A very exclusive club. As far as I know, the only other HU-er in it with me is IannodaTruffe . Yes, I've joined the cancer club....
I went for a routine mammogram a couple of weeks before Christmas, and got a call-back appointment really quickly. They took a load more mammograms as the machine moved across me, they kind of "slice" the tissue into bits so they can look at it from different angles. Then ultrasound, and two biopsies.
The Radiographer knew by then, I've no idea how it works, but the thing they take the biopsy with allows them to look right down into the lump. She asked me to call my husband in then she told us. Obviously, I had to wait for the full results from the biopsy, but they are not going to tell you it looks like a cancer if there is any doubt.
Good job I don't celebrate Christmas, because it would NOT have been merry chez moi.
The appointment to get my results was a very emotional one for me. There were very many frightened faces, everyone was either a "call-back" or a "results" patient. There were all ages, only about 3 or 4 ladies were older than me. There were several Muslim ladies, I wonder if they give them a female consultant out of respect for their religion? There were also several Orientals, including one man. I Googled it when I got home, I had no idea this could affect men too, apparently it is quite common but women have a much better survival rate because they know something is wrong and go to their doctors.
My consultant is a real eccentric, a true bonkers professor. he described the various stages of cancer as dogs, with a Rottweiler being the worst, apparently what I have is a Poodle. I will have a lumpectomy, and removal of some of the lymph glands, followed by three weeks of Radiotherapy.
These are the questions I asked...
Will I lose my breast? - No
Will I lose my hair? - No
Will I be able to keep running? Not for two weeks after the op, but then it's ok.
Will I be able to take the class of new runners that I have planned? Yes, after those two weeks off.
Will I be able to run my Half Marathon in March? Yes.
Should I cancel my return to France which is all booked for the middle of April? No.
I feel extraordinarily lucky, they said if I had not had 2 previous mammograms they would never have spotted such a subtle change. I Googled my consultant, I think I have been given a really top man in his field. Obviously I am not lookig forward to any of this, but I think I will be looked after very well.
So, ladies, and gents, please do your checks, don't leave anything you find that you think isn't right.
As Tim would say - keep running, keep smiling.
XX
CG
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Curlygurly2
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My goodness, you really have had a tough time and I wish you well in your treatment. It sounds like it won’t be too long before you can run again and do your planned HM. Thankyou for sharing this with us and do offload here any time you need to xxx
That's awful news Curly, but at least as you say it sounds as if they have found it before it gets out of hand. My mum went through the same about 15 years ago - no chemo needed just radiotherapy. The worst thing about it for her was that the hospital she had to go to for the therapy was a long drive away and she and my dad were already quite old and frail by then (or so I thought - nothing compared to their conditions now ... but that's another whole story), and they had to go over there very often including over the Xmas period all through the terrible weather. BUT, the actual therapy didn't give her any trouble at all.
Good luck, and keep us posted. Your consultant sounds lovely and his upbeat prognosis of all fine to go back to France in April gives good vibes.
Sue! There you are! I searched for you a couple of months ago, couldn't find anything from you?
I'm going to Addenbrokes, it's about 2 miles from me so not too bad really. Perhaps I'll even run there if I feel up to it! Thanks for saying your Mum didn't have any ill effects from the radio, that's the bit that worries me most really.
Oh Sarah I was wondering how the biopsy went. You are the second friend of mine to get it in so many days. The good news for you is that you caught it so early and it sounds like a minimal disruption of your life, all things considered. Wishing you all the best in your recovery back to your everyday life and training for your HM.
Oh gosh. So sorry to hear such news 😢 I am loving how positive you are and I for one am sending lots of positive vibes to you for your recovery. Hoping to see you back out running as soon as you can. 😀
Thank you TJ, I'm still running at the moment, and will right up to the op. Got a HM to run in March, I'll probably do it dedicated to my hospital, and maybe try and fund raise too.
Sounds like a great idea. My thoughts are with you. Go and smash that half marathon. You can do it. Great admiration for long distance runners. You go girl 🙋🏼
So glad they have caught it at the 'poodle' stage. Here's sending best wishes for your op and a speedy recovery so you can do all the things you've got planned.
Oh eck Curly! Bit of a shock reading that matey but the answers to your questions do give reassurance. It must be a scary time for you nevertheless. Your doc sounds the business!
I hope you remain upbeat and positive. Easy for me to say, I know, but i think it’s the best way to be 💪🙂🏃♀️
Thank you Sonia, I'm made of girders so I should be ok. yes, I've had a few down days, but not much point in those if you can avoid them is there?
Running definitely helps, and yes, I think of you lot with me, it really does help. What id it rish John say? You run on your own but you're never alone (or something)
Unfortunately you are not the only members of this horrible club. Your diagnosis seems (as your consultant said) at the very best end of the scale.
I waited until after breast cancer to think about getting fit - your body will thank you for keeping it in good shape.
Your treatment is relatively gentle - I had a lumpectomy with removal of lymph glands and I would recommend a good bra, but otherwise you should get over the surgery quickly. I also had chemo, which was the hardest part psychologically and physically, and then 36 sessions of radio. Radio is not too bad - the worst part is the daily appointments and the disruption to your routine. I took a long time to get back to feeling myself, but I think that was mainly due to chemo which is brutal. Will you also need hormone therapy? - tamoxifen has played havoc with my joints, skin and ability to regulate my body temperature! If you do need it, I'd recommend Nolvadex brand, if you can choose.
Good luck with your treatment, I'll look out for your updates on here.
I'm hoping the radio won't be too bad, you've had a rough time with yours haven't you? The've said I might need hormone therapy, I don't know yet.
One question if I may - they've said I should get a fitting for a good unboned bra, a sports bra preferably, just as you say, will I need that for ever, or will I be able to go back to something a bit lighter later on?
I suppose this might depend on your build - I have small breasts - but I bought soft bras (M&S, and Asda do good ones, but you have to look quite carefully to make sure you only choose 100% cotton for during radio, and the ranges for women who have had a mastectomy - that includes us in this context - are VAT-free). I wore these immediately after surgery (well, 3 or 4 days after) and throughout radio (the underwired ones put too much pressure on the skin which may display symptoms of burning - I forgot one day and the technician gave me talking-to!) and I continue to rotate them with my more glamorous ones today. I probably bought more than I needed, because I have been able to wear some of my favourite pre-surgery ones, but I find that I sometimes feel uncomfortable in underwired - I still have some cording - a kind of pulling under the armpit.
A good sports bra will never be wasted for a runner, though, will it? If you find one you love, let me know - I've (ashamed face) never bought a sports bra, I just run in those little runner's bra tops which give zero support. But as I said, I'm very small up top.
Good luck and keep smiling - you will come out the other side and look back on this, which I know feels unimaginable right now.
I have a very good sports bra from Triumph, I'm not massive up top, but I'm not small either. They are very comfortable, but high at the front, and thick around the straps. Fine under a jumper in winter, but not with summer strappy dresses. Thanks for the advice, I'll pop into M&S soon xx
Couldn't believe what i was reading there Curly, what a shock but great that you have such a positive attitude and that your consultant is so reassuring and capable. But still, hard to cope with but you sound like you are doing a great job and being as strong a lady as we know you are. I know of 4 or 5 friends who have had breast cancer over here and all have recovered well. Good job you caught it early. Sending you big hugs from here xxx
Just like your Half Marathon... you WILL smash this... you WILL cross the finish line....it may be tough at times... there may be hills to challenge you... but I know you WILL dig deep and come out a winner..
I'm sorry to read you're going through this CG, you must have been in shock. Your consultant sounds great and just the sort of consultant you want at a time like this. My mum went though this a few years ago and her treatment was exactly like yours. She's all fine now.
I'm sending you a big virtual hug and good luck with the continued HM training. Keep us updated xxx
Well done for having courage to tell others. I found mine and was treated quickly. Only needed radiotherapy. Definitely keep your goals ! Also keep fit as you can and eat well! I did a lot of walking during radiotherapy, and then rest when you need it as well. After they removed lump I went out to stand in a field and watch a music festival... well wasn't allowed to do much else! Been signed off after 5 years clear.
It was hard to announce here, I kept putting it off - as I long as I didn't tell anyone, I didn't have it...I'm glad you said you walked, I'm hoping to still get out and about , fresh air and all that, even if I can't run. xx
Exactly , all good things are good. I also told lots people on text! Most didn't believe it. I walked back to ferry from radiotherapy as bus didn't work with times. The cancer bus driver often told people on the bus that I walked home. Although if they were having chemo that was very different!. Positive thinking and plans / goals all help immensely I reckon.
So sorry to hear this Curly. But really pleased it is caught early and you are in good hands.
When my dearest hubby was diagnosed with his cancer. we found many people wanting to share their own or someone they know’s story, some good some not so good. If they are good be thankful and accept the well meaning. For those who feel the need to share less good stories, well meant or not: well we have a standard response:- everyone’s journey is different and the one to focus on is your own.
You are going to get through that journey just great Curly. Your forum friends are here whenever we can help.
Sending good wishes and positive thoughts . Keep running when you can xxx
A good prognosis there CG, I've told my wife Slinky who said she has to bookup her mammogram, which she postponed because she was about to undergo her brain tumour removal, she is coming back nicely to her old self now post surgery, we've just been out for a 4 mile walk in the sunshine on her birthday, and she's building nicely.
So, you will soon be back out pounding the planet, we wish you all the best!x
I searched for you and your slinky recently, she really has had a plateful hasn't she? You too, sometimes it's harder to have your loved one sick than to face it yourself.
I’d imagine you’ll get the same support at the hospital. And if there is a Maggie centre where you have treatment, make sure you go there too. Wonderful places they are xxx
Not so long the ‘C’ diagnosis was basically the time To start saying goodbye. No longer however. There are so many people ‘living with’ or ‘living beyond’ cancer, and I know that there are some on here.
A horrible, worrying time for you and yours but it seems like a good prognosis....mind you a poodle. I would much prefer a Rottweiler 🐕 (not in cancer terms of course!). Take care and keep well CG
Aww Bazza, you flatterer! I don't feel very young at the moment. We are C25K-ers though aren't we? You've not had a n easy time recently have you? I certainly will keep you posted, thank you for your kind words xx
So sorry to hear this bad news - says a lot about you that you take the opportunity to encourage the rest of us to have our checks. Thank you. Your consultant sounds great. A poodle? You can do that - you're a runner! Sending you best wishes and a huge hug.
Thank you! I've agreed to let them take anything they want from whatever they remove from me, and blood too during my op. God knows I don't want it, and I hope their research may help others.
Sorry to hear what you are going through but so glad to hear it has been found early. I wish you all the best in your treatment and a speedy recovery, you will beat this! Keep running as much as you can, your body will be thankful for your fitness and you will undoubtedly outrun your poodle.
Really sorry to read that - it must have been very emotional. You're strong, you're underlying fitness is a real positive and they were very good answers to your questions. Good luck, there's lot of us on your side. xx
Sending you a big cyber hug CurlyG. I'm really sorry to hear this, but so glad you have a poodle rather than a rotty! Sending every good wish for a great recovery. Xx
I am sorry to hear you are facing what is inevitably an unwelcome diagnosis, but hope also that 0your treatment will not be gruelling and your recovery swift and full. It sounds as if you are in very capable hands. Thank you for sharing this too - for encouraging others to be vigilant as you have been. All the very best.
Curly, you have all my best wishes and sympathy. Waiting for results is the worst part for most people. The club is surprisingly large ......one in two of the population will be diagnosed with a cancer at some point in their life.
As I have written here, I would not wish any cancer on anybody, but it really does help you get a realistic perspective of what is truly important in life. As a direct consequence of my cancer, I have met some of the most inspirational people on the planet.
I am off to hospital shortly, to begin the final week of my radiotherapy. It has gone well for me and only had minor impacts on me, although everybody is different. My Rottweiller has apparently been tamed, according to tests and I am still running three times a week. I am sure your poodle will soon be dismissed.
The shock of diagnosis will ease and living with cancer will become the norm, for now, as will visits to your oncology centre, which, if like mine, will be staffed by the very best of humanity.
PM me at any time if you want to chat. I will say it because it works for me........keep running, keep smiling.
Yes, I always try to look for some goodness to come out of stuff like this. I thought of you and your braveness on my run yesterday, it was a glorious bright day as I ran along the Cam. A swan took flight off the river next to me, flapping and splashing, and stamping its feet on the water, they are not the most elegant birds at that point. it was such a wonderful sight I stopped and watched, and laughed out loud at the sheer joy of it.
I'm really happy to hear you Rottweiler has been kicked where it hurts, I hope he is on his way soon. Please keep us posted.
You will be fine. If you can draw delight from the world around you, then you will never lose your passion for life. I had one particularly black night, after an unwise foray onto the Health Unlocked prostate cancer forum, when I felt I had been dealt a death sentence, only to have it instantly dispelled when I drew the blinds in the morning to a brilliant blue sky and a swift swooped past, full of exuberant life.
The world is beautiful, life is good and it goes on......with a vengeance.
Oh goodness, I can only imagine. They told me first off not to Google, and not to compare myself to others. I made the mistake of looking at images, wish I hadn't done that, but it was a lesson learnt. I'm doing ok with the info they gave me, that's enough for me.
Oh, Curly, I am so sorry to read this, it must have been such a fright and a shock. However, your consultant and treatment sound like the best and the prognosis looks good. All I can say is that I send you hugs and support, and I wish you all the very best for a long lifetime of health, happiness and - of course - running xx
Oh bugger! F*cking poodles! Luckily runner's legs are good for outrunning, as well as delivering a hefty kicking to, deserving metaphorical dogs. Thinking of you and sending fierce thoughts your way. Xxx
My mum was in a very similar situation 10 years ago. She’d actually found the lump 6 months before but didn’t do anything about it until her brother passed away 6 months later. She also had a lumpectomy, lymph node removal and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Luckily for mum the only physical sided effects she had were fatigue in the short term, and in the long term a bit of weakness in the arm.
As with many many others my thoughts are with you through this journey.
Oh Curlygurly, I am sorry to hear this, and wish you the very best with your treatment and recovery. You are fit and strong and will come through this running and punching the air I'm sure..
Sending you big hugs and we are holding your hand.😊xxx
Thank you, I'm keeping an open mind, the consultant has said I will be able to continue my training all through the radiotherapy, but I'll take it as it comes.
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