Just been diagnosed with breast cancer

Hi all

Feeling really low , just came home from the hospital and from my biopsy results it's confirmed it is breast cancer . The Dr said it is stage 1 grade 2 . I couldn't control my tears. 
Reading my hospital note it states infiltration ductcal carcinoma . Which makes sense I guess because my nipple has been burning and a pulling sensation with a small dent  to the breast . I only found the lump because my dog jumped up and scratch me !  The doctor said I won't need a MRI scan or CT scan because from the mammogram/ ultrasound/ biopsy it is 16mm and doesn't look like it has spread to the lymph nodes . Lump  and a few lymph nodes removal approx in 4 weeks time and radiotherapy/ hormone therapy. Nurse said it's feeding off my hormone estrogen. So much to take in .. I'm so scared , my mind is working overtime . I have two young children , how do I explain my surgery at Xmas ..

  • Hi there,

    I was diagnosed in October 2021 with invasive ductal carcinoma 19mm stage 1, grade 2. I had my surgery which was a day case followed by radiotherapy after 9 weeks. During surgery they took my sentinel node and that was tested. Luckily there was no evidence of cancer in my lymph nodes. 

    I wanted to reach out to you because I've been where you are and it's horrible and scary. My anxiety was through the roof, my whole world came tumbling down. BUT a year later, I am fine. The scar on my breast has faded to a line you can hardly see, I'm back at work, been on holiday and I'm trying to enjoy my life again. Don't get me wrong, I still have the odd moment but I am in a much better place now (with the help of anxiety meds). I have learned to not worry (too much) about things I can't control, while you're worrying about one thing, something else can happen! So, this will be you a year from now. You'll get through this and be here for your children, honestly you will. 

    You'll thank your dog for alerting you to the problem lurking in your breast! 

    I'm here if you need a chat, anytime. 

    Jane xx

  • I'm just behind you on this journey expecting my results amy day now . Take care od yourself 

  • Thank you Jane for your kind words. I am glad you are feeling much better , that's so lovely to hear. It's just a emotional roller coaster ! I'm trying too be positive as I know I will be sucked in with fear otherwise. May I ask was yours  feeding from the hormone estrogren ? Did you have to take hormone blockers after surgery?  If yes any side affects ? Sorry for the questions , my head Is all over the place .  I am currently taking HRT been on it for a year now ( peri menopause) even though the Dr and nurse said that wasn't the cause. To be honest it's a million dollar question. 

    Angel x 

     

  • Hi , even though it's been the hardest thing waiting for my biopsy results .. in a strange way ( even though I cried ) it was a relief to be told.  I can move forward .. I'm sending you positive energy.

    Take care .. 

  • Hi Angel,

    I'm post menopause (was 55 when diagnosed) and yes my cancer was oestrogen positive. I've been prescribed hormone treatment but have decided not to take it as the additional benefit on top of surgery and radiotherapy is only very small. It's not what I recommend for others, I have quite significant joint pain from arthritis and don't want to make it worse. I'd advise you to go with the advice you're given. There's a calculator on the NHS called predict which will calculate your benefit but you'll need your full histology for it to be accurate which you'll get after your surgery. I would think you'll have to stop the HRT now?

    I hope you feel a bit more reassured, there are lots of ladies on here who will be here to support you, we've all been where you are. Waiting for results etc was the worst part for me.

    Jane xx