Hi, I can empathize with you. My breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock and to be immediately talking to a Surgeon was overwhelming. Even now three and a half weeks post surgery it's hard to believe t's all happening. I am amazed how smoothly it has gone and the hospital staff were lovely. I am now healing and waiting for my first radiotherapy session on December 18th. It's a daunting pathway and it's really good to have others to discuss it with. Like you, I did some of my Christmas shopping before as I didn't know how I would feel afterwards. I am glad that I did. Hope it goes well for you. 

Hi, I can empathize with you. My breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock and to be immediately talking to a Surgeon was overwhelming. Even now three and a half weeks post surgery it's hard to believe t's all happening. I am amazed how smoothly it has gone and the hospital staff were lovely. I am now healing and waiting for my first radiotherapy session on December 18th. It's a daunting pathway and it's really good to have others to discuss it with. Like you, I did some of my Christmas shopping before as I didn't know how I would feel afterwards. I am glad that I did. Hope it goes well for you. 

Thank you so much for your message, I am hoping to get my results tomorrow as the consultants meet on a Friday to discuss results and treatment plans. Do you mind me asking how soon you had surgery after getting the diagnosis. Sending lots of love and hugs to you xxx

Hi, my surgery was around 5 weeks after diagnosis and I was offered the choice of two operations. I was told that the policy was to operate within a month but that in reality it worked out at around 4-6 weeks for most people. This seems amazingly quick given the waiting list times for other operations. My first post op review was two weeks after surgery.

Thank you so much for your message, please can I ask what the two options of surgery are you were offered. I have made the decision that I will opt for a mastectomy and if possible a double mastectomy even though one breast appears healthy. Though it is early days so I imagine they will want to go over all the options with me xxx 

Hi, I was offered a choice of a micap op, with localisation done through isotope injection and then lumpectomy. With this one, they make use of a skin graft to patch in the area removed so that the remodeling is natural use of your own skin. The other option was complete removal of the breast but with conservation of the skin. That required the use of an animal product to make a pouch where a fake gel breast implant would be placed to remodel the breast. I found it really hard to choose as both had fors and againsts. Finally I chose the first option as it could be done sooner and was less invasive. It's down side is that I now have to have radiotherapy. It is healing well, but I do have considerable soreness and bruising over my right rib. The tightness is helped by doing the exercises daily. I guess choice is individual and it's often hard to know what to do. We can only take advice and hope for the best. 

Hi Sparkleandshine,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry that you find yourself in this position. It is normally about 6 weeks after diagnosis that an operation takes place. In some cases, surgery is delayed, as chemo is employed first. This reduces the size of the tumour and facilitates surgery better. I was told at my first visit to the breast clinic that they suspected breast cancer. The one positive thing about being told so soon, is that it gives you more time to  come to terms with having a cancer diagnosis, before you get your results.

Two weeks later I got the awful news and had a lumpectomy. I then had a double mastectomy for the second bout. Unfortunately, I was not a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction, due to previous, non-cancer related surgery. However, I manage well with an assortment of prostheses for different activities. All this happened 14 years ago and I still live a busy and fulfilling life.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mouse,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am glad to hear that your surgery is now behind you and to know that it all went well. It is good that you have a start date for your radiotherapy and I hope that it all goes well. I am 14 years since diagnosis. I had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the first year, but have been doing well since then. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life and I hope 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

Dear Jolamine, thank you so much for your message it means a lot. I hopefully will get the call today to see the breast clinic next week. Hope you have a lovely weekend xxx

Hi Jolamine, it's good to hear that things worked out positively for you. Yes, I'll let you know. I'm concentrating on taking things one step at a time... seems the best way to cope in stressful times. It's good to have got this far so quickly and to know the next steps to take. 

Hi Sparkleandshine,

Did you get the call today or are you still waiting?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mouse,

It is much easier to cope with everything, once you know what is happening. Keep on taking things one step at a time, as this is the only way to cope with all the stress  that you have been going through.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx