Forum Discussion

Mary993's avatar
Mary993
Member
13 years ago

The time consuming diagnosis

Hi all, thanks for your posts, reading them has helped me. I found what I thought was a lump in my right breast, back in April 2012. It hurt a bit, too. As i was about to resign from my job of 11 years, and lose all my sick leave, I thought I'd better follow up. My GP referred me for a mammogram as it was within 2 years of my last one. Mammogram was clear but as I had felt something they told me to come back another day for a fine needle biopsy on what they suspected was a 1.4cm cyst. They couldn't get enough from that so told me to come back for a core biopsy. When I turned up for the core biopsy my boob was so sore they gave me antibiotics and sent me away for 6 week (as it was thought to be an inflamed cyst). Finally had the core biopsy in August and guess what.....a week and a half later I had a 2.4cm agressive grade 3 tumour removed, and a few lymph nodes. Now the doctor is talking chemo as well as radiation and I'm very scared, although, in the first bit of good news, he said my lymph nodes were clear of cancer. Yay! I just wish the diagnosis had been quicker, although I'm very glad I persevered. And yes, I left my old job and haven't been at the new one long, so have very little leave, and although they have been very supportive I feel guilty having leave, even though I know this isnt my fault.
  • Mary993's avatar
    Mary993
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Michelle Thanks for your encouragement. I agree, once I have the treatment plan I reckon I'll feel better, I find all the waiting for results and appointments hard to take. I read your blog, you've certaaily been on a whirlwind treatment course yourself, and have handled it with strength and courage. Best wishes, thanks again Mary
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    So glad you persevered, and I am really sorry that you didn't get the all-clear they were all expecting.  However, they found it before it reached the lymph nodes which is a huge plus and your treatment can get underway quickly.

    Don't be scared.  Just take one day at a time and don't get overwhelmed.  Once you have a treatment plan the time will pass very quickly. Keep a notebook in your bag to keep track of appointments, any side effects of your meds, questions you want to ask, etc.

    All the best with your new job.  Keep posting and let us know how you are going.  Big hugs,  Michelle x

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    So glad you persevered, and I am really sorry that you didn't get the all-clear they were all expecting.  However, they found it before it reached the lymph nodes which is a huge plus and your treatment can get underway quickly.

    Don't be scared.  Just take one day at a time and don't get overwhelmed.  Once you have a treatment plan the time will pass very quickly. Keep a notebook in your bag to keep track of appointments, any side effects of your meds, questions you want to ask, etc.

    All the best with your new job.  Keep posting and let us know how you are going.  Big hugs,  Michelle x