I know this wasn't the news you were hoping for but our community are here for you and will do all they can to support you on this journey.
Hopefully other members with this diagnosis will reach out to you soon but do feel free to join in on other discussions about this by using the 'search forum' option in the blue bar above.
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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
Your name says it all! Having a positive attitude in dealing with this makes all the difference.
I know that this is not the diagnosis you want, but you can and WILL cope with this and, come out a stronger person. Have you discussed where you go from here treatment wise?
I was in a complete state emotionally when I was first diagnosed, as I had lost my Mum to secondary breast cancer 10 years previously. It is coming up to 11 years since I got the news. I had a second bout in the same breast a year after my first, but I am still here and living a productive life.
I wish you all the very best with your ongoing treatment. Remember that we are always here for you. Do please keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on.
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)
Thankyou my lovely your message has almost boosted me as I sit in my house alone. I'm very pragmatic and positive it's a common cancer and survivable part of my brain says ... Oh yes but I bet I have it in my bowel aswell or I bet it's me that it kills ..but I snap myself away from that nasty *** voice and I come on here and read messages and learn the truth about what to acspect the reduction info is hugely ( parden the joke ) helpfully as I'm a 42gg overweight but always have had massive bazookas so thankyou for that info as I now have something to ask I will probably need you as I have no one really I do have three amazing friends but they have their own stuff going on ..no family as I was a care kid but I have 2 lovely grown boys but in this situation have had to isolate away from me so it's ***** humour us a good coping mechanism for me . I'm so glad your doing well jeez you have been through it haven't you x tough women I respect that xxx sorry if I have waffled or spelling mistakes I've already forgotten what your message said so going to reread it ..my brain is just moosh at mo x
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.
I'm so glad to hear that you are very pragmatic and positive. We all have that nasty little imp on our shoulders implying all sorts of nasties. The best you can do is to shrug these off your shoulders and continue with more positive thoughts.
I was a 44C when I had my bilateral mastectomy. I wasn't a suitable candidate for reconstruction, but I manage well with a selection of prostheses. I actually find the reduction in weight quite a relief if I'm honest. If you have any questions to ask, write them down, so that you don't forget anything important.
The isolation of the current pandemic makes coping with this sort of diagnosis even more difficult than usual, but you will get through it. As I said before, we are always here for you.
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.
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!
