Hi and thanks for posting

It's not uncommon for people to have these thoughts and be panic stricken when they are first diagnosed and thoughts turn to worse case scenarios. No one will be able to tell you everything will be all right, but breast cancer is well treated with many people not having any further problems after their initial treatment. Of course this doesn't apply to everyone , but there are many more treatments out there now for breast cancer and this too can be managed.

It would be unlikely for things to move in the next couple of weeks and the doctors need to do the MRI so that they can plan the best treatment for you and know as much as possible about the cancer. Having said that, they can usually also tell you more after the surgery, as they will  be looking at taking out the sentinel node under the arm (or first node) plus a few more to make very sure they are clear. If by any chance they are affected, this is still very much classed as local disease and not a secondary spread.

Although you would like surgery to be the end of it, the doctors will also be looking to see whether the cancer is oestrogen positive, in which case tablets will also need to be taken for another 5 years. Some people will find this reassuring though, knowing that a treatment is hopefully continuing to work for them.

Do ring the GP to see if they can help you in the short term about your fears and panic. Once you know a little more and you have had the surgery, hopefully things will settle a bit  for you and you will feel calmer. It does take a while to get your head round what is happening , but things do tend to calm down a bit.

Please do ring if you would like a chat or to go over anything while you are waiting. It's not an easy time and it can help running things past someone - Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday

Try and hold your nerve and take each day as it comes , not looking so far ahead as this can just make you panic more

All the very best to you -

Wanda

Hi Wanda,

Thank you so much for replying. I've had a really rough day but am feeling better this evening after the GP prescribed me something just for the short term. The fear and anxiety has been awful but I'm feeling more positive right now.

Claire

Hi Wanda,

Thank you so much for replying. I've had a really rough day but am feeling better this evening after the GP prescribed me something just for the short term. The fear and anxiety has been awful but I'm feeling more positive right now.

Claire