Hi Jilly,

I am so sorry to learn of your situation. Here's hoping that they managed to get sufficient tissue to give a result without you having to have another biopsy.

I am 4 years younger than you and have had 2 bouts oof breast cancer in the past 11 years. First time around I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen. Six months later I discovered a lump in my other breast. When this was biopsied, it turned out to be benign, which was a big relief. Almost a year to the day of my first diagnosis, I discovered another lump in my original breast. Sadly, I wasn't so fortunate this time around and I had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years.

I was advised to have radiotherapy after my first surgery, but had problems trying to persuade my surgeon to check the lump in my other breast. He refused and, we had a Mexican stand off until he referred me to see the surgeon who was in charge of all the surgeons in the area. My argument was that there was no point in treating one breast whilst ignoring the other.

The second surgeon imediately tested my breast, but by this time it was too late to have radiotherapy. After my bilateral mastectomy, I was told that I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. I have never regretted having the mastectomies, as I feel that I have taken all that I could away. I couldn't have reconstruction, due to previous surgery and my medical condition, but have coped well with various prostheses.

If there is anything I can help you with, you only have to ask. I hope that your appointment goes well next week. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx