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Breast cancer and pregnancy

Em_Duck
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Hi all,

I've posted on here a couple of times before but as with everything in life, things just get more complicated. I have an oestrogen positive BC diagnosis confirmed on 2nd Feb. A lumpectomy was booked for next Friday 5th March. My period is late, only by a few days, but as my pre op was tomorrow, I thought I'd do a pregnancy test to put my mind at rest. Well it only came back positive. So at 36 I have breast cancer and I've just found out I'm about 4/5 weeks pregnant. 
 

I called the breast care nurse straightaway. My case was discussed again at MDT this afternoon and my surgery has been postponed until I have made a decision. It was a complete 'accident' and as fate would have it I don't already have kids. I get it's my decision to either wait until 12 weeks for surgery or have a termination, but I just wondered if anyone has been in a similar situation and what were the things that when through your mind. Mine is spinning at the minute!

xxx

  • Hello Em

    I'm so sorry to hear about the situation you find yourself in. What a difficult time this is for you. 

    If you'd like to have a chat with one of our nurses you're most welcome to give them a call. Sometimes it can help to bounce things off someone who isn't directly involved in your situation and I'm sure they would be happy to listen. If you want to speak to them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch Em and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    [@Em_Duck]‍  hi, sorry not experiencing your situation but I couldn't read and run.

    First of all I'm sorry for your diagnosis. I was diagnosed dec, I'm 32 .  How are you? That in itself is huge. 

    All I can say is break it down a bit. 

    What are your thoughts? Do you want children? 

    Such a lot for you to think about. I'm here if you want a chat or a rant . Look after yourself.

    Phili xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Phili1

    Hi both, 

    Thank you so much for your replies. My head has calmed down and bit now and I've been able to think a little more clearly. I think the key thing is that if this had happened and I didn't have cancer, I'd go ahead with the pregnancy.
     

    My cancer is grade 1, oestrogen positive only, very small and just in one area of my right breast. The breast surgeon is confident that waiting until I'm 12 weeks will have minimal, if any impact and chances are I won't need chemotherapy. The breast care team and my GP have been amazing. I guess it's early days still but I feel like I've made the right decision.
     

    I guess the nerve wracking part will be waiting for the histology results after surgery to make sure it is what they think it is and my lymph nodes are clear. 
     

    2021 is certainly turning out to be a dramatic one!

     

    Phili how are you coping?

    em_duck xx

  • Offline in reply to Em_Duck

    [@Em_Duck]‍ 

    How are things?

    Thats reassuring to know! Has it helped with your decision? 

    Absolutely, the waiting for results is bloody awful. But we get through it. Have you got a support network? 

    :laugh:that made me laugh. Two months into the year and you get that double whammy! Let’s hope your next ten months is much more plain sailing. 

    Im doing well thank you. Got some good news, my margins and lymph nodes are clear, so such a huge relief! My surgical sites are healing nicely. So all good news. 

    I’ll be starting chemotherapy in about four weeks. But I’ll be glad to start the next stage, all this waiting is torture! 

    Hope your well

     

    Phili xx

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