Just found out I have breast cancer

Hi all,

well today has been a shock to the system to say the least. Been having breast ache for a number of weeks so went to doctors who said she couldn’t feel anything and not to worry yet due to being breast they have to refer. So today I went with my mum ( im 38 yet still need mum) thinking worse case scenario it’s a cyst to be then scanned and had a mammogram then a biopsy in 5 areas and then went into Dr rooms and straight away knew wasn’t good as saw the McMillan nurse. I was told that I have a number of abnormal growths and 90% sure it’s cancer.. both mum and I broke down in tears but they couldn’t give me any more info until next Friday when the biopsy results come in. I am so scared and don’t know what to expect. I’m a single mum to a 5 year old and heads a shed! Any help or advice would be appreciated :-) 

  •  

    HI Ktlondon,

    Did they give you any indication of what has caused the chest wall inflammation and, have they given you any treatment for this?

    This is certainly a much better result than what could have been and, I'm delighted for you. I sincerely hope that the inflammation subsides soon.

    Please let us know how you fare over the next few weeks.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hiya

    it is a condition and it's called something can't remember the exact name. I have to take tablets for two weeks for it to go. But feeling better already x 

  •  

    HI Ktlondon,

    That's good. I'm delighted to hear that you feel an improvement already.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xxx

  • Hi CHart

    I'm very interested to see you had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy? I have been led to believe (not by doctors though) that if you have a mastectomy with immediate recon' then you can't have RT afterwards? 

    Also can I ask how long you waited between surgery and RT?

    Thank you

    Bluebella x

  • Hi Bluebella,
     

    due to the large amount of DCIS in my breast and being so close to the wall boundaries, after my op with the diep reconstruction, oncologist then spoke with me and as they can never 100% remove the breast tissue then the RT was offered as an option of which she did recommend but was my choice. My op was end of April and then start RT mid July - daily for 3 weeks. 

    Hope this info is of help and feel free to ask me anything else. Your consultant and breast nurse should be able to advise your more info based on your diagnosis.

    keep strong and keep smiling 

     

    Claire x
     

  • Hi

     

    Thank you for that, it's really useful to know. Was your recovery after the surgery quite smooth and are you pleased with the result?

     

    Bluebella x

  • Hi Bluebella,

     

    Recovery was a little tough as got an infection on breast wound and parts weren't healing easily but got there eventually. Tbh it was the stomach stitching that caused the pain, exactly like a c section ( if you have had one) just larger,hip to hip,so limited to what you can do for weeks which isn't ideal when a single parent to a 5yr old. Looking at the results now, I'm defo pleased - the tummy boob is back up north and slightly smaller as I was a ff cup and tummy a little more trim. 
     

    When were you diagnosed? Have you been given the diep reconstruction option too? 
     

    claire x

  • Hi

    Smaller boobs (I'm a 34G) and trimmer waist sounds good! But, so far my surgeon has only talked about a lumpectomy + RT. But, my situation is complicated by the fact I have to take HRT. My symptoms are just too severe without it, unfortunately. So, I was thinking if I could have a bi lateral + reconstruction, it would remove any reoccurance risk and I could still take HRT?

     

    I see my surgeon tomorrow for the pre-op chat, and I'll see what he thinks - but, I'm afraid he's going to think it a massive over treatment. I've had 2 c-sections and I was fine afterwards, luckily. God knows how you coped with a 5 year old rampaging around though! My two are well into their teens, 16 and 17 so only need me for money and taxi service...

     

    I was only diagnosed on Jan. 30th, and surgery scheduled for Feb. 18th. I was gutted at first, really panicking. But I've done a lot of reading since and realised that, although really horrible, it's so treatable nowadays.

     

    B x

  • Hey B,

    I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, it's such a shock isn't it. But yes there are some many treatments available now that it doesn't always mean the worse case. Also fab that they have got u in for op so quickly! How's your children? are they ok and dealing with it well? Weird as think I was more concerned about how others take the news and trying to keep them reassured. My daughter was funny as she went into school telling everyone "mummy has naughty cancer cells, but it's ok as doctors are taking her boobie off and making a new one from her tummy" , still makes me chuckle now matter of fact and simplified she made it sound.

     

    TBH that's exactly what I wanted just to totally remove them both and risk factor to bare minimum but unfortunately my consultant advised that they won't offer this unless totally necessary and if they can remove just the area then they will as it's their job to keep as much as possible. Sorry, hope I haven't upset you and maybe in your case they may consider this. Funny isn't it, when it comes to the big c and boobs, we wud prefer to get the removed to reduce the risk yet the nhs do best to save them. Even with my treatment though, I am not allowed to take any hormonal drugs as in the contraceptive way but now got me thinking, when it comes to it, will I not be allowed HRT either? 
     

    hope everything goes well tomorrow and please let me know how you get on.

     

    Stay strong xx