I've just received my diagnosis and now waiting to see the Plastic Surgeon for a single Mastectomy and reconstruction then I find it and what other treatment I may need. Absolutely petrified. I am dreading my road ahead and also feel guilty that our plans as a family are all up in the air, will we have to cancel our holiday and other trips away booked and that they have to deal with me going through this.
The fact I aren't going to be me as I am now never again.
Hi Phillipa and Becky-lou, I am sorry that you both have had a breast cancer diagnosis. It is so hard waiting to start treatment. I found that once I knew what my treatment plan was, I felt better and just wanted to get on with it. I had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, then chemo and then radiotherapy. My best advice I was given was to try and keep to my normal routine. This really helped me and it also helps the family. I felt more in control of what I could do. I know it is hard but keeping to a routine does help. Good luck to you both and let me know how you get on.
A very warm welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear that you have both been diagnosed with breast cancer and understand your concerns. Most of us would agree that waiting for a diagnosis and treatment is possibly the hardest part of our cancer journeys. As Leealou says, it is easier to deal with everything once you know what you are dealing with and have a plan for the way forward. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer 29 years ago. She fought bravely for 12 years and had a horrendous experience. I was diagnosed 16 years ago and was terrified that I faced the same outcome. I had a lumpectomy, but developed pre-cancer in the other breast within 6 months of surgery. Almost a year after that first operation, I developed a second cancer in the original breast and had a double mastectomy. Fortunately, there have been great advances made in cancer care since mum had it. There was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, which we both experienced.
Much to my surprise, I found the double mastectomy easier to deal with than the lumpectomy and I healed quicker after this. I took hormone therapy for 6½ years and, although I had a number of side-effects, I would do the same again. None of this was easy, but it was all "doable". We seem to get a strength from somewhere to help us cope with everything and come out of the experience a stronger person.
Becky-lou,I am sure that your family won't hold anything against you for having to cancel holidays and other trips. However, if you mention these to your consultant, it is possible that the dates can be worked about to enable you to get away. The sooner you mention your dates to your care team, the better chance there is of being able to do this.
You will still be yourself after surgery, but the experience will make you a stronger and more empathetic person in the long run.
Please keep in touch. Remember that we are always here for you.
