many other types I since have learnt. I had a year off to treat my cancer, and you are welcome to read my blogs as I was very open and honest about it all. I am now 8 months later, after treatment and back at work. Good luck, and take long deep breaths, and drink lots of water! XX Bel
Hang in there for the wait. We will be thinking of you on the 6th March and hope you find all the support on here and in the BCNA Community. I did. Thank goodness for the My Journey Kit, and the team of people out there who are available to give you information, assistance and financial help when needed. The Counsellors are fabulous via the Cancer Council. Vent on here, and we will understand. X Bel
