Cancer Research UK main site

Been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer

Mynydd
Offline

I have been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer behind the nipple, I’m having an op on Monday 29th Jan 24, I am having really bad anxiety thinking about it as the surgery involves taking my nipple & areola away along with part of my breast. So worried that when they  go in it might have spread, I feel it’s been a long wait although it was only 19th Dec when I found the lump 

  • Offline

    Hi Mynydd

    I am so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. Hope the best with the operation on Monday. 

    I found out I had triple negative breast cancer a week after my 29th birthday back in April last year. I have had chemotherapy and 3 months of immunotherapy which made me very ill and had to stay in hospital for 2 weeks then back onto chemotherapy as I had a month off the treatment. I then had a lumpectomy  on the 29th of December as I wanted to have a mastectomy and reconstruction but I couldn't have it until I get my BMI down so I need to lose weight before I can have it, this will take me a year to get rid of the weight. 

    I then found out I got Addisons Disease from the immunotherapy which caused it so I am on hydrocortisone tablets, omeprazole, as well as my levothyroxine tablets ( I was on since a baby) for the rest of my life. I also got to have a banana for breakfast which my potassium level is low. 

    Later in life, I am also at high risk of having ovarian cancer by the time I am 50+, I got to make a decision which is difficult as I would like children before I turn 38 years of age to have the ovaries and fallupian tubes removed. 

    I am sure you will be fine, I was worried on having my lumpectomy operation but I was reassured that I was going to be fine. 

    Take care 

    Sophie xx

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so anxious about your surgery next week.

    Stage 1 breast cancer is classified as an early stage cancer but I know how easy it can be to let your mind run away with you. You may find it helpful to look at the information on our website about stage 1 breast cancer here.

    The surgeon will get a better idea when the cancer has been removed and the pathologist has looked at it under a microscope but it would be unlikely to spread in that time frame particularly as it is at such an early stage.

    If you have been given a breast care nurse you may find it helpful to chat through your concerns with them and let them know how anxious you are feeling.

    If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are very welcome to do so.

    Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline

    Hi Mynydd,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    I am sorry to hear that you have received a cancer diagnosis and appreciate just how worried this will make you feel. Have you been told what type of breast cancer you have? You are fortunate that you have caught this early on and can do something about it. I have had 2 bouts of stage 1, breast cancer, within a year of one another. Treatment was challenging, but very "doable". I had a lumpectomy first time around and a double mastectomy for the second bout, so if there's anything you need to know please ask. As our nurse, Caroline has said, it is unlikely to spread before your surgery date, when it is grade one.

    My surgery was 14 years ago now and I still lead a busy life - I'm sure that you will too, Try to place your trust in your care team. They know what they are doing and will do their very best for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.