Just diagnosed at 34 with Breast Cancer

Hi there,

I was told on Friday that I had Breast Cancer, completely shocked and feel heartbroken, I have a 22 month old daughter and can’t explain the depth of pain I feel.

I didn’t go with anyone to get biopsy results, as previously, I was given feedback that the lump found looked like and felt like fibrodemena it was only the biopsy which confirmed it was cancer. 

Waiting for more test results and for an MRI. To confirm all results. Initially I have been told it’s hormone receptive and grade 2 invasive inductal cancer, really hoping that someone can reassure me that I can get through this and share any feedback if you have been in a similar situation. I keep having breakdowns and feel I need to get a grip. 

 

 

  • I started it two weeks today, if I’m honest I thought I’d be more emotional but haven’t had that side affect yet, my daughter, who is 12, says I seem to talk a lot more rubbish, not sure if that’s the pills though

  • My breast nurse has said to get in touch if the side affects become unbearable.

    Glad you’re able to rest up, makes all the difference. 

    Hope your recovery goes well, I’m going to give the podcast a go so thanks for the recommendation.

    I booked a holiday this morning, finish radiotherapy on the 9th August, flying out to Malaga in the 10th, just for a week but really looking forward to it.

    Have a good day everyone x

  • Morning,

     

    so so glad everything went well with the op, you got rid of the little b*****d, I hope you recover well, just to let you know that you may get nerve pain in your arm, when I had my lumpectomy the nerve pain was awful, make sure you take plenty of painkillers. Everyday you will feel better and also take it easy, I know we think we can do anything but look after yourself. My radiotherapy starts on Wednesday, can’t wait to get it started and get it over with, sending lots of love 

  • Hi ladies,

    Hope you are all well. I am really struggling mentally this week, a week off work, waiting for results and not many distractions - my head is spinning. 

    Also, to add to my worries (although hoping it’s nothing) a pain has popped up again in my hip. It’s a burning sensation in left hip. I have had it on and off for a few months, probably from carrying from heavy toddler and bags etc. Haven’t really thought to much about it, but because I am at home and feeling it, it’s sent me into a spin and worrying that the cancer has spread... and it’s all I can think about it. Went to docs today and they are sending me for x Ray, which is great for a check, but my mind is going into over drive about the ‘what ifs’

    I just want to get my head down and face the treatment, the waiting is driving me insane. 

    Anyone got any reassurance. Also, did any of you feel a bit down after the op? I am soo teary.

    thanks for your support. 

  • Hi Millie,

     

    im sorry you are feeling down, it’s all natural with what you’ve been through, maybe the tearfulness is as a result of the hormone therapy tabs. I have read previous replies and can’t see whether you have started radiotherapy yet? I had my first session yesterday and can assure you it is nothing to worry about, I felt anxious at the beginning but was soon put at ease, it’s amzing how quick it is when you know what good it’s doing. Please don’t beat urself up. Also with regards to the hip, I don’t know how old you are but having toddlers and wear and tear on your hip can cause problems, I had a hip replacement which was amazing. Stay strong babe, you can do this.xx

  • Hey Georgie, 

    thanks for your message and kind words. I have op to remove lump last Thursday, waiting for results of that to decide next steps for treatment. Good to hear the radiotherapy is doable. I have just turned 35. 

    The waiting for results is hard, I am pretty sure my hip is related to carrying heavy bags/toddler etc but my mind can go into overdrive when I have to much time to think. 

    Not on hormone therapy yet. Are you? How’s it going? X

  • Hello Millie,

    Sorry to heat you are feeling a bit down, I was up and down the second week after my op, all positive then gloomy, you’ve been through a lot with surgery on top of the diagnosis, I think we expect too much of ourselves.

    I had rib pain which I’d had for a while before diagnosis, was convinced it was cancer that had spread, I went for an x-ray and my breast nurse phoned me the same day to say it wasn’t connected, I remember back to when my daughter was little, I had constant pain in my hip and back from carrying her, but I know exactly what you’re going through with being worried about it, I’m sure the x-ray will put your mind at ease. 

    I start my radiotherapy tomorrow, exactly 7 weeks post op, just want to get started because I have booked a holiday to fly out the day after I finished so that’s what I’m focusing on.

    ive been on tamoxifen for 3 weeks now, I was dreading it as I’ve never been able to take the pill and when I was taking clomid I had a horrible reaction to it. I can tell you except for feeling a bit tired I have never felt better, I’m hoping it continues this way but other than a bit of hip pain which is probably more my age, I haven’t noticed any problems.

    let us know how your x-ray goes, hope you start to feel a bit better soon x

  • hi Millie,

     

    i know waiting for the results is painful, I went away for a few days a week before I got my results, my appointment was actually on my birthday, mine hadn’t spread to the lymph nodes and I would only need radiotherapy, my biggest fear was having chemo as i was mega worried about loosing my hair, I’m not vain but hair is important to us women, I had got my head around it if I needed chemo and was prepared to sort out a wig. You must stay strong and positive, it really does help babe. I’m on Letrazole, I was worried initially about taking it as I had read on here that people got all sorts of side effects but thankfully I seem to be fine, I’ve been on them for a month now, I feel a little tired at times but I can cope with that. Just had my second session of radiotherapy, I can’t tell you how easy it is, amazing xx

  • Hi guys! I can’t remember what the original question was now .... and THAT seems to be my thing.  I’m forgetting all sorts of everyday mundane things and it’s VERY annoying (and slightly upsetting as I’ve always considered myself as “sharp as a tack”).

    Millie, I think you mentioned feeling weepy - yes, completely normal.  Quite aside from what you’ve been going through generally, anesthetic can have that effect on you.  It will pass as you get further down the line (I have always cried at the drop of a hat and it can be very embarrassing and annoying).

    I’ve been on tamoxifen for about 11 days and apart from 1 or 2 mega hot flushes every night (nothing during the day so far, strangely) and the forgetfulness, and the tiredness (from waking up in a hot sweat!) so far so good and I have been DREADING taking this tablet.  

    Funnily enough I have an achy hip also from an old Pilates injury. It’s no worse and certainly no better currently so let’s see how that pans out. 

    Keep trudging on, girls. We’ll all get there, in our own way and in our own time.  Lots of love  xx

     

  • Hi so sorry to hear your news; i dont usually post on forums but after stumbling on this thread and seeing your post I felt that i had to share some light with you!

    My wife was diagnosed with the same 3.5yrs ago at 39 yrs old two weeks before our wedding.  We have three kids and i was diagnosed with Chrons disease a few months earlier at age 37.  Life really has a way to kick you doesnt it!!!

    What you’re feeling is completely normal so dont beat yourself up.  My wife had lumpectomy and radiology (hope thats the right term) and takes Tamoxifen.  

    Shes all clear and healthy today with small scars and embracing life in a different way and enjoying every minute of it! She was out drinking with her mates at the weekend and partying, works everyday and looks after the kids plus runs, does hot yoga, and many more things!!

    So yes you can get through it; yes the treatment can and does work so have faith, work with your team and address your needs.  You can survive and many do; its just not that publicised unfortunately.

    kylie minogue and many famous women have been through the same and are going strong.  Its not an easy journey but sure will make you stronger.  I found these stories very helpful eg Jennifer Saunders, Anastacia, Christina Applegate, Cynthia Nixon....and many many more...

    it changes life but 3.5yrs on we have so many positives to be thankful for that we wouldnt have without the diagnosis.  I wish it never happened dont get me wrong, but my point being that once you are through the treatment there are tons of positives for you to enjoy.

    Really really really hope this helps you?