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Stage 1 breast cancer - just been diagnosed and it's finally hit me. Finding it hard to keep this to myself but don't want to worry my family

Cherry1958
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Hello I have just been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer on my right breast after a routine mammogram. It was a big shock as always thought I was healthy, I walk a lot and on my feet all day in my job. I am not overweight but have put on weight around my waist, usually middle age spread. I went through menopause about 10 years ago and apparently my tumor is estrogen fed which comes from menopause and added weight. 

I am currently having further tests on my left breast as unusual cells came up on a MRI. Since my diagnosis I have been holding it together and carrying on as normal, but today I came home after a walk and was soaked from the rain and just burst into tears. I am finding this hard to keep to myself but don't want to worry my family so dismissing it.

Has anyone else felt this way? I assume this is normal as the shock has finally hit me.

  • Offline in reply to Wiganfc

    Hi Wiganfc,

    I am glad that it all went well today You have another anxious 2 weeks, but, irrespective of the outcome, you'll feel better once you know.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Cherry1958

    Hi Wiganfc

    Have you had your results yet from your MRI yet?

    I went back for my results last Friday 17th and for me it wasn't good news. I have 2 DCIS in left breast, in case you don't know this is a stage 0 cancer which means it is a cancer but is not yet invasive, and also an undetermined cell. The surgeon is talking about a mastectomy on my right breast. I have to make a decision on my left breast, the choice is to have the cells removed by vacuum and tested, if cancer then mastectomy on left or to just do both? Then if I should go for a restructure, silicone implant or stay flat and use prostheses within a bra. Such a hard decision.

    I truly hope that you are OK and it's just a lumpectomy for you. 

    Take care

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine, 

    I went back and read your original post and see that you had a double mastectomy. I'm not sure if you can see my reply to Wiganfc but this is now an option for me. Could you please tell me how you felt at the time? Did you have a restructure, silone breasts or stay flat and use prostheses?

    I am currently struggling to decide and wondered if you would mind sharing. 

    Thank you

  • Offline

    I was also stage 1 picked up on routine mammogram Nov 24. Official diagnosis Jan 25. Lumpectomy then re excision and 5 radiotherapy sessions later, I'm on Letrozole for 5 years. Didn't tell my husband or daughters till mid Jan as didn't want to put a dampener on Christmas or New Year.  

  • Offline in reply to Cherry1958

    Hi there. I am still waiting for my results. So sorry to hear your news. I had a vacuum biopsy and this is what I am waiting to hear about. Will you go for the vacuum biopsy before making a decision?. After my vacuum I had an X-ray with dye. The vacuum wasn’t too bad so nothing to worry about. I hope get my results on the 27th. Waiting is so hard. Knowing you have cancer and wondering what the future holds. Take care. 

  • Offline in reply to Cherry1958

    HI like you I'm on the beginning of my journey to from routine mammogram. I have lobular HER2 and Hr + iv told my family it was hard especially as my two sons live in Scotland and my mum is 83 and not well herself. I can explain to my family as things progress appointments etc.

    Good luck to you all x

  • Offline in reply to Allip

    Hi

    Good luck on your journey keep us posted. 

    I have told my family now, I think I just needed time to process myself. Yes it is hard as you feel it is your job to protect them but my family have been brilliant.

    Keep us posted

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