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! 

Hi Phili, Christmas has been okay, no relaxing though. Hubby and me have my mum with us as dad had a horrendous fall on the 16th, the same day I got the cancer diagnosis, and is still in hospital 90 miles away - parents live in Yorkshire us in Lancashire, no visiting of course, so all in all i’m anxious, though nothing to do with the cancer! (Oh the irony). So pleased you have extra treatment options, that must put your mind at ease a little. Will Let you know how wednesday pans out. To other lovelies out there possibly reading, here’s to a brighter, healthier 2021.

Dear Phili1, Sue49, Amy1988 & Yorkiegal,

There are indeed a great number of different types, grades and stages of breast cancer, something that many of us don't realise until we become directly involved. Fortunately, treatments have progressed tremendously over the years and many people now live with it rather than die with it.

I lost my Mum to breast cancer, so thought the worst when I was first diagnosed, yet here I am 11 years on, still living a good quality of life. I had two young teenagers to break the news to, but they were and have been a tremendous support, as has my hubby. This first year is always a hard one, with so many uncertainties, surgery and treatments to get through, etc, but it is doable.

I had a seond cancer less than a year after the first and am currently undergoing tests for a third. This was a shock, but I have found that positivity has helped me through my journey

I wish you all the very best on your individual journeys and am always here if I can help you in any way.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx

Dear Phili1, Sue49, Amy1988 & Yorkiegal,

There are indeed a great number of different types, grades and stages of breast cancer, something that many of us don't realise until we become directly involved. Fortunately, treatments have progressed tremendously over the years and many people now live with it rather than die with it.

I lost my Mum to breast cancer, so thought the worst when I was first diagnosed, yet here I am 11 years on, still living a good quality of life. I had two young teenagers to break the news to, but they were and have been a tremendous support, as has my hubby. This first year is always a hard one, with so many uncertainties, surgery and treatments to get through, etc, but it is doable.

I had a seond cancer less than a year after the first and am currently undergoing tests for a third. This was a shock, but I have found that positivity has helped me through my journey

I wish you all the very best on your individual journeys and am always here if I can help you in any way.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx

Jolamine,

Thank you for your support. Your story is definitely inspiring! 

Im here to offer support back so keep us updated with your current tests

xx

Hi Phil,

Thank you. I shall certainly let you know how I get on.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx