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3rd Breast Cancer

m.suv
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I was diagnosed with the breast cancer on my right breast in June 2009.  Finally, after the 3rd lumpectomes. the cancer was finally removed.  I had a course of  in-site radiotherapy during the first lumpectomy but due to repeated lumpectomies, I had several further courses of radiotherapy.  I was on the hormone therapy for 10 years.  In May 2024, I noticed a lump in my right breast again.  A recurrent breast cancer was diagnosed and I had a mastectomy, followed by the hormone therapy.. According to my medical team, a healing of my mastectomy wound was seriously delayed and the wound had to be recently stitched, nearly a year after the operation.  I had a recent mammogram for my left breast and it is likely that I have some abnormalities in my left breast. I'm terrified that I have another breast cancer diagnosis, this time on the right side.  Any ideas to help me to mentally cope with another set of gruelling tests, devastating results and further treatment.  I'm very scared.

M

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    Hi M.suv,

    I am sorry to hear that you've had such a bumpy cancer journey so far and hope that your Mastectomy scar is now healing after being re-stitched.

    I wish that I had some magic suggestions to help you cope with more tests and then waiting patiently for results. Most of us would agree that this is the hardest time in our cancer journey - even first time around! The best advice seems to be to try and keep yourself busy and your mind pre-occupied, whether this is with work, visiting friends, going to the theatre or to see a film - any pastime that will help to take your mind away from the wait. 

    I have some idea of the agonies that you are going through. I had 2 diagnoses of breast cancer in my right breast and 1 of pre-cancer in my left, all within a year of each other. I had a Lumpectomy at first, then a Double Mastectomy for the other bouts. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and was terrified. It is so hard to cope with the "not knowing" and this causes our overactive imaginations to take us to all sorts of dark places. Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you have a firm diagnosis. I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is identified in your left breast - when are you likely to get the results of your mammogram?

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi M and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about the past treatment you have had for breast cancer, and that you are are currently undergoing some more tests. I can appreciate you have a lot going on and I can imagine it is overwhelming.

    People often experience a whole range of emotions when waiting for results. We know that talking can often relieve some of the distress and anxiety. There's some useful advice about Talking Therapies and how to access them on the NHS website. In the meantime,  Anxiety UK has a good website with helpful tips on how to deal with anxiety in these situations. 

    Maggies are also a great source of support for patients and can also provide counselling and talking therapies to help people process what they are going through and help people move forward.

    The organisation Breast Cancer Now have some helpful information on some of the feelings that women can experience. They do have a service called Someone Like Me where they may be able to put you in touch with another person going through similar things.

    Waiting is difficult so I hope you know more about your situation soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday. 

    Kind regards

    Tina

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