Hello Polly,

yes cancer IS a bombshell. It takes so much energy just to accept it really IS being said to you. I was diagnosed with the same situation as you in October 2019.  I suddenly felt very alone and as if death was imminent. It wasn’t and isn’t. 

I had the tumour removed and a breast reduction as opposed to a mastectomy. The hospital I attend offered that although I understand that’s not a normal thing to happen in many areas? Whilst under anaesthetic they did a test on one of my lymph nodes and very fortunately for me there was no sign of cancer so I kept the majority of my lymph nodes. 

Surgery went very well and my recovery was easy enough. I was out walking within 3 days. I felt fully recovered within 8 weeks.

I then had an ‘Onco test’ to see if chemo would be beneficial or not. Breast tissue is sent to the USA for analysis. Test result came back as a 9 so it wouldn’t have helped, so I very fortunately didn’t have chemo. No idea why I had an onco test  They don’t always do it but quite a few people on this site have had it I notice  

I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy which was for me fine  No ill affects at all but I think that was just luck. Tiredness hits most people it seems. 

Now just building up my fitness levels as the oncologist stated exercise is a protective factor in inhibiting cancer growth. That was a good motivator for me!! 

I am a complete wuss regarding the hormone tablets!! Not sure what to do and I am dithering and so far doing nothing! Most just get on and take them which I am pretty sure is right but I don’t feel they are for me. 

So thats my story Polly. It’s been a struggle at times. I leant on friends and my husband when I needed to. The cancer clinic staff are fabulous. They absolutely DID ‘get it’  That feeling inside us that is sometimes desperate, sometimes just sad and occasionally manic. It’s all ok and no one judges. 

Hold on.  This is a very tough time emotionally for everyone let alone to be newly diagnosed with this crap. It will be tougher for you because of medical interruptions but I understand that’s easing now.

Please feel free to contact me or just frequent this site  it’s such a good support.  People know what you are saying. Will identify with it. Nothing you feel is crazy or not allowed. Cancer IS a life changer but you are in good company here.

I wish you all the luck in the world as you travel onwards (and upwards)  Go steady  

Big hugs 

Kebbs x 

Hello Polly,

yes cancer IS a bombshell. It takes so much energy just to accept it really IS being said to you. I was diagnosed with the same situation as you in October 2019.  I suddenly felt very alone and as if death was imminent. It wasn’t and isn’t. 

I had the tumour removed and a breast reduction as opposed to a mastectomy. The hospital I attend offered that although I understand that’s not a normal thing to happen in many areas? Whilst under anaesthetic they did a test on one of my lymph nodes and very fortunately for me there was no sign of cancer so I kept the majority of my lymph nodes. 

Surgery went very well and my recovery was easy enough. I was out walking within 3 days. I felt fully recovered within 8 weeks.

I then had an ‘Onco test’ to see if chemo would be beneficial or not. Breast tissue is sent to the USA for analysis. Test result came back as a 9 so it wouldn’t have helped, so I very fortunately didn’t have chemo. No idea why I had an onco test  They don’t always do it but quite a few people on this site have had it I notice  

I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy which was for me fine  No ill affects at all but I think that was just luck. Tiredness hits most people it seems. 

Now just building up my fitness levels as the oncologist stated exercise is a protective factor in inhibiting cancer growth. That was a good motivator for me!! 

I am a complete wuss regarding the hormone tablets!! Not sure what to do and I am dithering and so far doing nothing! Most just get on and take them which I am pretty sure is right but I don’t feel they are for me. 

So thats my story Polly. It’s been a struggle at times. I leant on friends and my husband when I needed to. The cancer clinic staff are fabulous. They absolutely DID ‘get it’  That feeling inside us that is sometimes desperate, sometimes just sad and occasionally manic. It’s all ok and no one judges. 

Hold on.  This is a very tough time emotionally for everyone let alone to be newly diagnosed with this crap. It will be tougher for you because of medical interruptions but I understand that’s easing now.

Please feel free to contact me or just frequent this site  it’s such a good support.  People know what you are saying. Will identify with it. Nothing you feel is crazy or not allowed. Cancer IS a life changer but you are in good company here.

I wish you all the luck in the world as you travel onwards (and upwards)  Go steady  

Big hugs 

Kebbs x 

Oh kebbs you lovely lovely lady xx how weird to get such love from a stranger it's like you just understand well obviously you do but it's hard to explain how that made me feel but before I start let me just tell you about the hormone tablets and why you must take them .. cancer feeds off of eastrogeon so when they test our cancer they can tell what type it is regarding what excites it . That's my knowledge on it from a cancer doctor my friend had many years ago .

As for me I'm weirdly cool not freeking out taking it step by step frustrated scans ECT taking so long but I do understand x thankyou so much for your message it has helped me learn more xxx I'm getting used to this technology lark as I hate this *** normally lol so I hope I don't lose your message some how lol xx love Kelly ( ppolly) 

Polly you are very welcome!

Just want to add that you sound as if you are managing very well. It IS a tough call though so be extra kind to yourself and lean on others when you need the support. 

If I think of one thing that used to distress me most (and still can at times, usually late at night!) is a feeling of isolation. Somehow cancer can make one feel totally alone....I find that quite disturbing but generally I am strong and ready to face whatever. We are SO lucky we live in a civilised country where skilled people are able to help us and restore us to health and/or extend our lives. 

Stay safe. 

Kebbs x 

Hi Kebbs

ive just read your post and it's really reassuring to see your comments.  I too was diagnosed with Invasice ductal carcinoma grade 2 on 25 March. My lump is 8mm and was told that my cancer being estrogen and progesterone positive I have to take Letrozole and will be reviewed in 12 weeks time due to Covid.  When it will be surgery and radiotherapy etc.  The ultra sound showed no lymph tumours. Do you know what your receptors were?  As I'm terrified of having chemo it's all the awful reading on google I keep reading.  
 

Hello Whitebread,

Sorry you have ended up in a similar boat to me. Hoping your journey will be similar to mine. Positive!!

My tumour was bigger than yours. I can’t recall the exact size  to be honest, under an inch but not by much. My  HR and PR were both 8/8 HER 2 Negative. Not sure if that’s what you are asking though?? 

Yes Google is both a blessing and a curse  I try very hard to give it a wide berth  A lot of stuff isn’t backed up by research and is heresay. It can be scary and depressing. (And addictive!) 

I am sure this will feel like a long wait until late June. The positives are it’s not in your lymph nodes and your tumour is small. All good!! 

Yes I was very lucky to avoid chemo. Are you having an onco test? Might be a good idea to ask about the possibility of this when you are reviewed OR while you are waiting, it won’t hurt to ask about possibilities  

Go easy.  Sending you much luck and positivity through the ether!

Kebbs 

Hello Kebbs

i hope my journey will be similar to yours! But I'm being positive which helps I guess as scary as it is the word C but it's great to see so many people are doing so well with their diagnosis.. yes I was asking about your receptors mine are both 8/8 and HER2 I don't know as they've not said anything as yet about it.

so true as to what you say about google I spend so much time searching!  Not sure about oncology I test but my K67 score is low which I've read tells them how aggressive the tumour is ... so that is saying it's not aggressive hopefully!  

I guess it's the wait until June which is like u say painful but nothing I can do about that.

thank u for your comments it's good to talk to people who have been on this journey and share their experiences.

thank you for the good wishes too

Hi kebbs ,

Hope you are well. My mother has been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, , I was wondering if I can get some advise from you ? I just added you as a friend 

thank you.