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Today was the day - single Mum newly diagnosed with breast cancer

vicky1
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Hey everyone,

I've read lots of these posts and been overwhelmed by the support everyone receives so I guess that's why I'm posting!

Today I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer. I'm not sure if it's sunk in yet even with the amount of times I've said it. 

I am 44 and a single mum of two children 10 & 13, so was in the mind set I was too young for cancer even after finding the lump and being told it was suspicious. I went today with a glimmer of hope it was not going to be cancer.

My mum died of breast cancer in 2015 so I have seen the impact it has on lives. I am worried I am going to struggle to juggle work, children, hospital appointments etc as I so want to be strong for my children. The added pressure of being a single mum is huge as it is without throwing an illness in the mix.

My doctor has a plan and is positive it is treatable. Chemo, CT Scan to stage it, then surgery once the chemo has done it's thing. 

I have told my children as I believe they need to know and they need to process things and understand what's going on. They took it was better than I thought which was encouraging but I'm fully aware they may not have processed it yet.

I guess I just wanted to write all this down somewhere to hear from people in similar situations.

Thanks for reading,

Vicky.

Parents
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    Hi Vicky1 I’m in a very similar situation to you. I’m 43 with children 10 and 12. Was diagnosed three weeks ago with her2 positive er positive breast cancer. It’s 14mm and today I found out that all the scans and extra biopsies I’ve had confirm there’s no additional areas of concern. I’m booked in for lumpectomy next week if MDT on Monday all agree. This will be followed by chemotherapy once recovered. It’s so hard waiting but I’ve been reassured hearing other people’s stories. Let us know how you get on. I haven’t told my children yet but will need to soon. Xx

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    Hi Vicky1 I’m in a very similar situation to you. I’m 43 with children 10 and 12. Was diagnosed three weeks ago with her2 positive er positive breast cancer. It’s 14mm and today I found out that all the scans and extra biopsies I’ve had confirm there’s no additional areas of concern. I’m booked in for lumpectomy next week if MDT on Monday all agree. This will be followed by chemotherapy once recovered. It’s so hard waiting but I’ve been reassured hearing other people’s stories. Let us know how you get on. I haven’t told my children yet but will need to soon. Xx

Children
  • Offline in reply to Smudge24

    Hi Smudge,

    Thank you for your reply, yes it does sound like we are in a similar situation. 

    I have an oncology appointment next week which will set out my treatment plan. I am also waiting for a scan to ensure the lump is isolated, fingers crossed for that!

    I was really wanting surgery first but the consultant is keen for chemo first, it's quite big at 44mm x 23mm so I guess it needs shrinking first. 

    I hope all goes well with your lumpectomy, let us know how it all goes xx

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