IHi fabia! I was diagnosed with grade 3 ductal breast cancer last thursday and am petrified! I cope sometimes but then a wave of panic comes over me! I have my pre op assessment tomoro and then the lumpectomy next fri! Am coping with wine and a small dose of antidepressants!  Ijust look at my three children and want to cry! They do know but not the full extent! but it has helped so much reading the different posts! Well will try and get some broken sleep! Talk again soon x

hi,it is very scary so don'nt feel ashamed to feel emotional,you want a good cry,let it out,it's only natural,i was 32 when diagnosed,big shock!!,went through it all,mastectomy,6 months of chemo,4 weeks of Radiotherapy then a year later my recontruction, was on Tamoxifen for 5 years,as Sue says it wont be easy but just take one stage at at a time,don't think to far ahead,try stay positive,gave yourself wee goals,meet up with friends for lunch coffee,go for walks,i found that helped me.Its ten years now and all good so far,its not been easy,it takes time and you never realy get over something like that but has made me stonger,more assertive,appreciate things more,do'nt take things for granted now and i enjoy life even more because i realise how LUCKY i am.good luck,take carexx

Hi - I'm Mel .had a routine mammo - cancer detected & removed pronto . In shock . Radiotherapy starting in 2 weeks . I can't stop crying . I don't want a o be a drama queeen but am so low now x

Lorna, your post has inspired me!  I have grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (diagnosed on 28th Sept) - I have (had) two tumours, I had surgery just today, a single mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  I had a couple of break downs today but can't believe how I feel now, I feel fine!  Maybe it will all kick in tomorrow, I'm not sure but I've coped with all this crap way better than I thought!  I think others around me have/and are coping with it a lot worse it's madness!!!

Keep strong lovely xxx

Mellymoo, you have to stay strong, this crap is horrible but you have to keep positive.  I know it's easier said than done, everyone deals with this differently, i've surprised myself how I've been as even though i can be very strong the thought of something like this would have made me fall to piecies but I WILL NOT allow it to!!!! 

Keep strong lovely lady, we need you xxxx

Thank you for that . Going a bit mad !! Radiotherapy starting in 2 weeks. Just bricking it - no mates to help - I've moved from London to Bournemouth so only have my lovely hubby for support . Sinking into deep misery and despair 

Melly Moo, you only need your lovely hubby and your friends on here :-) - My husbands parents live in Bournemouth, you're in a beautiful place in the Country,  love Bournemouth x

Hi there,

Your story is so similar to mine.  I was diagnosed in March 2014 with invasive ductal carcinoma - grade 3 - triple negative - lymph nodes clear.  Had lumpectomy in April 2014, then due to margins not being clear a second lumpectomy(cavity shave) in May 2014.  Once again margins were not clear.  Surgeon wanted to do a mastectomy and I was very much guided by him and agreed.  After a lot of discussions I decided for back flap reconstruction at time of mastectomy in June 2014.  What a lot to deal with in such a short period of time,, but I got through it.  Chemo started in July 2014 and finished in October 2014, radiotherapy not needed. When I look back now it does all seem like a blur but I'm glad I made the decisions I did. Staying strong and being positive (hard as it may be sometimes) will help you all the way.  I am happy to answer any questions you might have having once been were you are right now.  Good luck and stay strong.

Hi - had a shock after my first routine mammo - picked up a small tumour . Had surgery quickly - all a bit of a haze to be honest . Getting used to my new boob shape - underarm numbness is a pain -,doesn't hurt but is a bit bizarre . My husband has been a complete hero but maybe the hardest thing is dealing with friends & family's teactions . Forces you to be brave when you are howling inside ! Radiotherapy starts in 2 weeks- want it done but bricking it ! Hang in there babe xxxx