Who found their own 'lump'

I too was in the shower Jan 2011 and noticed a large lump and the nipple had inverted, having a family history I knew that wasn't a good sign. My prior breast screen mamm was all clear 18 months earlier. I had Mammogram, Ultrasound and core biopsy, with Mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. A month after Mastectomy I had complete axillary clearance as it had spread to lymph nodes. Then I had chemo and now on Arimadex. I had been going along so well until this new year exactly two years after diagnosis. Suddenly I ended up in hospital with pneumonia (where it came from I don't know). I had IV antibiotics etc and was only out of hospital three weeks when I had to call ambulance and was readmitted with the pneumonia and pleurisy. I am home now and nearly finished oral antibiotics, but don't feel it is cured this time either. I have never smoked, am active, so really questioning now why. 

I too was in the shower Jan 2011 and noticed a large lump and the nipple had inverted, having a family history I knew that wasn't a good sign. My prior breast screen mamm was all clear 18 months earlier. I had Mammogram, Ultrasound and core biopsy, with Mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. A month after Mastectomy I had complete axillary clearance as it had spread to lymph nodes. Then I had chemo and now on Arimadex. I had been going along so well until this new year exactly two years after diagnosis. Suddenly I ended up in hospital with pneumonia (where it came from I don't know). I had IV antibiotics etc and was only out of hospital three weeks when I had to call ambulance and was readmitted with the pneumonia and pleurisy. I am home now and nearly finished oral antibiotics, but don't feel it is cured this time either. I have never smoked, am active, so really questioning now why. 

Good Luck you sound well prepared, I go to see the Oncologist tomorrow so I'm right behind you. Hope all goes well for you and you have an easy journey through your treatment.

Karen x

Good Luck you sound well prepared, I go to see the Oncologist tomorrow so I'm right behind you. Hope all goes well for you and you have an easy journey through your treatment.

Karen x

Well here I am and so soon and all that... Chemo day one tomorrow, my cocktail of choice (not) is docetaxel with  a splash of cyclophosphamide to top it all off nicely, apparently 4 rounds will do the trick. Have the 'chemo kit' ready to go, a big thank you to you all for tips on what goodies may help in this rally race. Got my special toothpaste, stuff if I can't poo, stuff if I poo too much, recipe for mouthwash, sanitising gel (strategically placed throughout house & in hand bag), gentle toothbrush, gentle body wash, body moisturiser (all natural) ,head scarves, my 'going out hair' (wig),  sense of humour still intact, and the list goes on.....  Chin chin :o)

Well here I am and so soon and all that... Chemo day one tomorrow, my cocktail of choice (not) is docetaxel with  a splash of cyclophosphamide to top it all off nicely, apparently 4 rounds will do the trick. Have the 'chemo kit' ready to go, a big thank you to you all for tips on what goodies may help in this rally race. Got my special toothpaste, stuff if I can't poo, stuff if I poo too much, recipe for mouthwash, sanitising gel (strategically placed throughout house & in hand bag), gentle toothbrush, gentle body wash, body moisturiser (all natural) ,head scarves, my 'going out hair' (wig),  sense of humour still intact, and the list goes on.....  Chin chin :o)

Awe Dribbler,

Very very normal to feel scared. I was totally freaking out when I found my little beauty!! A million things racing through your head all at once. Going around in circles, unable to concentrate, having your whole world evolve around breast cancer, yep it's scary stuff.

Take a deep breath, remember to breathe :o). One step at a time an one hurdle at a time is the way that is helping me. I am controling what I can and flowing with what I can't, mind you there are days where kicking and screaming sure does look like an awesome option!!!  Ask questions... writing them down is great as I am like a rabbit in the headlights whenever I go to see medical proffesionals and if my questions are not on a scrap of paper the questions don't get asked. My oncologist was brilliant, he answered every question I had and his demeanor and manner gave me faith in him and the treatment plan now mapped out. I hope you will be amazed by the awesome support and resources that are available to you, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Be Brave. We are with you. XXXX

hi all, yes i found my lump in the shower also, but as it was a weekend couldnt see gp for 2 days. blaa blaa needless to say i had a mastectomy, and lymph nodes removed, chemo, radio and hormonal therapy.   Now two years after treetment i am clear and living my life to the full. 

Hi Robyn,

Thank u for your advise and kind wishes - think your sister in law is very wise and I will take that thought on board.

Hope you are doing really well and glad to hear chemo wasn't as bad as u thought it would be.

Karen