Thought I would let you know how I got on at the breast clinic, after having so many kind messages on my previous thread.
It was a harrowing couple of hours at the hospital this morning, but the good news is that all is well.
The mammogram that was done 2 weeks ago showed an area of concern, which is why I was called back. They did a layered image at different depths, full physical exam and ultra sound. Nothing showed up, so I have the all clear. They showed me the scans and talked me through the ultrasound, so that I could see for myself.
I told them about the breast pains that the locum GP hadn't been very helpful. I was told again that breast pain is very unusual as an indicator for cancer and usually only shows up once there are already visible signs. Really lovely nurses and doctor, so kind, and they listened to what I had to say. We did talk about the PMR and the pred, and the doctor told me that the kind of pains that I was describing aren't usually a sign of anything going on in the breast. I said that it was hard to tell if it was in the breast or the chest wall and she thought that, given that their checks were good, that either referred pain or something PMR related was responsible. I do remember a physio a long time ago telling me that problems in the upper spine can cause pain in the breast, so that seems to match up. Though they did say that if anything changed or if I was worried at all, I should ask my doc to refer me back to the clinic.
Anyway, they have put my mind at rest for now. Something less to worry about. My upper back around the trapezoid muscles is very tight, so it does seem like it might be PMR related.
Thanks for the support on the earlier thread. I live alone and don't go out much since I have been ill, so no-one else to talk to. I was trying to stay calm, but you know how difficult that can be, at times.
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Gimme
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So pleased to hear all clear from hospital - and how nice the nurses were...
Yes it can be difficult living on your own...my hubby died 10 years ago - and I miss the comfort of chatting over things with him... no matter what the subject...and sometimes you just want an arm around your shoulders. ... so sending a virtual hug 🤗
I didn't know that, but it doesn't surprise me. I keep getting sent to Watford General and I have had some awful experiences there, so I am going to ask to be sent to Luton and Dunstable in future. Although, having said that, the Opthalmology department at Watford could not have been nicer when I had to go a couple of months back.
Good news - now relax about it. Good to hear them confirm the concept that BC is rarely painful.
I did wonder originally if it was a pinched nerve due to tight muscles. It has been a problem I had in the past, tight back muscle pinching a nerve and causing referred pain around my ribs at about bra strap level.
Rib number 7 has always been a problem for me, so may be in that area. But the noise coming from the cervical area could indicate an issue there.
I agree though, I have an idea it is nerve related, as everything is so tight. I can't handle massages now though, even though I used to love them, it takes about a week to get over it. I bruise too easily.
You must feel better just from that visit and reassurance. Unexplained pain is ... literally a pain ... when we don't know why. I hope you see some improvement soon. They sound like a lovely department.
You must have felt very scared at times throughout the whole diagnostic process, but you did all the right things and you've been reassured that all is well. Happy days!
When they told me there was an area of concern, it did put me on edge, but so relieved that I got the full check. I shall stop worrying about it now. They have also given me a pamphet to read about breast pain. I haven't read it yet, I was so whacked out when I got back, I had some lunch and took a nap.
This is how sweet they are. I put a mask on in the waiting room, as the last couple of times I got a virus it made the PMR flare up and I didn't want to get coughed on by anyone. So the nurse said, you don't have to wear a mask now, if you don't want to. I explained why I wanted to wear one that I have autoimmune stuff going on and on pred, so the radiologist said that she had a cough and swapped with one of the other ladies. They wanted to know if I would like them to mask up aswell, but I didn't think that was necessary, just me being cautious. Hope I made the right call.
I had flu in the new year (or a very bad cold) that went to my chest and that is what kicked off this flare and what made me finally give in and take the pred. I don't really think I completely recovered from it either. Maybe the same bug. It wasn't covid as I tested on 3 separate days and it was always negative.
Not conclusive! My daughter tested every day as she is a nurse - always negative until on the 4th day she opened a new pack of tests and did 2, one old which was negative and one new which was very positive!
Perhaps not, but I really don't believe that it was covid. But that aside, I tested on the first, third and fifth day, in case the virus hadn't built up yet and it was a brand new pack.
No, They aren't reliable. Doctor didn't think I had covid either, but I didn't really want to go off on a tangent, suffice to say that my immune system is totally up the shoot and I have other issues with respiratory infections. It's a bit of a long story.
Good outcome Gimme. That is why we are all on here for, because no one else understands what we are going thru anyway . I rarely share with family or friends.
Bless you yes it's very hard when you are so ill and live alone to get out and be social. Thank goodness for groups like this to keep us all going💞. So glad you've had some good news now.
So very pleased to hear your news and I'm sure the whole experience at the hospital was made easier by the sheer kindness and understanding of the staff. Helps enormously.
i've been to breast clinic this week too, Lovely consultant who reassured me that you don't normally get pain with breast cancer. It has been suggested that my pain is costochondritis, and he recommended using an anti inflammatory gel, I'd never heard of costo chondritis before, all I know is it's extremely painful even to lift a cup for a drink.
One of the many lovely illnesses that can go along with PMR/GCA is a condition called Costochronditis, basically an inflammation of the tendons in the rib cage. The condition usually strikes under the breasts, but referred pain is possible. I get it along my left side on my ribcage. It flares, then calms down. It is not a serious condition, but can be painful.
Wonderful news. I do hope your breast pain eases. Mine never seems to go away but I think it’s rib or spine related. A heat pad wrapped around the ribs helps a bit and the gel sounds like a good idea. I would like to hear what your booklet says about breast pain.
Thank you. I've put the link below to the e version of the leaflet. The website is a huge resource, so I have given the specific link to the info on breast pain that I was given to take away with me.
Gosh, so many lovely messages. Almost too many now to reply to you all individually, but I do appreciate the kind thoughts. What lovely people you all are.
I had managed to more or less put it out of my mind until Wednesday, but when I got there and it seemed like there might be something there, I went into a bit of shock until they had finished their investigations. It was good at least that I had the opportunity to talk through my concerns and I feel reassured.
You can get an e version of the booklet that they gave me online:
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