The biopsy is the only way to confirm 100%. That's why they do them. Like I said, 2 lumps for me turned out to be fibrodenomas.

As someone has said above, the fact your lymph's are clear is a really positive sign so even if it does turn out to be what you fear, it's very early stage. 
 

Try and stay positive and busy. I know it's easy for me to say. When you go on weds, you will know everything whether it's good or bad. Be sure to keep us updated x

Thank you so much, I shall

update x

Hi, update as promised,

There was no mistake. I have Grade 3 ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

I am now awaiting a CT and MRI scan before chemo commences.

Hi lillipops 

sorry to hear this , but we are all here for you we are all in the same boat and club to help each other get through this , the first few days are a the worse , like telling others family ect , after that it do calm down you do accept it and you will start to feel more yourself , we are here for you big hugs Lara xxxx

Bless you [@LilLoops]‍ . I know this is the news you didn't want and your mind is probably running at a million miles per hour.

You will be surprised how quick it all comes together now and once you have a treatment plan, you will feel so much better trust me. I also needed a CT scan and MRI. That will happen pretty fast. 
 

I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago. I felt like my world had collapsed but now here I am -  One chemo completed and my second is on Tuesday. It is strange how it becomes your new "normal" and you just get on with it. I went out with my friends at the weekend and I was back at the gym this morning. You will be the same.  You are in very safe hands and there are so many treatments available nowadays. 
 

The next couple of weeks will be an endless cycle of appointments now. Stay away from Google and just listen to what your consultant tells you. Take support from those around you and continue to post on here with any questions.      Sending you a HUGE hug x You got this x

Hi Both of you,

I was ok yesterday... I guess it was too much to process. I have constant back ache parallel with my cancer boob and I am so scared that the MRI and CT scans will show that it has spread, then I'm worried it will be game over.

It has come from no where is aggressive.

I made some notes straight after the meeting;

Grade 3 ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

17mm on ultrasound, but on the mammogram its measuring 45mm. Will need an operation, maybe lump removal it if its 45mm and doesn’t shrink enough during chemo it will be a mastectomy.

Estrogen receptors are positive, so I’m borderline for being receptive to Herceptin so I need another test regarding that, which is another reason why they are leading with chemo.

Chemo - 6 cycles once every 3 weeks is the rule of thumb, so am looking at 18 weeks of chemo treatment.

If I do need Herceptin they will start that after the 3rd cycle, for 12 months so past the surgery and they will look at operating 4 weeks after my last cycle so they can let my body start recovering from the effects of chemo.

They do an MRI at the start, and an MRI in the middle to see how its reacted/ shrunk. Maybe a further MRI at the end if its hasn’t shrunk sufficiently.

“Massive obstacle” to get me through it, surgeon wants to do more now to prevent problems in the future. 

Radiotherapy won’t be needed if I have a mastectomy.

Stating the obvious, I don't want to die. I have three children I want to see grow up.

one day at a time ... its reassuring to hear from your posts that life can still be normal even in treatment. 
 

Hi [@LilLoops]‍ 

You were certainly on the ball taking lots of notes.... I couldn't even think straight!

I know it's ALOT to take in but your proposed treatment plan is the same as so many of us on here. And please focus on that - they are building you a treatment plan. They haven't said there is nothing they can do. 

I have also started with chemo. Aim is to shrink ahead of surgery in the new year. As yet, they plan a lumpectomy but could be a mastectomy. I'll be honest I don't care as long as it's gone.

I have 2 children (aged 16 a boy and aged 12 a girl). I have just turned 44. I got married the Friday before I started chemo 3 weeks ago! Like you, I had dreadful pain down my arms and in my shoulder blades. I was convinced I was riddled. All tests came back clear and the pain has since eased and now disappeared. 

You have got it spot on - one day at a time! Leave it to the experts to sort all the future stuff out. They will have treated thousands of women like you beforehand and they will treat thousands afterwards. Any fears you have are just that - a fear - they are not facts. Focus on what you know as fact right now.

I hope you have lots of support around you. I was pretty open about my diagnosis from the start. It was amazing how many people reached out to me - either they had had breast cancer or had a close friend or family member who had it and all been successfully treated. Take all the support you are given x

 

Wow that's so reassuring!!! Thank you that does give me renewed hope especially with the back pain.

How did you tell your kids? I have a 14 year old, a 12 year old and a 8 year old. I'm a pretty black and white person who likes facts - hence the notes (I held back on doing a powerpoint presentation haha) so I was thinking to just be honest, tell them I have cancer, I am ok, I have a treatment plan and it may look at bit *** at times but not to be scared its all part of getting me better... or words to that effect? 

And congratulations on your wedding :) 

That's EXACTLY how I told my kids. I was honest with them - I have cancer but it can be treated, we have a rough 12 months ahead but equally we will plan lots of good stuff when I am well! They had a cry at first but now they are totally fine. My youngest was a bit worried when I had my first chemo as I basically moved from the bed to the sofa and back again for about a week and just got showered to put on clean pjs. I just explained- this is the chemo doing it's work, not the cancer and she was happy with that.

I emailed their school too and told them and they have been super supportive so I definitely recommend that. 

I have actually felt really good these past two weeks (my chemo is EC and is given every 3 weeks - there is a good reason for it's nickname the "Red Devil"). As such, we have spent some real quality time together as a family. Usually you get bogged down with work, chores etc. We have made an effort to get out and about and do stuff together. Even just watching a film together at home.  I actually think it's doing their head in now as they would rather be out with their mates or making Tik Toks. 
 

You made me laugh with your proposed power point. I am a project manager so that's definitely something I would have considered if I could have thought straight!!

Honestly, it will all come together. I remember someone posting on here "whatever happens, you will deal with it. You find the strength". That is so true. You will still have the odd down day but that's ok. Be kind to yourself. Don't be surprised if you get your mri appointment and CT scan in the next week. It all happens super fast now x