Hi Jenjen,

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but glad to learn that you have had a sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy and hope that you are recovering well. I was first diagnosed 8 years ago and had a lumpectomy. The following year I had a second bout and had a double mastectomy.

I well remember the early stages of my diagnosis when I wandered around in a state of shock, denial and anger. I was most surprised by these feelings, as my mother and father both had cancer and I had always thought that I might be unfortunate enough to get it as a result. Things will still feel surreal for a while yet, but you will feel better as you have more treatment and start doing somthing positive to stop it in its tracks.

I am so glad to hear that your daughter and husband are coping well with this, because cancer does not just affect the individual. It impinges on family too and can make quite a difference to their lives as well.

Have you been given an appointment to get your results yet? I hope that you don't have to wait too long.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on and remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, I've received some results...all cancer removed via surgery so that's great and that it is hormone related so I'll have to take tablets which doesn't bother me, but the her2 results aren't back yet so waiting on those.

So sorry to hear you went through it twice, once is bad enough.

My grandmother had cancer back in the 70s but apart from that it's all quite new for the family. All the family have been amazing. I think it helps as I try to be as open about it as I can so no-one feels like they can't talk about it in front of me or to me.

It's nice to know there are others out there who understand and who are willing to chat, even years later like yourself.

Thank you x

Hi Jenjen,

I am delighted to hear that your surgeon thinks that he has removed all the cancer. It is also a plus that it responds to hormone treatment. I hope that it is good news in respect of your HER2 test too.

Cancer treatment has changed dramatically since your grandmother had it in the 70ies, as I'm sure your mum will recall. My mum had it for 12 years and sadly died in 1997. I see a huge change since that time.

You are quite right about it being easier to cope with all this when you are open about it. I have certainly found that to be the case. It's great to hear that your family have been so amazing too. The one thing that we really do need is the love and support of our families and friends.

Have you had any discussion about further treatment as yet@

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx