I've just been told I have breast cancer

I recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, right out of the blue. I had an invite to go for a mammogram, my first, I'm nearly 60. Off I go , found no lumps, feel ok and went to appt. All done, thanks. About a week after, I received a letter asking for me to attend another appt, as they want to make sure. A percentage of recalls, do not have cancer it said, so I wasn't worried.  I went to the follow up and they then tell me, they've found abnormalities, so need to do another, but more intense mammogram. Had that, and a biopsy and waited for another appt. still didn't seem worried, just thought it would be benign or a blocked vein. When the time came, sat in front of a surgeon to tell me I had breast cancer. It was like an lit of body experience. I couldn't take it in.....  She would perform a lumpocomy and look at the lymph nodes, just to be sure. (, biopsy for lymph nodes came back negative) Had the surgery, quick, but quite sore (, obviously) a 4 inch scar ony breast and 5 inch undery armpit. Was told everything went well, took out cancer from breast plus a few millimetres just to make sure, and a few lymph nodes to the lab. Another appt to have a follow up came today.

Was hoping that was it, as surgeon said all well, however cancer in breast is gone ( hooray) but lymph nodes, not so great. Surgeon took 11 'funny looking' lymph nodes, and 5 are cancerous. So back to surgery, but before this, a CT scan to see if any other body parts are cancerous before another op. My fear really today was, negative lymph nodes to almost 50% changed in 3 weeks? How many others will be, whilst I'm waiting for a scan??? I'm probably being dramatic, but that's really worrying. I'm still waiting to find out if it's radiotherapy or chemotherapy I need. 

I've gone from being positive and they caught it very early (surgeon's words) to being really down and don't want to wait for the 'day' and die with dignity.

Sorry for the rant, but feel alone, as no family really understands. 

Thanks for listening 

  • Hi Kath250484, 

    I am sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and it must have all come as a shock to you and it's good that you didn't have to wait too long to have the surgery. It's good news that the cancer in the breast is gone but I can imagine it was a bit of a surprise for you to find out that 5 lymph nodes were cancerous when the initial biopsy results came back negative. I am not sure why there was this change and perhaps you could ask your medical team to enlighten you and explain why this was not picked up in the initial biopsy. Try not to worry too much though if you can as it's unlikely anything will change in the few days while you are waiting for a scan - you are not being dramatic though it is normal to worry in your situation especially during this time of uncertainty when you are still waiting to find out what the treatment plan might be. 

    I think it's important to bear in mind the surgeon's words that they caught it very early and this is really good news as it means you are in the best possible hands to get the treatment you need. It might be a bit of a stressful road ahead especially during these uncertain times when you are still figuring out what is going on and what to expect but it all sounds very promising and I hope that the treatment will go well. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you.

    If you have any questions or would like to talk through anything with our cancer nurses, feel free to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.  

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Kath250484,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about the lymph nodes. Sometimes it's not until the actual surgery that suspect lymph nodes are found. This can be very frustrating when you were already told that the biopsy results were negative. I can appreciate how upsetting this is, but it is a good thing that your surgeon has been thorough and found these at an early stage.

    Waiting for results is always a stressful time, especially when there are still so many unknowns. You will find all of this easier to cope with once you know exactly what the diagnosis is. Do you have an appointment yet for your lymph node removal? I hope that you get it soon and can put this worry behind you.

    It can be difficult for family to appreciate all that you're going through, if they haven't had any previous experience of cancer. Now that you've found this forum, you need never feel alone, as there's always someone here for you.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx