Hi Julie

I am so sorry to hear your news. I found out on Monday officially but had been told 10 days earlier at the centre that they were pretty certain it was breast cancer.

No time of the year is easy but this is especially hard. I think that a lot of the clinics shut down a bit over Christmas, this may be why they want to get you in sooner.

I originally had an appt for 2nd week of Jan but its been brought forward for tomorrow. Since Monday, I have had blood tests, ct scan and have a bone scan in the morning. To say I'm terrified of what I'm going to be told is an understatement. I havent slept, eaten or been to the loo in days!

This is a very welcoming forum and everyone, like us, are going through it, so it is a good place to ask questions or vent. I have had so many positive responses since I was diagnosed on Monday. 

Let us know how you get on tomorrow. 

Take care

Xxxxx

Well they confirmed that it is cancer and that it’s quite widespread in my breast so masectomy is my only option. They were still waiting for the biopsy results for my lymph nodes so I don’t have a treatment plan yet. I go back on 7th January and have been asked to think about what I want to do with regards to reconstruction. I’ve tried to put it out of my mind over Christmas for the sake of my family but I’m starting to struggle now. I’m so tired too and am sleeping so much more than usual.   

Do you know any more yet? How have you coped with Christmas?

Julie x

Hi Julie,

A warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that you've joined us.

Getting a positive diagnosis is always scary. There are so many unknowns and, we all tend to think the worst.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years and just wanted to give you a little reassurance that it is all 'doable'. The first time I had a lumpectomy, followed by Tamoxifen. On the second occasion, a year later, I had a double mastectomy, followed by 6 years of Letrozole. I finished taking this in July 2017 and am still doing fairly well. The operations themselves were very straightforward. Unfortunately, I could not have reconstruction, due to scarring from previous non-cancer-related surgery, but I manage well with various prostheses.

Have you reached a decision on reconstruction yet, or are you still weighing up the odds?

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

I’m fairly sure that I’ll go for the reconstruction as I’m only 48 but the decision doesn’t need to be made yet as they’ve decided that I need a course of chemo before my surgery. Just waiting for an appointment with the oncologist now.  Something to do with being HR positive. I’m finding this forum really useful. I haven’t interacted with many people yet but reading the stories of real people who have been through this is inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Julie x

Hi Julie,

I am sorry to hear that you need chemo before your surgery. At least this gives you more time to think about what type of reconstruction you'll have.

Many people just read other peoples stories to begin with. Hopefully you'll feel more inclined to interact when you are further along your cancer journey.

I hope that the chemo goes well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx