Breast Cancer Suport

My mum (age 60) was diagnosed yesterday with early stage, high grade (G3) breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She’s having the lump removed on Christmas Eve along with the surrounding area and then radio therapy after with oestrogen blockers. They scanned her lymph nodes and they looked clear but they’ll remove some of them too anyway. Once they’ve tested the bits they’ve removed they’ll see if she needs chemo or other hormone therapy.
She’s putting on a brave face and just trying to get on.
I’m Trying to do the same too but really struggling and could do with hearing some positive experiences of breast cancer.

thank you

  • Hi what a bad time of year to be going though this

    i was diagnosed 3 years ago mostly dcis with a 4mm invasive ductal cancer . because of the large amount of dcis I had a mastectomy 

    they said my lymph nodes look ok so I had reconstruction at the same time

    i didn't have any symptoms no lump no pain no discharge no itching 

    I didn't need any other treatment I was 64 at the time the mammogram saved my life 

    it's been a bumpy ride many ups and downs and it's the waiting for results that really takes it's toll 

    I never felt ill I've never been ill not even a cold 

    go to the gp and get something to calm your mum down I had some beta blockers 

    all you can do is be there for your Mum try to keep her busy that helps 

    hope it all goes well x

     

  • Thank you Joanieb,

    Im not sure if my mum's cancer is DCIS.

    its so overwhelming when you get the results. I tried to make as many notes as possible for her.

    I did wonder if she should have a mastectomy just to be sure but the DR recommend lumpectomy.

    Did you require any further treatment?

    The waiting has sent my anxiety off the charts can't bear to think how my mum feels.

    She does take SSRI's so I would hope they are helping her to cope.

    xxx

  • Hi 

    I sometimes think it's harder on the nearest and dearest 

    its that sick feeling knowing you can't do anything to alter the situation .i didn't have any other treatment it was caught very early I was preparing myself for chemo and or radiotherapy 

    and waiting to find out was awful.try to keep off dr google it's not helpful it sent me into wild panic 

    my mastectomy was because of the dcis

    they said it was unstable 

    these days a lumpectomy is just as good as a mastectomy as long as the margins are clear they won't take healthy tissue away .you have to put your mum in their hands mostly this surgery is very good 

    x

     

  • Wow, this is exactly the same as what I'm going through, I had to check that it wasn't my daughter posting.

    i too undergo surgery on 24th December with exactly the same diagnosis/predicted treatment and follow ups. Like your mum, I'm trying to stay positive. Deep down I'm terrified but the only way to beat this is to keep telling yourself "I can do this". 
     

    I would love to hear how your mum gets on, you are not alone with these feelings, we're all in it together. 
    meanwhile good luck to your mom, I'll be thinking of her on 24th when I'm going down to theatre for my surgery.

    Mary

  • Thank you Joanieb,

    You've really helped to put my mind at ease and have given me some really good food for thought!

    Definitely right about the Dr Google!

    We've got lots of activities planned with my mum over the holidays to keep her distracted.

    xxx

  • Hi Mary,

    Wow that's crazy that you're booked in for your operation on the same date!

    I find it super helpful joining the online community chats. For me it's some of the best support hearing from others experiencing the same.

    I relay the stories to my mum and it helps her too.

    I'm her only child and we're super close. She also looks after my 2 year old daughter three days a week which is a great distraction for her.

    Please keep me updated with your progress and good luck for 24th! 
    xxx

  • @mary-bcmfc

    Hope you're ok? Have you had your surgery today?

    My mum has had hers. Got 2-3 weeks to wait now for the results.

    Xxxx

  • Yes, I had my surgery and just like you, have to wait 3 weeks for results.

    enjoy Christmas now and don't think about it till January like I will xx

  • So glad to hear your operation went well!

    Hope you have a lovely Christmas too! Xxxx

  • I was diagnosed in August with stage 1 grade 3 breast cancer.  Had a lumpectomy on 21 August where lymph nodes were checked and were clear.  Have just finished 20 sessions of radiotherapy.  All has gone really well.  I am 75 years old and have stayed positive throughout.  No painkillers have been needed throughout so don't worry about that.  Just stay positive.  Have now started taking Letrozole (hormone tablet) which apparently I will be on for 5 years.  Hope your operation went well.  You are on the road to complete recovery.  Happy New Year and all the best.