Hi everyone,

Today I received the dreaded diagnosis: Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (left breast and lymph nodes). My first oncology appointment is next Friday with chemo likely commencing the following week. I've been told I'll need 4-5 months of chemo, a mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy as my cancer is both progesterone and oestrogen positive; HER2 came back "borderline" so is apparently being tested further. I've been offered fertility preservation (I'm 36 and a Mum to a little boy who's just turned one). I've already had a CT and an MRI which were luckily ok.

I'm lucky enough to have an amazing support network around me however, somehow I still feel so alone and completely terrified... The worst emotional combination I suppose. I think I was so grateful cancer hasn't spread past the lymph nodes, I completely downplayed the fact it's grade 3, but now the initial shock has worn off a little, panic has well and truly set in. 

There's so much more I'd like to say to express my feelings, but somehow I can't find the words.

I guess I'm just looking for some positive stories or encouragement, maybe someone had a similar diagnosis to mine. I'd be very grateful.

Thank you very much,

N xx