Hi there, Liv22. It's a scary time, I know. I was recalled after a routine mammogram and convinced that it was nothing. I was sure I just moved when they were doing it, something like that, and that's what was showing up. It was a huge shock to know they found a lump and not knowing what was going to happen.

That was in September last year and they acted very quickly. I had the lump removed at the end of September. My surgeon decided it wouldn't be necessary to do a mastectomy and I had radiotherapy instead of chemotherapy. I understand, if you do require chemo, you can have a cold cap that helps keep your hair, but someone here will probably advise you about that. It's not vain at all to worry about your hair. It's only natural.

I was introduced to my breast nurses and given some very helpful leaflets. They were so supportive and happy to answer any questions. The lumpectomy was done under day surgery and I went home with a drain attached, with the district nurses calling to change and check it. The drain was removed a little less than two weeks later.

The radiotherapy came just before Christmas and it was quick and painless. The staff at the hospital were I had it done were very reassuring and happy to answer any questions. I felt very well supported throughout all of it. I will be with the same breast nurses for the next five years and have my routine yearly mammograms at the hospital where I had my surgery, and I'm free to contact them at any time with any questions. 

It's a difficult time, but there's a lot of support around. My local cancer charity offers things like counselling, aromatherapy and massage and you can get help from www.maggies.org and www.macmillan.org.uk/ too.

I hope you find some of that helpful and there are always people here on the board for you to talk to. Take care.