Pregnancy and breast cancer

Hello. I am 26 weeks pregnant and attended the breast clinic today as I had found a lump on my breast. I had just assumed it was down to the pregnancy but the consultant was sure its breast cancer I just have to wait for the final confirmation from the biopsy results next week but the consultant was already chatting about surgery. 

He did say the lump was only 1.7cm so was hopeful that it was caught early. I'm terrified for my baby. I'm terrified for myself. 

Has anyone else any experience of being diagnosed whilst pregnant?

 

  • Hello Yves303, 

    A big welcome to our forum. First of all congratulations on your pregnancy. But what a stressful thing to have to go through at this time. I hope that you get your biopsy results soon and that you can get a clearer picture then of what is going on and what to expect. It's good that he mentioned that the lump was small so fingers crossed that whatever this may be, it has been caught early. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our forum who have been diagnosed whilst pregnant. 

    I thought I would mention one of our lovely members  [@Dizzle82]‍ who was going through breast cancer treatment if I remember correctly when she found out she was several months pregnant. And her baby is doing really well - in fact I am sure she won't mind me saying that she is now expecting another baby! I hope this positive story will make you feel a little better. 

    Please do keep us updated when you get your results. We'll be thinking of you in the coming days and hope that the rest of your pregnancy goes well. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello. I haven't posted in a while but I thought I would update my situation just in case anyone else finds themselves going through the same thing. 

     

    After my results it was decided that I would have a lumpectomy with lymph node clearance although the biopsy on my nodes were clear. My surgeon was happy to do this whilst pregnant. Unfortunately when the results of that op came back the margins weren't clear and my cancer was upgraded to stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma and it was decided I needed a full mastectomy on my left breast. I am now 32 weeks pregnant and 5 days post op. I'm looking at possibly one dose of chemotherapy before they deliver baby and the rest after delivery along with radiotherapy and hormone therapy. 

     

    It's a scary time being pregnant with breast cancer and it's scary to think ill have a newborn and have to go through chemotherapy. I'm worried about how well I will be to look after my newborn if the side affects of chemo are bad. But I've learned to take one step at a time and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. 

     

    I am very lucky that my breast care team and obstritricien are keeping close eye on baby and nothing that the have done or are proposing to do will pose a risk to baby. 

     

    I just wanted to update in case anyone else finds themselves in this situation and just needs a bit more information. 

     

    Take care everyone.