Hiya.

I'm not going through it myself, but I'll be your mate. 

I'll be here for you if you need to talk. 

You are not alone. You have friends and family and a husband and us online. 

X

Hi ! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it.

What brings you to the fun zone? 

X

Hiya

I have recently been diagnosed with grade 2 ductal cancer, that's all I really know at the moment.  Had Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy yesterday and to be honest I am not sore or in pain at all at the moment.

  I went to Dr's on 4 Nov with lump and dimple where the lump was.  2 week referral to clinic which took 4 but under current circumstances thibgs may take a bit longer.  Went for further tests on 2 Dec and due to covid had to go alone.  Hadn't told any family at this point as didn't want to worry them Had a feeling my lump would be cancerous but was a bit shocked when the consultant told me about another area they were concerned about near to my armpit.  Had two sets of mammograms and then biopsies.  The staff were lovely.  Didn't feel a thing while they were doing the biopsies for both areas but I do have larger boobs so that might have helped.  Went back in to see the Consultant wand nurse both were very quiet which was quite unnerving.  They didn't say a lot aprt from having to come back for results.  Asked if I had questions, I just sat there blank thinking what do I ask.  I asked size of the lump I felt which he said was 3cm which is about what I thought anyway but then he said the other area is bigger. I then just asked I his opinion did he think the lump I felt was cancer he said from experience yes and if it was just that lump they would remove it but if the other area came back the same it would be mastectomy, possibly radio and chemo but some treatment would be needed.  The area they found completely shocked me as I couldn't feel anything so I went straight into mastectomy radio and chemo mode.  To be honest the thought of telling my family bothered me more than what might be needed.

I came straight home and told hubby burst into tears. He was great.  We decided not to tell the children yet (adult children) until we knew what we were dealing with.

14 dec had apt for results and I was told the lump I found was cancer but the other area was clear which although not great news was a relief for me.  He said would need lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  He also said they would do sentinel node biopsies which is quite normal after googling lots.  The op woukd be on  23rd  oh crap I best tell the kids.  I know it sounds daft but I came out relieved and more up beat as I had prepared myself for the worst.  I know the journey is not over yet and things could change but for now I'm in good spirits. 

Had covid test prior to surgery and radioactive tracer injected day before surgery again didn't really feel anything.  Went for surgery yesterday and as far as I can tell everything went well and came home later that day. They did, also inject a blue dye during surgery to highlight the lymph nodes so be prepared for blue/green wee and stools.  I was even been told that if I cry the tears could  also be green, this friends wanted to see lol

Sorry it was so long winded just wNted you to know my journey so far. 

There is no right and wrong way to deal with everything that will be going through your head, initially when I thought the worst I couldn't tell people without getting choked up. I thought every ache I had was connected  But now I can tell people without getting upset. 

This morning I have woke up and feel fine no pain so that's good, have got out of cooking Xmas Dinner.

Hope you get some positive news but whatever blow you are dealt with stay positive talk to other people who have had it.  I spoke to a lady at work who had had it, she was stage 4 ductal and in lymph nodes, and fed from her ovaries and they initially gave her 3 months, its now 17 years later and she is still here.  She is such an inspiration she is so positive. 

Stay positive and wishing u all the best xx

Hi. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm always happy to talk to others about breast cancer as I was diagnosed with it in june. I'm lucky to have a supportive family, but it can be difficult to talk to them because they've never been through this. We haven't got any family history of breast cancer so I was quite shocked when I was diagnosed. I get how you're feeling, on the day I was told, I didn't really get that upset. I felt it, but strangely calm too. I think because of the waiting for my appointment and the stress that had built up, I felt relieved to finally have answers. But I've had plenty of meltdowns since then lol. I've had chemo first and will be having surgery in January, I'm so scared but its just another step to hopefully get rid of the cancer. If you want to talk,  you can always send me a message on here. Have you also looked at 'breast cancer now'? That's also a good place to look for support and advice.

Hi sue, 

thanks for taking the time to reply and share your story. It’s great to hear you’ve dealt with the surgery so well! That all sounds really positive. 

How did your kids take the news? That must be hard telling them that. Thankfully we don’t have children. 

Wow your coworker has done amazingly well! 

Lovely hearing stories like that! 

Xx

Hi Amy thanks for replying, I really appreciate it. 

I bet your diagnosis was a huge shock. I think having family history made me aware it could happen. 

Im glad you understand what I mean lol I felt a bit odd. How have you found chemo?

No I haven’t looked there I will, thanks. 

I’m shocked how quickly it’s all moving , I’ve already got a CT scan booked for next weds and an MRI on 2nd jan. 

Hiya

Thank you. I have been really lucky that at the moment I have no pain from the surgery.  The only thi g I've had today is a sloshing sound coming from my breast which is quite strange but not painful.  Have googled it and lots of people say the same so not worried about it.

Eldest daughter who is 27 cried but then she was OK and quite strong, middle daughter 23 seemed fine but then got angry not with me but the situation we were in and the youngest son aged 22 seemed OK but quiet but then he read all the info I had been given. 

There are a lot of positive stories out there that give you the hope that you might need, but I have stuck to pages like this. 

I still have to wait for results from the surgery and know things could change but I'm in a good place mentally and ready to tackle the next steps. 

Although I have had cousins with breast cancer they were on my dad's side of the family so have been told they are not likely to be connected, they have all recovered too. 

Good luck with your journey and stay positive xx

I know, they do get things done really quick and I sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all. But its better  to get yours tests done asap so they can treat you quicker. I was really anxious about chemo and it was the fear of the unknown too. But once you've had your 1st round and you know roughly what side effects you'll get, you'll be able to cope better. And they've got stuff they can give you for most side effects too. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and your journey goes well for you 

Hi Phili1, I was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ductal Her2+ (positive)  last Wednesday, and same as you, haven’t shed a tear. I guess everyone reacts differently, I am pragmatic and see the situation as ‘it is what it is’. I am having surgery first, as it’s an aggressive cancer, I have 2 tumours, small at the moment, and lymph nodes are thankfully clear, I am due to have therapeutic mammoplasty followed by herceptin, I will know more next wednesday when I meet with the surgeon - this info was relayed to me briefly via a ‘phone call from the lovely cancer care nurse earlier today. The thing that has surprised me the most is the almost staggering amount of different breast cancers and different treatment paths. What I have learnt in the last 3 weeks since mammogram, ultrasound and positive biopsies is that until it comes knocking at your door, it is purely ‘breast cancer’, when you read up on it, you realise we are all totally different, with vastly differing outcomes. I wish you well on your journey, and if you need a mate i’m here. All the best, L.

Hi L,

Thanks for your support. 

I agree, there is so much more to it all than just cancer and chemo! My cancer nurse thinks my chemo will be FEC-T, although I haven’t looked into it much yet as it’s not for certain. 

I got some of my receptor results back on Christmas Eve, apparently the cancer is ER+ and PR+ but I’m still waiting on HR. This is good news I’m told, as it means I have more treatment options. So I’m clinging on to these positives.

How did you find Christmas? Hope you managed to relax. Bit strange isn’t it, we tried to forget about it for one day, although that’s easier said than done! 

Im glad your lymph’s were clear, that definitely good news. Hope Wednesday goes well, keep us informed and I’m here whenever you need a chat!