Hi butterflywing

Firstly I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I went through something similar in 2023.  I found a lump and was referred to the breast unit and it was a whirlwind from there once the biopsy results came back positive.  I was convinced it was a cyst (as I'd had one before in the same location) so didn't take anyone with me for the results appointment.  Needless to say it was a bit of a shock.  Mine was about 3cm in the end but it was triple negative (non-hormonal) with no real understanding of how it happened as it doesn't run in the family. 

Once the results came back, follow-up appointments were very rapid and a treatment plan was soon in place.  I had 6 rounds of chemo, 7 rounds of immunotherapy followed by a lumpectomy (which by the time the chemo had finished, they couldn't find any cancerous cells so took tissue to make a clear margin).  A couple of months after the surgery I had 9 rounds of radiotherapy.  I'm happy to say I've been clear now for just over a year and life is very much back to "normal".  

I know it's scary but once the diagnosis is confirmed, you will be offered so much support from your breast cancer nurses, oncologist and treatment team you won't feel alone.  Sadly there are lots of ladies on here that will have been through something similar, and they will all support you too.  

Good luck with your biopsy results.  It sounds like it's been caught early as it is a small lump, so don't think the worst yet.  Just listen to your consultant and the professionals but don't be afraid to ask questions. 

Am here if you need to talk.

Carol 

Hi Carol ,

Thanks for replying .. My head is all over the place ! One minute I'm relatively positive  then something hits me and I start to believe I'm going to be given the worst news possible and I won't be here to see my grandchildren grow up . I worry I'm going to loose my hair ( stupid I know considering the bigger picture ) but every thing seems so massive at the minute.  I'm up and down like a yoyo with a big black cloud of fear hanging over me . 

Thinking of you today V as you start your journey. 

Sending you lots of love and will message later xx ️

• Xxxxxx

Hi V 

Just wanted to let you know I will be thinking of you tomorrow as I have been today.

Sending you lots of love and calming.prayers xxx

Hello B

Everything went well with the dye and scan so onto the next hurdle now....Bless you for you love and prayers and sending some right back at you! xxx

Hi Butterflywing,

I am so sorry to hear about your mum's fall, but I am glad to hear that she didn't break any bones. No amount of worry will  change your post-surgery results, so why bother? You're right the best way to cope is not to look too far forward, but take things day by day or even hour by hour if need be.

I hope that you managed to get some sleep eventually last night.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI Vivaldi,

I hope that all went well for you today and that you manage to get some sleep in hospital tonight.

I am 16 years post-diagnosis. I had pure mucinous stage 1 breast cancer, Within a year of my first surgery - a lumpectomy, I was diagnosed with pre-cancer in the other breast, then another primary cancer in the original breast. I had a double mastectomy second time around and still manage to keep busy and live a fulfilling life. Please send me a friend request and I'll be happy to elaborate why I'm a different person post-diagnosis than I was before - I think most people who are diagnosed with cancer do change and many live with the fear of recurrence. 

Hubby has a lot of co-morbidities and we seem to jump from one emergency to another. We live independently, so it can be a strain at times. 

Some people do find it difficult to cope with one side flat, but this seems to worry younger people more. You will get a prosthesis for your flat side and these can look good when dressed. I am now totally flat, but use 2 prostheses when I go swimming, which I do regularly.

I do hope that you are not too uncomfortable tonight.

We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine my op is tomorrow or should I say today? Will message you later as I have to be up early to shower etc before getting to the hospital by 7.00am!

Am hoping to get a hour or twos sleep, but no luck so far! Xx

Hi Jolamine 

How are you doing  today ? 

I hope your husband is a bit more comfortable today .

I'm still not sleeping great , seem to wake up about 1am and fall back to sleep between 3 & 4. Am sure it will settle down eventually.

Hope you have a peaceful day and stay safe in the storm if you get it xx

Thinking of you today V 

Sending an abundance of love xxx

Hi B! 

Am over the worst now and a bit sore but they are very good at managing pain!

Hope to get some sleep tonight but have a deaf lady opposite and her visitor shouts! Still, it's all part of the experience...and it is what it is! Am just so grateful to have got through my mastectomy!

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes 

Love

Vivienne xx

Hi B! 

Am over the worst now and a bit sore but they are very good at managing pain!

Hope to get some sleep tonight but have a deaf lady opposite and her visitor shouts! Still, it's all part of the experience...and it is what it is! Am just so grateful to have got through my mastectomy!

Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes 

Love

Vivienne xx

Hi V !

So good to hear from you ! Have been thinking about you all day .

Am glad your operation went well and your pain is being managed well . 

Try and get some rest while you can  .

Onwards and upwards now V ! ️

Sending you much love and good wishes for a speedy recovery. 

Please stay in touch  , your a very much valued friend ! xxx

Hi B

I didn't sleep at all last night and rather than listening to my beating heart I got up and did some housework to distract myself. Was exhausted this morning but went down first to theatre about 10.30 and have been in catch up sleep ever since! I feel so blessed with all the love and kindnesses expressed. And yes we have a valued friendship, so will definitely keep in touch!

Love and blessings to you too for your recovery and a good treatment outcome!

V xxx

Am glad you went.down early for your op and didn't have to wait around .

You were right about being one of the morning ops with having the tracer in yesterday .

We both now have a new path to travel and we will continue to do that together ️ 

Are you going home tomorrow  ? xx

Yes, will be released tomorrow for home, though not sure when, but expect they will want the bed for the next days elective. Think it was you who suggested I would gone down early,p so the credit goes to you!

Sleep well with love and many blessings 

V xxx

Sleep well V

Speak tomorrow xxx