Hello, I have just read your post and wanted to reach out and wish you all the very best. I'm through my journey now which involved chemo, lumpectomy and radiation and I'm so grateful I am strong and well. Don't get me wrong I have horrible days of fear and panic. But please know you will get to the end of this treatment, this chapter in your life and (like your sister) will thrive once more. 
 

But I know how those first few weeks feel. It's a massive mix of every emotion you can imagine isn't it? Dig deep and trust in your body to give you what it needs to manage the treatment. You're just about to learn you're stronger than you ever believed.

My advice to you is stay positive, stay off Google, talk to others, cry when you need to, and know every feeling you have is OK. Be kind to yourself. 
 It's not going to be easy but it's doable. You will come through this and smile again.

Please know I'm here if you want to ask anything. It's like being stranded on a planet you never wanted to visit but I did find talking to others further on such a comfort. We are all different so do this your way. 
 

I had to tell 3 teenagers too. It was so hard. But their resilience surprised me. My eldest was amazing and that time together when I was going through my treatment brought us so close. My youngest still hasn't talked to me about how she found it. I respect that and I hope one day we will discuss this. I was always honest and open and I think they valued me normalising it too. It can get ugly but we were expecting that.  Maybe he could get support from your sister? There are some good online counselling support services too if that would work for him. I'm a counsellor myself working with young people so if I can be a sounding board for you I'm here. 
 

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. 
 

Much love xx 

Just seen this reply, had to say how caring and reassuring and written with so much empathy on your part 

So glad you came through this terrible time. I sure it helped MrsBoo so much.

It has helped me so much, I am waiting on a lump referral and completely terrified tired and anxious.

Wish nothing but good times for you and your family xx 

Hi Tabicat,

im sorry to read you're waiting for your appointment. This is by far the hardest part. The wait. Your mind goes crazy with worry which is normal when you're in this position. It's the not knowing. When is your appointment?

I know it's hard but right now you don't know what it is. It may very well be nothing to worry about too remember! Most lumps are not sinister. Your anxious mind is playing tricks with you which doesn't help either. 
Please let me know how you get on. I'm thinking of you and the so many others in your position. 
Stay busy and positive. This time will pass I promise xx 

I'm just reading your post and thinking how much it sounds like me! I was diagnosed with the same type and also have a 13yr old son. I was so scared and had so many thoughts flying through my mind. My main concern was how my son would cope with the news. I waited until I knew the full facts and treatment plan before I told him.

I am now half way through chemo (I needed it because it was in a lymph node too) and my son has been INCREDIBLE! Positive and so amazing. He told me he isn't worried at all because he knows I'll get through it and everything will be fine!

Sending you so much love and positive vibes. This is a forum no one wants to join but it has helped me so so much! When you know what the plan is it's much easier to calm yourself down and just focus on getting through it.

We're all here for you, any time night or day xx

Thank you all for your lovely replies. I had blood tests today to confirm I am postmenopausal then straight on to Anastrozole. I have been on HRT for the last 3 yrs so went cold turkey a week ago. The sudden drop of estrogen has been the hardest thing to deal with but hopefully this means the side effects from Anastrazole will not be too bad. 

I am usually a comfort eater but I really have no appetite. So maybe the inevitable weight loss will be a bonus.

I have yet to tell my son but he has grown up so much over the last 2 yrs I am hoping he will cope. So far  I’ve only been able to tell a few close friends and relatives, I just don’t want to broadcast it. I hate it when people take to social media to announce every minutiae of their lives. 

 I am a professional health care worker and often have to deal with patients who I have to refer for suspected cancer and deal with their healthcare issues while going through treatment. My consultant has advised me to have time off throughout my proposed treatment, I am taking her advice. I want to focus on me rather than always putting my patients needs first. It is counterintuitive but I think my family need me more than anyone else. 

Tabicat best of luck with your investigations. The breast care teams are the NHS at their best. They are selected for their amazing patient manner and empathy. They treat you gently and with great dignity. Ask as many questions as you want, they can’t give you the answers but they will show you the images if you ask. 

If you do progress to the surgical team they spend as much time as you need with you and if you are very anxious make a list of questions you want to ask to prompt you. No question is too silly. 

I am a born optimist and always try to see the positives so when the consultant noticed that my affected breast is larger and droops she suggested a cosmetic lift and suggested that I think of the lump removal as a breast reduction. If the reduction is significant she will do a reduction of the other side. I have always hated having such big boobs, with smaller ones I would be a dress size smaller. It might sound flippant but it helps me accept the situation.