Newly diagnosed with breast cancer

I am having a lumpectomy and need a radioactive tracer put in my breast which I'm worried about. Also I'm going to have a blue dye injected into me. I'm a fainter and know I'll pass-out during this procedure.  I'm very anxious. Does anyone have any advice or comfort to give please?

Parents Reply Children
  • My tumour is grade 2 and they said surgery and radiotherapy too. But I need to wait for my receptors back and a MRI. I only found this out yesterday. Xx

  • Hi all - I’m new to this thread. Thank you for all the information. I’m one week post-lumpectomy operation and feeling very sorry for myself. This is a tough journey and it’s reassuring to hear the same questions and concerns from so many of you. 

  • Hi AngeAMC,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am glad to hear that you have had your lumpectomy, but sorry to hear how you feel. It is still early days for you. You will still be recovering from surgery and and will naturally still be anxious until you get you post-operative results. You will find this forum a great source of information and support.

    Do you know what type or age of cancer you have? I hope that your results come through soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine x

  • Hi there I had my lumpectomy 3rd December. First week was hard and I felt fragile. But it didn’t take long to start to recover. I was able to drive by the 16th albeit I had to use a cushion or wear my coat to stop the seatbelt pressing on my wound area. I went back to work last week. I am still tired a lot but I think that’s also part of being out of work routine and probably the Christmas food diet. Be kind to yourself you have been through a lot. Also the weather hasn’t helped with its dreary days. Keep going 

  • Hi - I have grade 2 stage 1 I think! I had two lumps removed. The operation site is still very sore. I took off the plasters yesterday- that was an experience! Struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position and now I’m into the second level of exercises, it’s quite sore. Thanks for the moral support. It’s hard telling family as they just don’t know what to say and I feel awful adding to their burden. 

  • I’m glad you’re feeling able to go back to work. I feel I want to stay home - I just can’t face work and I’m so tired all of the time. For me it’s early days but I think not being able to drive has made me feel quite isolated - even with plenty of family and friends around to come and see me. Maybe it’s a control thing? Good luck with your recovery and please let me know how going back to work is. Do you have the kind of job where you can take it easy a bit?

  • That’s the point of this page. I have found it useful to chat with people on same timeline. I had a heart shaped cushion which helped take the weight of the duvet or making a gap between my arm and my boob. I will put it on my sofa to remind me of how far I have come. It is also a reminder of self care and not being hard on yourself-i have always said I don’t need people to be horrible to me as I’m an expert of doing to myself!! I said to my husband we needed to have a weekly check in with conversation of how we are doing rather than the “how are you” “I’m fine” when that’s not what we really mean. Feel free to keep messaging I’ll reply 

  • I work for local council in school transport. I have over 100 staff. I can work from home but choose not to as I feel my staff need to see me and they keep me going. I have worked there 7 years so they are my extended family. I have been with them for their health and bad times so I know I can expect the same-not that I’ve told them all why I’ve been off. They know I’ve had medical treatment and a few have had their own cancer journeys so we have bonded over that. Don’t rush work if you don’t need to. My job is a big part of my world but I have to say in last 4 weeks I’ve hardly given it a thought. Take each day as a day you succeeded in just being 

  • Thank you MummyMartin - that’s really kind. I’m going to get one of those cushions as I’ve read a few reviews saying how good they are. 
    My partner is great but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him so I hold back a bit when he asks how I’m feeling. I feel so guilty and I can’t shake it off. 
    On the plus side, it has snowed here overnight so we can hunker down, eat the last of the mince pies and watch films all day! 

  • I work in a school. They have been really supportive. I’ve told them I’m not going back until at least after February half term so that they’ve been able to sort out a proper supply staff. But I’m worried my doctor won’t sign me off for that long. I just can’t imagine working in that environment feeling physically and mentally vulnerable.