Still in shock

Hi, I am 78 years old and newly diagnosed with breast cancer, I am awaiting biopsy results to find out what type etc.  This is a bolt out of the blue as my cancer was discovered during a CT contrast scan for something else entirely.  I Cannot feel, nor could my consultant, the “lump” but a mammogram and ultrasound showed it. I am completely in shock and worried about the treatment.

Has anyone else experienced this?

  • Heya.

    Welcome to the forums in order to start off with here. The waiting is the hardest part. I wonder if you have ever heard of Maggie’s support centre. Alternatively call the helpline on 0808 800 4040 to talk with a nurse about your feelings. You can do this and we are here with you. Best wishes always. There are more of distraction and relaxation videos on YouTube that are nice to watch.

    Finding a hobby helped me stay busy and on top of things. I used to do puzzles whilst I waited for chemo to be over. I also did so much reading and arts and crafts too. I tried different card games and so on. I found keeping a diary helped. Sometimes I went for a walk around the entire hospital. I also made up short quizzes. I often played scrabble. I mastered card games. I made stuff out of classic Lego bricks. The key is to find a hobby that interests everyone.

    I used to do various hobbies to find one that worked for me. Keep us updated. Find a support group. All of the mainstream cancer trusts and charities have them. Stay healthy. 

  • Thank you for your kind words and advice. My life is very busy, I still work a couple of days a week and I see a lot of my family including my 3 fabulous grandchildren.

    i most certainly will be ringing the helpline and nurses.

    Best wishes to you.

  • Hi, and I had a similar experience, so I understand completely about the shock. I had a routine mammogram on July 23rd and on September 25th I had surgery, followed by radiotherapy, so it was dealt with very quickly.My experience was a good one. Everything was explained to me and my family was able to attend the consultations and ask questions too. I was given a lot of leaflets and the information in them was very well set out and answered most of my questions. My surgeon decided on a lumpectomy, removing the lump and not the entire breast, and gave clear reasons for their decision. It was sore afterwards, but I think that was more due to the drain that had to be left in for about two weeks. The operation was done during day surgery. During the time I had the drain, a district nurse would call to check it was ok.  
    The radiotherapy took place just before Christmas and the staff at the hospital were wonderful. I would say it was a little uncomfortable and my skin felt hot afterwards, but they advised me to moisturise a lot, and that really helped. 
    If there's anything else you'd like to ask, please feel free. I know it's a worry, but the main thing is that they've found it and can advise on treatment. Take care of yourself and try to distract yourself from this as much as possible. I see you have grandchildren and you work, so it sounds as if you have a good and busy life. Gill xx