Me and my breast cancer

Hi all. Just discovered this group by chance. Have been reading some of your posts, please know that you are all amazing people.

So here's a bit about my relatively short journey so far. I found a lump in my right breast in December last year, had to wait a month to see my GP who referred me to the hospital. My cancer was confirmed on 22nd February. I'd gone there on my own, hadn't even told anyone I'd found a lump, probably my loneliest point getting that diagnosis and sitting in the waiting room crying on my own. I've not cried about it since, my positive pants have been on since that day!  I caught it early though (measures 7mm wide).

I broke the news to my parents that night. They were fantastic and are very supportive. Lumpectomy (and some lymph nodes removal) is booked for this coming Monday with radiotherapy to follow. I know exactly what the operation involves and 80% of me can't wait but the other bit of me is petrified. I'm worried about all that comes after the op, recovery, possible blood clots and later down the line when I find out if the op and radio have worked or not.

I've chosen not to tell many people, including some members of my family. Also my Son, which I know may seem odd to you but I just don't want to worry him. Yes, he's a teenager but I know he'll stress and I don't want that for him right now. 

So, that's me. Just wanted to share my story with you. Please feel free to say Hi. x

  • Hi

    I had surgery in Dec 2019. I was unlucky in that there were suspicious lesions under the lump, so it was decided to have a masectomy and I had underarm lymph node removal at the same time. There was cancer in 2 lymph nodes. I also had 3 rounds of chemo. It sounds like they've caught yours early which is good. I recovered quite quickly from the surgery and found the radiotherapy was not painful, just redness on the skin and I felt more tired, the nurses were so nice. I'm now on hormone treatment for 5 years, one tablet a day and feel well. 
    Everyone deals with cancer in their own way and I'm sure there will be a right time to tell your son. Mine was supportive as were my friends and family. 
    I found this site is helpful, just to write and connect anonymously with others going through it. I wish you all the best

    Silver

  • Hi Rachel,

    yes this site is a treasure trove of help and advice. Many peoples stories and advice have helped me through. I am sure it will help you too. 
     

    I had a similar story to yours but I did tell a few people. Some I didn't want to tell which surprised me.  I think as Silver has said we have to follow our own instincts on this. What's right for me won't necessarily be right for you. We just need to be true to ourselves. 
     

    Yes tears.....I found they came at the most extraordinary times. Not when I was in discomfort or didn't know what was happening but when I began to feel better. When I knew life was looking up..  in floods then. We are all different!! Just think it's very important to 'let go' at those times you need to. We aren't robots!! 
     

    Cancer  HAS changed me. I am less fraught about the small things. More eager to live in the moment as much as I can. More generous of spirit (I think!) It's the strangest of times and one that tests us to the limit. 
     

    I wish you well. It's not a walk in the park but when you come out the other end feel proud of yourself!! Go live that precious life wherever it might take you!!

    All the best  

    Kebb