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Breast cancer anxiety; enlarged lymph glands

(103 Posts)
MissMarpleknows Tue 12-Oct-21 17:30:41

Hello all,
Although I’m a long time lurker, I haven’t initiated a topic before. I’m in some distress having been for my breast screen recall today. I’m wondering if anyone out there can give me some more positive thoughts than the ones I currently have.
It looks as though there’s a problem in my left breast (I had breast cancer in it 16 years ago …. all sorted, lumpectomy & radio therapy) but this time there’s an enlarged lymph gland.
I’m guessing that any treatment would probably involve chemotherapy because of this. I’m 75 years old. I’m worrying that my age might mean that chemotherapy will be unsuitable; the fact that it’s my second cancer in the same breast indicates something I’m unaware of; or perhaps I might not qualify for some treatment because of my age. Actually, I’m worried about the whole situation. Are there any survivors or friends of survivors amongst you whose stories might give me some hope? Thank you so much in advance.

crazyH Tue 12-Oct-21 17:39:21

Please, please don’t worry yourself sick. I have many friends who have had breast cancer, and are still here 10-15 years on. One of them had to have a lumpectomy and lymph glands removed. I think she was about 70 when she had the operation. From what I gather, breast cancer is the most treatable/curable cancer. I’m sure you will have many, many positive replies to your post . All the best flowers

Whitewavemark2 Tue 12-Oct-21 17:49:56

I’ve just googled it. Well, yes, it could be cancer, but that is very rare. It is much more likely to be an infection etc. Have you had a jab lately?

I, like you am 75 and had breast cancer about 18 years ago, and it is always a fear that it will return. Of course it is we are human. But the statistics are on your side so everything crossed for a good diagnosis.

rafichagran Tue 12-Oct-21 17:50:11

I have left breast pain, I am going for a mammogram later this month.
Please try not too worry, easier said than done I know. Remember this has been picked up and it may be something that can be treated.
If you are very anxious an you call your GP and explain what you fear, he/she may be able to put your mind at rest.
Take care.

MissMarpleknows Tue 12-Oct-21 17:58:53

Thank you so much for your support. I’m still anxious (of course) but thanks to you I don’t feel so isolated. I’m returning to the breast centre next week for the diagnosis; and hopefully, a plan to deal with it. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 12-Oct-21 18:06:17

MissMarpleknows

Thank you so much for your support. I’m still anxious (of course) but thanks to you I don’t feel so isolated. I’m returning to the breast centre next week for the diagnosis; and hopefully, a plan to deal with it. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Good I shall look out for it ?. The very, very best of luck.

dragonfly46 Tue 12-Oct-21 18:10:30

I am 75 and initially I was given a new medicine just approved by NICE. My age did not influence the treatment I had. In fact my surgeon persuaded me to have chemo as I was on the border line.

I believe age plays a part in the US but it certainly doesn’t here.

recklessgran Tue 12-Oct-21 18:25:37

Just popping in to give you some moral support and a hand hold OP. I'm 3 years post lumpectomy/radiotherapy/lymph gland clearance. The important thing that I wanted to tell you is that my cancer had spread to my lymph glands but I didn't need chemotherapy as it wasn't an aggressive type - apparently aggressive breast cancer is rare after the menopause so it looks as though your age may well be an advantage in this scenario. Of course I'm not an expert but I just wanted to give you some hope and say try not to worry - at least you've taken the first step on the road to getting sorted out but I completely remember how utterly terrifying the waiting is. Hoping for good news for you - do you have any real life support?

Santana Tue 12-Oct-21 18:46:42

I'm a BC survivor too, 11 years and still standing. I had a lumpectomy with removal of all the lymph nodes, chemo and radio therapy. The waiting is such an ordeal but try not to worry.
I've got a mammogram on Thursday, if it's not cancelled again, and have been struggling with all kinds of anxiety this time.
Are you able to have someone with you when you go for your results? Even waiting outside, you will feel they are close by.
Sending you a big hug.

MissMarpleknows Tue 12-Oct-21 18:47:44

Thank you recklessgran. Your experience is very encouraging!
I’m on my own (widow) but I have a lovely family. Four lovely children. One of my oldest friends came with me today, & she’ll accompany me next Tuesday too. She’s a wonderful support. I haven’t told anyone in the family yet. I thought it would be better to tell them when I’ve had a diagnosis & a treatment plan so that, with the news, there’ll be a route forward.

Esspee Tue 12-Oct-21 18:56:08

MissMarpleknows. ? Do keep us updated. You will have lots of support on here. ?

Forsythia Tue 12-Oct-21 22:13:01

Thinking of you, sending you love and best wishes. I’ve been there.?

GagaJo Tue 12-Oct-21 23:49:58

Triple negative breast cancer 11 years ago. Lumpectomy. Chemo. Radio. Prophylactic double mastectomy. Hysterectomy. Still here!

A friend. Breast cancer twice. Stomach cancer 2 years ago. Still here. Gallivanting all over.

Sparklefizz Wed 13-Oct-21 08:09:34

Hello MissMarpleKnows - breast cancer survivor here. I've had breast cancer twice in the same breast. First time round - lumpectomy and radiotherapy. 2nd time round - single mastectomy and drugs.

Still here 23 years later!! And was told several years ago that my risk is now no greater than anyone else's.

Try not to worry - easier said than done obviously - and I wish you all the very best. flowers

Neen Thu 14-Oct-21 21:22:25

Hello,
I'm sorry you are worried but I can understand why.
I also had breast cancer two years ago when I was 52 and a lymph nodes clearance too. Prior to that my daughter in her twentys had breast cancer and a mesectomy and lymph node clearance. We are fine. My daughter had chemo . I didn't .We both had radio too. Chemo compared to 16 years ago has dramatically changed and they'd be fully aware of your age and whether your body could cope etc .....IF IT IS CANCER ( as recent lumps for me were fluid cysts) .
It's so hard to say not to worry as it's human nature to..
Technology when it comes to the net and phones is as annoying as fudge but technology with medical miracles amazes me all the time.
I'll shoot up a prayer for you wink

MissMarpleknows Thu 14-Oct-21 22:39:21

Gransnet has some amazing posters! I’m so grateful to you all for your kindness & encouragement. It’s made such a difference during these difficult days of waiting. Thank you again.

MissMarpleknows Tue 19-Oct-21 17:38:16

Hello again dear friends,
I’ve been for my diagnosis following last week’s biopsy etc.
The cancer in my breast was confirmed today (stage 2) but there was no evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes. My next appointment with the breast surgeon is in 3 weeks when we’ll be discussing a suitable date for a mastectomy. That will probably be before the end of November.

Mixed emotions today, predominately gratitude, to all of you for your kindness to a complete stranger; and also to a system here that has identified my problem and is dealing with it promptly. Again, heartfelt thanks to you all.

dragonfly46 Tue 19-Oct-21 17:41:20

On e you get started on your treatment plan you will feel so much better. At the moment you are in shock. It could be that a mastectomy is all you need.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 19-Oct-21 17:50:47

Thank you for letting us know. I’ve been looking out for your news.

Well not what we hoped, but at least now you know what you are facing and stage 2 is something eminently treatable.

What a bugger life can be at times, but everything crossed that by Christmas you will have begun the road to recovery.

V3ra Tue 19-Oct-21 17:51:21

I'm sorry you've had that diagnosis, but hopefully you've caught it early and the treatment will be successful.
My Mum had a mastectomy and recovered well.

Nonogran Tue 19-Oct-21 17:51:27

Well done MissMarple. I have no experience of a personal cancer diagnosis but I’m sending best wishes to cheer you on. You’re “in the system “ now, hopefully with a good result & uneventful recovery. Gotta think positive. We’re here for you if you need our support.

Forsythia Tue 19-Oct-21 21:57:13

Thinking of you. Not what you wanted to hear I know. At least you’ve been seen quickly and you will have treatment fairly promptly. Keep positive xx

GagaJo Tue 19-Oct-21 22:05:09

I'm sorry that's the news you've had, MissMarpleknows. It is like a punch to the gut, isn't it?

However, stage 2 is not bad. They don't use the word 'cured' now, but 'treatable'.

Once you've done the treatement, you could well find you have a new lease of life. I definitely got that. Have worked in China, Spain & Switzerland since cancer. I wouldn't have dared before.

It's scary. Take a deep breath, and do it. One step at a time.

crazyH Tue 19-Oct-21 22:16:15

Thanks for updating us, MissMarpleKnows. We will be holding your hand all through this journey. As I’ve said, I know many friends, who have been through this and come out the other side. Keep in touch …..xx

Luckygirl Tue 19-Oct-21 23:27:08

I hope very much that your appointment goes well.