I was 57 and diagnosed though a routine mammogram, no lumps but a slight thickening.  I was diagnosed with stage 2 lobular cancer, which had to spread to my lymp nodes.  I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy.  It has now been three years but I feel very well now and back at work.  

I live in the south west of England, and the treatment here was wonderful.  Lots of support, I was allocated a breast cancer nurse, who was able to discuss treatment with me.

I found it all very frightening at first, and needed the support of my family.  I do not know what the services are like in the country where you live, but is it possible for you to look at flying back to England? you could also investigate what services/treatment there are in the country you live.

I believe everyone has different treatment plan, not everyone needs chemo.  

This must be very scary for you. I hope you find it better when you have spoken to specialists and discussed your options.  Please keep posting on this site for support.

Take care

Diane

MRI scan on Tuesday to see definite diagnosis. Hope surgery is soon after..its such a waiting game ! I should be stopping smoking but the reckless part of me thinks what's the point ! Stupid I know 

Hi

I felt much better when I knew what they had planned.  Many things went through my mind when I was at the same stage as you, I think this is normal.

Please be kind to yourself and talk to others.  There is a lot of waiting, which does not make it any better, but digging deep, please try to be positive.  This is easy to say, but I think it helps.

Take care.

Diane xxx

Thank you for all the replies ladies. I've seen 2 consultants in 2 days. I have high grade DCIS in a lump (not detectable by me) just under the nipple. I also have large areas of micro calcification which account for more than 25% of the breast tissue. It it because if the large area involved and the unavoidable loss of the nipple they are recommending a mastectomy. They want to do it in next 2 weeks to stop any further spreading. The 2nd opinion Dr I met yesterday did actually give me some confidence and was really good and pairnt at explaining everything. Her English is perfect. At the moment I feel I should have the op here in Asia but I'm adamant that if I need radiation or chemo afterwards, I want to come back to the UK where most of my family and friends are. For anyone who's had a mascectomy and reconstruction done with no complications- how soon were you up and about afterwards? How soon could I fly?  Lots of questions... But I really want to make my decisiin next couple of days.xx

Thank you. I can't believe how long I have taken to accept this is all about me ..not some unknown woman. I have gone through major stuff in my life before so should be able to do this too! Just makes us all realise how strong us women are..and love us allxx

Hi there

I had my diagnosis the end of December and had a mastectomy January 6th.I'm doing well and healing just fine.My arm is a bit stiff as the movement is not quite back to normal yet but that bit does take time. I stayed in one night after the op then was able to go home.

You will need to talk to your team if you are planning to fly back to England for your possible treatments.I have a feeling that after surgery you are unable to fly for a number of months.And I know this is also the case if you are having chemo and for a time after you have finished treatment.

I hope you are coping as best you can after such a shock.I'm always here if you need someone to chat to.

Thinking of you Ness