Hi Lpop,

Sorry you've just joined us in the breast cancer 'club' but welcome to the boards, you couldn't be in a better place given what you're going through.  I've only been on this journey around two months now and I've found this place invaluable.

Much as it's hard try not to worry about the gene side of it just now, your children are still very young and not only are there preventative steps that they can take if it is genetic but treatment for cancer improves all the time.  I always believed in my gut that my mum's cancer was genetic (she first had it early 40s) but with so few women in our family they always refused to screen her.  I have asked for early screening for best part of the last 10 years and finally this year was set that I wasn't leaving my GP's surgery without a referral, two weeks later I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer (no palpable lump due to both breasts having very lumpy glandular tissue).  Now I'm getting genetic screening and my older sister has been accepted for it and early breast screening too, but I am terrified for my identical twin as she refuses to go ask for early breast screening.

Can I ask how much you know so far?  I take it you've had the mammogram but they maybe couldn't size it that accurately from that (they couldn't with mine either).

I worked with autistic children and adults for a number of years so I have some understanding of how difficult it is going to be for you as there isn't going to be any way to avoid altering your son's routine.  Do you have much local support from charities or respite organisations such that his routine could be gradually changed in a positive way just now to fit better with whatever surgery or treatment you have to have?

Anyway, I will leave it at that just now, don't want to bombard you with questions etc. but please come back on when you feel up to it and let us know how you're doing, ask questions or whatever helps you.

Best wishes,

LJx