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wannawoma's avatar
wannawoma
Member
8 years ago

Seven years on and feeling anxious again

Hi my name is Jayne.  Seven years ago I was diagnosed with Grade 3, Stage 2 TNBC.  I had a lumpectomy at the advice of my surgeon and oncologist and also had 29 lymph nodes removed under my right arm with five positive.  Eight cycles of chemo and six weeks radio rounded out the treatment and since then I've been well.
In December last year I got my 'no further appointments' from my oncologist.  In June this year I saw my surgeon for the usual annual mammogram and ultrasound and I had three nodes enlarged under my opposite arm.  A core biospy came back as all clear, just enlarged nodes and the surgeon ordered another US in six months.  A couple of days later I came down with a pretty crappy winter virus.  That last about three weeks and I've been well since then.
Last Thursday I went for my follow-up ultrasound and having had numerous of these (like everyone else), you know when they are measuring.  A naughty look at the screen confirmed what I thought, enlarged nodes still (don't know how many).
I'm seeing my surgeon tomorrow but I'm going out of my head with anxiety about what this might mean.  I suppose I'm just looking for some sane words to sooth the negative thoughts in my head until tomorrow, when I'll probably be off for another biopsy.
Thanks for reading <3
triple-negative-breast-cancer

19 Replies

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  • wannawoma's avatar
    wannawoma
    Member
    8 years ago
    I’m feeling much better after my visit with my surgeon this morning. She is happy that there has been no change in size or the way they look since June. She is also going to get another radiologist opinion on them however at this stage it’s my annual mammogram and US in May and if they’re still there and unchanged we can assume they are just ‘normal’ for me now. 
    Thanks so much for your ears and words. You truly are wise women. 
    Jayne xx
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    I have a cyst in my remaining breast which has been there since diagnosis 2yrs ago. I also have a larger node under my arm which I can feel. They measure both every 6 mths.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Follow your head with this one. If you think there is something wrong DO NOT GIVE UP. It's better to be thought a bit (or a lot) neurotic than it is to find you have been placated into a situation where you have acted too late. This site is littered with women who thought something stank and got told they were just a bit anxious and to relax and have a valium.

    I'm in no way trying to frighten you but, seriously, if you think there is a problem it's your body and you know it better than anyone else. Make a fuss. Then, if everything is OK,  you can be a bit embarrassed for ten minutes and get on with your life.

    That little bell that rings in our heads is, I think, the last vestiges of our primitive selves and we should listen to it.

    Good luck, Marg xxx.

  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    8 years ago
    Dear @wannawoma the anxiety is a constant as soon as anything changes - we all feel this - talk to your oncologist about your concerns rather than bottle it up as our imaginations can run riot. A wise woman on here counselled me to wait a couple of weeks before doing so . What frustrates the heck out of me is there is little written about the long term side effects of our treatment and they exist a plenty - eg I had chest pains 6 months after radiotherapy and raced into Casualty thinking the worst and my ECG was fine. But on the other hand it may be something so follow it through for your sanity and perhaps expeditious treatment if it is a problem.One of the ladies put something up about scan anxiety and might be worth putting it up again here.

    I’m not sure if I’ve supplied sane words but what you are feeling is what we all do - you are most definitely not alone.Plus if things worry us we get them checked out and if things need to be done we get them done .We are here on this blog standing with you - keep blogging we get it.
  • wannawoma's avatar
    wannawoma
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thank you Summer x
    I am bad for looking at the screen I know.  Hopefully I'll be back with some good news like you. :smile:
  • wannawoma's avatar
    wannawoma
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thanks Kath x
    I've never used this forum before having always handled things OK.  Looking through some of the posts, it seems like a great place to be :smile:  My positive brain is telling me everything will be ok, I have to just keep listening to it. 
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hello @wannawoma
    You are not alone in feeling anxious - we all do when there is anything out of the ordinary.  Naughty you for checking out the screen as that is akin to doing the Dr Google thing !
    Maybe you will feel less anxious if I tell you that I had a similar issue and it turned out to be enlarged sweat glands.
    Hopefully all will be OK for you - we are here for you and look forward to catching up tomorrow after your appointment.
    Try to rest and relax in the knowledge that your medicos are at least listening to your concerns and taking the appropriate actions quickly.
    Thinking of you.
    Summer   :)
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    What you are feeling is absolutely normal we will forever be hypervigilent after breast cancer.

    Yes you have enlarged nodes but not long ago a virus. You know this. But it doesn't stop you tightly feeling scared and anxious.

    We are with you and hope that all will be well. Even though it may mean more tests to be sure to be sure.

    Take care.
    Kath x