Forum Discussion
The Journey Begins
Last Monday 30th May, 2016, I attended my first Mammogram after picking up a brochure at the Dr's surgery whilst I was waiting to get my results for blood tests, just doing a checkup to see where my hormone levels were at as I have started Meno. I booked it in after I got home and went along to the bus in Camden. The Radiologist was so nice and she did a few extra scans as Im a bigger girl and she thought it was a good idea... (Im so pleased she did).
On Monday 6th June, I got a call from the Liverpool Breast Screen Clinic to come back in for a follow up. The Breast Screen Nurse was amazing (Sam). She said that something had shown up and they wanted to do a followup Mammogram and ultrasound. Of course this then put the stress levels up.
On Tuesday I went into the Clinic and was pretty much seen straight away... they made me feel less stressed. I first met the other Breast Screen Nurse (Debbie). She explained what was going to happen. Mammogram, Ultrasound and then a Biopsy if needed. I had it done and there "IT" was, 2 spots side by side in my Left breast, I then had the Ultrasound. The Radiologist was also excellent, she made me feel comfortable however nothing was about to stop the tears from flowing as she explained what she was seeing. She explained the size, shape and asked if I had seen dimpling .. (nothing). I check my breast regularly but found nothing.
I then saw the Dr and he was just amazing... I said give it to me straight.. he did... He examined my breasts and then the question ... did you feel anything.. his reply.. NO.. so the Mammogram was it.
I then went for a break for an hour and came back to have the Biopsy... the Dr was great as well as Sam. They warned me that I could end up with a Haematoma and I did.. the 3rd sample hurt but now my poor boob is bruised and red and blue... but it is nothing compared to what it could of been.
I am now waiting for the results to hopefully come back on Tuesday and then the decisions will happen.
Watch this space!
Latest News from 14/6/2016
Today I had my follow up appointment at Liverpool.. what an awesome bunch of girls and Dr's.
Well, It is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Stage 2A... no lymph node involvement. 3cm (not as big as they thought) Stellate carcinoma's x 2. Very prominent on the scans... So tomorrow I need to see my GP for a referral to a surgeon and see where I go from here. I have decided tho to have the breast removed and if I can find a surgeon to remove the Right one I am going to do the whole thing with a reconstruction. There is no stuffing around.. i do not want to be going through this again in 5 yrs and wondering if and when it is going to come back... and it is no good saying .. oh it might not. well it will and it does. Im being realistic and with the way my life is (which I enjoy) I dont want to be having these feelings again, ever. My decision, My body.
57 Replies
Hi Kathyjane,
I too went through Breast screen but I did have a lump. I had my initial mammogram at Campbelltown, telephone call 1 1/2 weeks later telling me I had an appointment at Liverpool the following day (didn't get the letter, that turned up after my appointment) where they did mammogram, ultrasound, 2 x core biopsies and 3 axillary biopsies. They knew the results that day and told me as I had gone on my own that I needed to return the following week and I HAD TO bring someone with me. I knew from their reactions so had my cry that first week. The staff there are fantastic and I had my diagnosis confirmed the following week by Dr Saliba who I have had my GP refer me too as I liked her attitude and sense of humour. I go into hospital Wednesday for my surgery, it will be two months to the day that I had my first mammogram. So whilst I have started my journey I am about to embark on my treatment journey. I am going to be having my chemo treatment at Campbelltown CC as my GP has told me there are some of the best onco's in the state there :-). If I can do anything to help, let me know. All the best. Let us know how you're doing. Xx Cath
Hi KathyJane.
Sorry to hear you have found yourself in this position. I am now past treatement,and doing well, now just under surveillance.. I am from your area Camden,and had my treatment at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre. They were great and I had have Breast Care nurses Therese and Debbie to chat to and confide in.
Wishing you great results.
Regards Linda
It is all a bit surreal isn't it? You don't feel sick and the breast doesn't worry you much and then they tell you there's cancer in it. Good news is breast cancer is primary cancer and it is entirely possible nowadays to get rid of it completely and get on with a long and happy life but you only get one shot at it and treatment is aggressive but it needs to be. Hard to come to terms with but a necessary evil. Good luck with your journey and we're here for you even if its a kicking and screaming frustrated day. We all have em.
Hi Kathy, all the best. I am waiting on surgery path so I know where I am headed. All will be revealed next Wednesday but waiting is the worst bit. Stay positive and make sure you have someone to talk to but I think this sight is absolutely great. I am so glad I know I can put anything in here and receive support. Will be thinking of you, Kester
Just hang in there Kathy... Once the tumors are out they will have a much better idea. With me.biopsy results and post lumpectomy results changed a tad as was the recommendatn for trtteatmw plan.
It is goog to make contact.with Breast Care Nurse and stay in contact as they can help guide you through the treatment process and are also good in terms of giving advice whewh to find most appropriate and affordable nits and pieces you may need - be it diet advice, exercise advice, preparing for surgery or being discharged and how best to cope and function during recivery or access to affordable headwear ?? (if that becomes relevant that is...)
Keep us posted and do not firget we are here and been through it too so everyone here really understands what you are going through. It is an emotional rollercoaster so be it just needing to chat or vent or sook or have a major dummy spit (we have all do e many of each of those) just remember - we are all here
Hugs
Jel.
Thanks so much.. and I definitely will
I will be posting as soon as I know...
Thanks so much for your words.
yeah Jel,,
This is me too.. I think they knew straight away ... now it is just waiting to see the grading and move on with where I need to go next.
Thank you for you reply... yes funny how you hear what your brain wants you to hear.. then gone.. nothing...
Being a nurse can sometimes be harder than not being one.. but the days are ok for now..
If the outcome for me on Tuesday is positive... then im going to think about attending Campbelltown CC .. great reviews
I have 4 weeks Facilitation at Liverpool Public starting 27/6 and I have just done 4 weeks... I walk through the corridor every day and think... I feel for these people sitting in there waiting... now it might be me waiting..
Thank you so much for your support..
