Breast cancer at 38 - terrified.

After a bout if viral illness I had found a painful lump in the upper chest which my gp referred me tp the breast clinic. 

After being told it wasn't likely to be anything, they did an ultrasound - said it look suspicious and one lymph node looked a bit bigger than it ought too. Biopsy and clip the lump but not the lymph node. 

Mammogram abnormal. 

Consultant said that said he still wasn't convinced but biopsy has confirmed grade 2 invasive lobular breast cancer. Said it was early and small  2.4cm

An MRI has now said it is larger (expected with lobular) and likely multifocal. 10cm. 2 lymph nodes enlarged needing biopsy which I'm waiting for. The waiting is tormenting me.  

I feel like my whole world has collapsed overnight and a busy job i love. I have 2 young children who I'm now terrified I will not see the grow up. I cannot stop crying and cannot sleep.

Since the biospy 2 weeks ago my right chest and shoulder have become quite painful and tense my BCN has said it could be reactive to the biopsy and clip. I'm terrified that it has spread as I'm convinced that my lymph nodes are now involved.

My lovely husband has been wonderful but his answer to my fear is to be positive and stop crying and I don't want to pile more onto my parents as they are both devastated.  I'm desperately trying to hide my tears from my beautiful children.

My gp has given me diazepam to help me sleep but struggling in the daytimes to cope. 

 

  • Hi there

    I have now had the surgery (news is as positive as it can be for now but still waiting on next steps x) 

    So right mastectomy and sentinal node biopsy + 3 further nodes. 

    I'm not going to sugar coat and say its Easy because I'm heartbroken and feel so alone, but it means it has gone, and it was no where near as bad as I had pictured it in my head )  recovery really was OK just needed to listen to my body, its definatley a roller coaster x do the excersizes and keep moving it does really help, don't be tempted to skip them. 

    I don't yet love what I see in the mirror and still having lots of meltdowns and tears but I'm learning (even if i stood in m&s bra dept bawling with my mum 2 days ago)  xxx

    Take care of yourself and keep in touch xx happy for you to vent if you need too xx

    The nurses and surgeon took such good care of the crying wobbly mess I was x 

    I've had eyebrows done just in case and invested in some big baggy hiding jumpers (luckily fashionable right now) and focusing on making some lovely moments together with the kids x 

     

    H x 

  • Also in terms of practical tips x

    I was in for the day, in at lunchtime out at 9pm x kids went on a sleepover didn't want them to see me in pain x 

    V pillow helped at night but really only pillows to prop you up x

    A small pillow for under your bad arm helps to keep arm away from your side or armpit x 

    Pjs - button up or zip up top save struggling x treated myself a really nice one before, needed help getting dresses brushing hair for a good few days x 

    It depends on the surgeon but I did not have a drain in which I this helped with feeling comfortable a little sooner but that really will depend on your situation x 

    Painkillers upstairs and down to save you having to worry about where they are x 

    Wishing you all the luck in the world x never thought I would be in this situation but here we are. I've decided I have my babies to fight for so that's what I'm doing x 

     

  • Glad to hear all has gone well. Sounds like you have done amazingly, well done you!! I always used to be a bottle it up kind of person but I have definitely learnt to let it out and it feels so much better after a brief breakdown. Thank you for the support, I think we underestimate how strong us women are sometimes xx