Hi Quo,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear that you have just been told that you have breast cancer. Do you know what type of breast cancer you have, or what stage it is? Receiving a cancer diagnosis always comes as a shock. It opens up so many unknowns and gives reign to out overactive imaginations. It takes some time to get to the stage where we know exactly what treatment will lie ahead, but it does become easier to deal with, once you know what you have to face.

Treatments for breast cancer have come a long way in recent years and more people are now living with it. I myself, have had 2 bouts, within a year of each other. That was 14 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life - here's hoping that you will too.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

i dont know yet what type it is, going tomorow to find out. Dr said its 15mm and im sure she also the ultra sound in my armpit was clear. But the look on her face keeps making me think she knows it is bad.  

this is what my letter said, mammogram showed a 15mm ill-defined mass in the left upper inner quadrant areolar position, 40mm from the nipple. i dont know how bad this is

Thank you for this, these comments help a lot. This is what my letter said and i dont know how bad it is.

mammogram showed a 15mm ill-defined mass in the left upper inner quadrant areolar position, 40mm from the nipple.

Mine was Ductal  & invasive 22mm . All very postive from my MDT team . I couldn't comment medically   on your letter as I am not trained . I will say so much that can be done these days and so many positive journeys on here including my own and a family member. Although the unknown is very scary ,once you know the treatment path a weight is lifted. Stay positive and keep in touch xxx

mine is invasive ductal 13mm, grade 3, eastrogen and prgestorone receptor pos, her2 neg. Stage 1. Need a lumpectomy but have asked for breast reduction at same time. had to have diazapn before i went

mine is invasive ductal 13mm, grade 3, eastrogen and prgestorone receptor pos, her2 neg. Stage 1. Need a lumpectomy but have asked for breast reduction at same time. had to have diazapn before i went

mine is invasive ductal 13mm, grade 3, eastrogen and prgestorone receptor pos, her2 neg. Stage 1. Need a lumpectomy but have asked for breast reduction at same time. had to have diazapn before i went

Mine was 22mm and I panicked thinking that was huge but its really not. I had idc upper right breast, no lymph involvement. Lumpectomy with a tiny neat scar, 4 nodes taken. 5 days of radiotherapy and 5 years anastrozole as mine was hormone fed. You will get through this. Good luck and don't panic x

I think everyone who walks away from clinic having  had this awful news is already stronger than they think! It's a whirlwind of shock and trying to make sense of it all. Don't be hard on yourself ,your doing great just by the fact your talking and sharing your worries . It's a scary time but like haideesmun has said you will get through this . Peoples journey sharing is inspirational and all very postive .xxx

Haideesmun. How have you found the anasrozole?  Mine was er postive. Pr negative and her2 negative so waiting to hear if I need hormone blocker after radiotherapy xx

Mine was er/pr 8/8 her2 negative. The anastrozole side effects haven't been that bad really. I came through the menopause relatively unscathed so I'm now back in it but with hot flushes ! Not impressed with those. Different brands give different side effects sadly. My feet hurt, muscle weakness, joint aches, brain fog (already had that anyway), my ankles feel but don't look swollen. A few mood swings and I think my hair is shedding again but not majorly. Some people have an awful time with the side effects and others nothing. But, if it stops it coming back I'll put up with it. Radiotherapy was a doddle, my oncotype score came back 12 so luckily no chemo. I've been very lucky, you can hardly see my scar. It's a bit hard trying to pick myself up though and shed the weight I've put on (comfort / stress eating). Good luck x

I need to know percentages and full facts of actually how beneficial hormone therapies are. Once I've had radiotherapy not sure I want all the side effects for low margin return  . How much information do you get?

Hope your doing ok xx

I need to know percentages and full facts of actually how beneficial hormone therapies are. Once I've had radiotherapy not sure I want all the side effects for low margin return  . How much information do you get?

Hope your doing ok xx

Hi Gareece,

You'll get as much information as you want - provided that you ask for it. Some people don't want to know all the research data, whilst, others want to know every little detail - that's me too!

I am 14 years down the line now, following 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year, but I've always drawn up a list of questions, for every consultation that I've attended. It is all too easy to forget something important, if you don't do this. Write down your questions, as you think of them. It is also useful to sit down, with a loved one and ask for their input, as they will often have queries that you haven't thought about.

I hope that all goes well with your radiotherapy and please keep in touch and let us know what you decide about hormone blockers.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine

 I'm 3 weeks from surgery yesterday all went well and healed amazingly. Wide excersion and couple lymph nodes taken. Back at work and driving. Should have had results last week but they have been delayed. I was told before surgery Def radiotherapy in January then discussion around hormone therapy

 Again also a little dependant on results things could take a different course but they seemed confident and I've found them all amazing being very honest whilst being reassuring and caring xx

I did 'predict' and my percentage was 1% over 5 years, raising for 10 years. I did wonder if it was worth it for only 1%, but I'm too scared to not take them. Definitely something you'd need to discuss with your team x

Yes I will ,had a call today ,results back got to go Monday. But gutted because I usually go to Friday clinic so was hoping it would be tomorrow don't know why changed to Monday and admiin rang me so could not  tell me anything said theyd just been asked to call & confirm Monday was good for me!  Breast nurse usually rings. What s predict?  I get it's a worry ,we're all different in what we might want or not want . It's our journey have to do what' we feel is right for us xx

Hi Gareece,

I'm glad to hear that you are healing well and that you are back to work and driving after only 3 weeks - well done! I'm happy to hear that you have confidence in your care team and are doing all they can for you. Your course of treatment could change when you get your results, but here's hoping that they stay the same.

I see in your post today that you now have an appointment for Monday. When your results come back, your case is first discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT), who will be involved in your care. They discuss your case and decide on the best form of treatment for you. It is possible that this meeting will be held tomorrow and that may be why your appointment is not until Monday.

Predict is an online tool used to help patients and clinicians see how different treatments for early invasive breast cancer might improve survival rates after surgery.

I hope that your results are as good as they can be on Monday. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

My nurse rang me today. All clear margins no lymph node.involement . Just 5:sessions radiotherapy in Jan. Then will discuss any benefits of hormone blocker so I can make informed decision. I can't tell you how pleased I was today. Check up on my surgery Monday 

Hi Gareece,

I am delighted to hear that your lymph nodes were all clear and can only imagine the relief you must feel tonight, having heard this. It is also good to hear that you can enjoy Christmas and New Year, before you start your radiotherapy. This also gives you time to read up on and discuss the benefits and side-effects of hormone therapy. You will find it helpful to write down any questions as you think of them. By doing this, you will be better prepared to discuss this matter, when you next see your consultant or oncologist.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine for all good advice and supportive chats. I feel on top of the world today. Enjoy your weekend xxxx

Hi Gareece,

Have a great weekend yourself - you deserve one after all that worry!

Jolamine xx

Hi jolamine.

Saw the consultant today. So he went through predict with me and agreed very slim benefit. Over5 years will gain a 0.2% benefit is take the letrozole and 0.6 % over 10 years so less than 1% . As it's national standard he's asked I try it for 4 weeks and if then want to withdraw from it they will support my decision so I'll work with him  xxx.