Newly diagnosed bc

Just before lockdown I found a hard area in my right breast. Took till start of June to see breast clinic where it was thought it was just breast tissue. Anyway scan showed a lump so had biopsies of breast and lymph nodes. Mammogram then showed calcium buildup in left breast. 
what a whirlwind that first wk is. From nothing to almost certain breast cancer and mri,ct to confirmation. I'm back on fri for vacuum biopsy on left side before deciding wether double mastectomy. Still to have results of ct but I'd much rather I was allowed removal of both breasts. I think I'd have better frame of mind for recovery. 
it's all abit scary at 40 and covid fills me with fear of how chemo and radiotherapy will go after surgery 

  • Hi 

    my name is Sue and I'm 53 years old. I was in your position exactly 3 years ago and yes it is a very scary place to be . All of a sudden your life changes with a whirlwind of information and appointments and you barely have time to breathe and digest this information. Everyone's experience is different but it all comes down to one thing - we have been diagnosed with cancer and it truly is extremely frightening and you can have all the support in the world but still feel very alone . 
    I had bowel cancer at 32 and had to really fight for a diagnosis/ I went to my gp so many times for18 months and was told I had post natal depression. I knew I had cancer and to be honest although very scary it was a relief when I was finally diagnosed. Somebody was finally listening to me . This was 21 years ago this coming August. Diagnosis is scary but at least it's found the cancer and you are now in the toad to recovery . 
    I have had lots of problems with my tummy - adhesions , blocked bowel etc and since 2011 had to have 6 major surgeries. I had an operation in December 2016 which resulted in a damaged bowel . I had sepsis 4 times in the spring and then was diagnosed with breast cancer completely out of the blue . I remember feeling very ill on the day that I went for my mammogram - I nearly didn't go . Then a couple of weeks later that dreaded letter. 
    I remember so well those feelings that you are having at the moment . I am due a mammogram in July and am getting nervous again . I live in Birmingham but have been referred to a specialist centre in Manchester . They will hopefully sort out my abdominal problems but it's a huge operation . This has obviously been put on hold due to Covid-19. 
    My daughter was also diagnosed with cervical cancer 6 years ago after having her first child. This was the worst time of my life - we were on holiday in Italy when we heard and it took 4 days to get back to her . She too has survived. She was incredibly brave and I am grateful every day that I wake up that she is here with me . 
    im not telling you these things for sympathy or even to say how much we have been through as a family but just to let you know you are not alone with your worries . I know you are at that very scary time of your diagnosis and fear of the unknown. 
    I just want to reassure you that there are so many kind people that will help you . Surgery , chemo , radiotherapy- whatever you're have is so so scary but it is helping you to get better. My advise too is to take one day at a time and don't let your worries and what if's escalate. Honestly I have learnt to do this and it really helps . Also it's good to read / listen to other people's experiences with cancer but remember you are an individual and everybody's diagnosis, treatment type of cancer will be different. Your doctors and breast care nurses will support you . 
    I myself have only just joined this forum but am hoping 3 years on it will help me . Sending a big hug to you and stay strong 

    Sue xx

  • Hi sue thanks for your reply. Everything just seems so extreme doesn't it. There's so many variants my mind just goes scary. Every test you worry bout something else. I'm quite a positive person. I just want it out now and to get on with my treatment and get better. 

    This is definitely the worst part xx