Hi there,

I'm 37 and was diagnosed with grade two lobular breast cancer on the 18th of December. I have 2 tumours both of which are malignant.

I've not had an MRI myself yet? I'm not sure if I will I know some ladies here have perhaps some health authorities differ?

I have had 3 biopsys a mammogram,scan and a chest xray.

I too have worried more about my husband parents and family members more than myself.And have felt like the one looking after them whilst they struggle with my diagnosis rather than the other way around.From what I have picked up on this forum it seems quite normal. 

I am due to have a mastectomy on Wednesday.On one hand I'm glad to start my treatment because the waiting around it torture..but in the other I'm nervous now.

I'm glad to hear you had such a lovely Christmas with your family.These things are so important now aren't they.These things keep us strong.

I hope that you soon have your appointment and you have a better idea of your next steps x

Take care Ness xx 

Hello,

I was diagnosed at the age of 57 through routine mamogram with grade two lobular breast cancer.  This was three years ago January, and now fit and healthy.

I had lots of ct scans and a lumpectomy, and another operation to remove the Lymp glands.  I think lobular cancer is more difficult to detect.  I had no lump, just a thickening which I did not feel.

I remember at first I was very scared and it was difficult for me to digest all the information, but once the treatment was underway I felt slightly better, and more in control.  

I was honest with my family from the beginning, and kept them fully in the picture.  My husband did struggle at first, but he was very supportive through the treatment.  My daughter is a nurse, and was a great support, but she too found it difficult at the beginning.

I was given a choice between a lumpectomy or masectomy.  At first I wanted a masectomy, but I was told that there was very little evidence that a masectomy was any more successful, so after a great deal of thought I had a lumpectomy.  I was in the hospital overnight, and only had slight discomfort.

I kept telling myself one step at a time, and do not think too much of what lays ahead.  This is diffiuclt but it does help a little.

I am now back at work and look after my four grand children.  It is a difficult road both emotionally and physically, but this site is full of wonderful supportive people, who will be happy to support.

Take care and please keep us in touch with your appointment.

Diane  xxxx

Hello,

Your consultant will explain all the options to you.  I have to say I found it daunting.  I opted for chemotherapy and then an operation.  Before the start of my chemotherapy I had a MRI scan and after three chemo sessions I had an ultrasound and then continued with the final chemo sessions.  I am now waiting for my op which should be at the beginning of February.  

I found my consultant my consultant very patient and spent plenty of time with me so I understood everything.  I found it useful to take somebody to all the appointments, I found that If I missed something my husband had remembered it.

Good luck!

Hi Brinkwells,

I'm 31 and I was diagnosed in November.  I've got quite large breasts and 6 lumps in total, only one of which was cancerous.  What this means though, is that I have had all the tests!  Needle biopsies, core biopsies, MRI, manmmograms, sonnograms, sentinel node biopsy and I've now also had a mastectomy. 

The mamogram is most uncomfortable (I'm being delicate, having your boobs squished in some sort of shiny torture device is not pleasant at all - but it's necessary and once it's done, it's done) and the MRI is an experience, but it's not painful and it is useful. 

My experience was; I was shown to a sort of locker room where I was given a cubicle to get undressed (I kept my pants on, I'd suggest wearing leggings if they'll let you.  Remember to take your earrings out!) and changed into two hospital gowns.  One for the front and one for the back to cover your decency.  Then I walked through a private area to the MRI room.  I sat down and the nurse took a little bit of blood and then popped a canula in my arm.  Then I laid down in the machine on my front and put my boobs into the hole.  It sounds awful but it was actually quite comfortable. 

I was given some headphones to listen to music that I'd picked from a book - don't pick something floaty and light because you won't be able to hear it.  Pick something you know so you can focus on the tune rather than the noise the machine makes.

Then I was moved into the machine and it maks some loud noises which change.  It is loud but it's not bad, I felt a little light headed at first but after a few minutes I was fine.  Then after a while some dye gets injected into the canula.  It's done remotely, they told me when it was about to happen and once that's in it's important to stay still.  The dye does feel weird, a little cold, a little odd but it's not painful - it's just not a familiar feeling.

Before I knew it, I was done.

After the MRI the results were sent to my surgeon and I could breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they hadn't missed anything, because the MRI is much more accurate and they can peek into your glands as well.

I had/have grade 3, stage 2 invasive cancer.  The lump was 42mm, it hadn't spread because we'd caught it early.  I had a full left breast mastectomy because the lump is large and I wanted to be as safe as possible in addition to a few other reasons.

Make sure you ask your breast care team lots of questions.  I always feel rushed while I'm there and I don't want to be a bother but it's really important you ask and get answers everywhere you can.

If it helps you at all, please visit my blog - I've written a post every day since I was diagnosed. http://bigc32g.com

Best of luck xx

Thank you for all your helpful replies. My consultant was amazing and put my mind to rest. She spent a long time with me and explained everything. 

At the end of my time she said, Remember, cancer needs to fit in around your normal life and not take over. This had made a huge difference to my husband who was with me. 

Also thanks for info on MRI scan as I have that on Friday followed by anther visit to Consultant next Monday to plan treatment. 

Hope you all get as good help as I am. God bless 

I also am newly diagnosed at the age of 64 with grade 2 breast cancer. Things moved very quickly, i had biopsy of the lump and nodes. Had a mri scan, lumpectomy and now receiving chemo. Although there is no 'right time' to receive this news, for me, couldnt have come at a worse time. My husband of 30 yrs deserted me in 2011 and i have had to watch him bringing a string of women to family occasions. I almost lost my house as he refused to pay the mortgage or any upkeep for our two grandchildren who we had guardianship of. I have now had to try to sell my house and have moved furtger away from my support network. All this and then the cancer has totally overwhelmed me. My family are coping (too well i think) but inside i know i am not. Losing my hair between christmas and new year an experience i wouldnt wish on anyone.

Well, it was 4 weeks ago tomorrow that I had my diagnosis (2 days before Christmas).

Since then I have had MRI scan, conformation that I have 2 small cancers in my breast. I have spoken at length to the Consulatant and Breast Care Nurse, and have been very well supported throughout this bewildering time and have had everything explained carefuly.

I am now booked in for a mastectomy this Thursday (21st) and look foreward to resuming my life again. I will have 2 nights in hospital and a couple of weeks recovery followed by a little radiotherapy and a course of hormone tablets. Hopefully that will be the last that I see of this nasty little beastie.

I do hope many of you will such a positive outcome, but just take each day at a time is my advice. Things can turn our badily I know, but more and more ladies are getting good treatment with a good outcome.

Will let you know how I get on.