Hi Linda,

im 39, was diagnosed in October, i has Invasive Ductal Carcicoma Stage 1 grade 3 20mm her2- oestrogen positive lymph node Negative breast cancer.

i have had surgery ( lumpectomy) chemo , radiotherapy' And I'm now in hormone therapy for five years.

This time is really hard for you, it's so scary, I have two young sons and couldn't look at them without crying. 

i went to The dark many times and spent night sat on the Sofa with my Dogs thinking up some hurrendous stuff! It's natural to feel like you feel, what your going through is huge 

 You will feel so much better when you have had it removed, then the Chemo will be a Safty net for you.

Chemo is ok, I had FEC-T I'm happy to help you through it near the time.

Treatment is so advanced now, you will be ok! You need to lean on your loved ones, it's hard to carry the weight on your shoulders. 
 

It's ok to cry and let it all out, being positive all the time can be exhausting,

Here if you need me! You have got this. It's a bump in the road, xxxx love sarah

Sarah,

Youll never realised how much your post means to me and what I needed to hear this morning!

Mine is 35mm and in my lymph nodes. I am progesterone + and awaiting the other results. I had the biopsies a week last Wednesday and then the results the following Wednesday so it had only been a week. Results pending. 
 

I have never had surgery so I'm apprehensive about it and unsure what to expect. You sounds so strong, I really  admire your strength. I'm hoping when I pull myself together, I can also be as strong. For now all the meltdowns and tears are in private or around my husband! Who really is incredible. Sending you big hugs right back. You are amazing xx

Hi Linda,

Im so pleased I helped. Once you have everything on the table you will feel much better! Waiting for results are the worst, but you will feel more at ease when you know what you dealing with.

I never had any Surgery either, so was also apprehensive, it was ok. Don't worry either if plans change as time goes by that is perfectly normal.

also if they suggest a MRI or CT it is normal before Surgery or Chemo .

Did you get assigned a Breast Care Nurse? lean in her that's her job, if your worried about anything you must ring her.

i was not strong at the time, I was the same as you! I was frightened and didn't know what to expect, I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, over time once I had  knew everything I felt better, I was thinking up some awful things.

Your team will make sure your okay, you can do this. Here if you need me. I've been through it don't hesitate to message me. I will send you a friend request on here so you can always find me 

love lots x

Thank you so much. It all feels so surreal.

I have made the mistake in reading some stories about the lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes and how hard recovery can be. How long did you stay in hospital for? Any advice on essentials for hospital and after surgery care etc?

I have been fairly healthy all my life so far, never really needed any hospital care or surgery. Very rarely go to the doctors. Although I've been advised to get a medical exemption form from them for free prescriptions. So that's on my to do list. 
 

Is a Macmillan nurse the same as a breast care nurse? Xx

Thank you for all of this!! It's really reassuring. 

Im having ALND which will remove all lymph nodes he said from the top of my collar bone, breast areas and arm. As they confirmed via biopsy that the cancer had spread. I'm also expecting a drain to be fitted. 
 

When I mentioned work to the surgeon, as I'm suppose to start my new teaching job this September. He said to me that work should not even enter my head. The priority was to get me better and that would take time. I've told work so they are now in the process of recruiting someone on a temporary basis for god knows how long! 
 

Not sure what a pic line is, so may well Google that!! Xx

Hi Linda,

it sounds like your Surgeon is on it, he is doing the right thing removing them all. Yes don't worry about your job? I hate to say it but I don't think you will be able to work while having treatment, you have to focus on getting this chapter of your life sorted., I hope your work will understand

You are doing amazing. Xx

No I've resigned myself to myself to the fact that I won't be in my new school with my new class for a while. It's all been a bit odd. My current contact with my school doesn't finish till August 31st and I don't yet have a contract for my new school but am due to start 5th September. Have set up my classroom and moved my stuff in (typical the one year I'm organised!). So it has all been in limbo regarding contracts and pay? My current head has looked into it and said because I'm still under the same local authority and the circumstances are exceptional they have a duty of continuity of pay and my new head should honour my contract even if it's only currently verbal. One of the moderators on here said to chat with Macmillan on Weds when they call as I'm protected under 2 legislations regarding employment. So I will hopefully clarify things this week. One less thing to worry about. 
 

Expecting a letter regarding preop today. Dragging my 15yo out of the house for lunch as she's not been out since Thursday and been very clingy. Going to try and squeeze in a few days out with her before surgery and the chaos commences. 
 

Hope you have a good day planned! Xx

Hi Linda,

Just thinking, when I was diagnosed I made friends on here with 4 ladies my age who were diagnosed at the same time as me, they have been my life line. We talk on Whattsapp and message all the time. 
 

I would suggest you do the same. This will be a huge help. If you can't find anyone Breasy Cancer now have something called someone like me, they pair you with someone of a similar age,, I think this would be a really helpful for you xxx

That sounds like a really positive step. I will definitely look into that. Everyone on here has been so positive and helpful xx