I have not yet had my final diagnosis. Are you interested in an ongoing contribution? 

Hi Flora, yes we're looking to hear about your memories of any key moments, so maybe you can tell us about when you first noticed something or about going to your first appointment?  Anything that you feel you can share with us would be perfect.

Thank you

I first noticed a swelling under my arm, then a hard lump in my breast. I immediately thought the worst and went to the doctor. Her reaction confirmed that what i was facing was probably , in her words, 'sonething nasty.' Two weeks later I was called for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I was prepared to hear the worst again. When the doctor initially examined me, she made it clear that she was concerned by what she saw and felt. During the mammogram the radiographer was extremely gentle with me and when i had the ultrasound, the doctor stroked my arm reassuringly. At that moment, i knew it was bad news. After the biopsy i was called in to see the doctor who told me that they were almost certain i had inflammatory breast cancer, but the biopsy had shown that no cancer was present. They attributed this to too much blood being present in the biopsy. I went home feeling absolutely numb. I was given the name of a nurse to contact if i had any questions, but i haven't been able to get my head around all the questions i need to ask. The main question i need an answer to , is will i get over this. But i have to wait until my next appointment to find out i suppose.

i feel very alone and frightened. I am confused by the biopsy result. I don't wAnt to see anyone as i hate being asked how i am. No one knows i am possibly facing cancer and i can't bring myself to say 'i'm fine thank you' because I'm not.

i have told a close friend but not my close family and that is something i am dreading because my mother is elderly and relies heavily upon me. I 'm finding it difficult to sleep. I don't want to resort to sleeping pills , but the two weeks of waiting for confirmation have just been terrible. I can't eat properly, i can't cry. I want to scream, but am afraid to. Every waking minute is spent thinking about what is happening to my body and when i do fall asleep, the first waking moment is filled with fear.

I first noticed a swelling under my arm, then a hard lump in my breast. I immediately thought the worst and went to the doctor. Her reaction confirmed that what i was facing was probably , in her words, 'sonething nasty.' Two weeks later I was called for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I was prepared to hear the worst again. When the doctor initially examined me, she made it clear that she was concerned by what she saw and felt. During the mammogram the radiographer was extremely gentle with me and when i had the ultrasound, the doctor stroked my arm reassuringly. At that moment, i knew it was bad news. After the biopsy i was called in to see the doctor who told me that they were almost certain i had inflammatory breast cancer, but the biopsy had shown that no cancer was present. They attributed this to too much blood being present in the biopsy. I went home feeling absolutely numb. I was given the name of a nurse to contact if i had any questions, but i haven't been able to get my head around all the questions i need to ask. The main question i need an answer to , is will i get over this. But i have to wait until my next appointment to find out i suppose.

i feel very alone and frightened. I am confused by the biopsy result. I don't wAnt to see anyone as i hate being asked how i am. No one knows i am possibly facing cancer and i can't bring myself to say 'i'm fine thank you' because I'm not.

i have told a close friend but not my close family and that is something i am dreading because my mother is elderly and relies heavily upon me. I 'm finding it difficult to sleep. I don't want to resort to sleeping pills , but the two weeks of waiting for confirmation have just been terrible. I can't eat properly, i can't cry. I want to scream, but am afraid to. Every waking minute is spent thinking about what is happening to my body and when i do fall asleep, the first waking moment is filled with fear.