Newly diagnosed breast cancer awaiting further tests

Hi all,

I have posted in other places on the forum but this seems like the most appropriate place now I have been diagnosed. It will also be helpful for me to type out my story and appreciate it if anyone reads this. 
 

I'm 36 and had a baby in December 2020. I had difficulties breast feeding and noticed a lump in my left breast. I was told repeatedly it was a blocked milk duct and given massages/ pumping advice. I phoned the GP as they said they didn't need to see me and could give me antibiotics, I did ask if I could come in and be seen. They saw me, said the lump moved and it was a blocked duct most likely and I was given antibiotics. I went back a few weeks later as the antibiotics did nothing. 
Another GP examined me and said they weren't satisfied it was a blocked duct and referred me for a scan. I had an untrasound a few weeks later and the lady said it looked like a lactational adenoma and said it was benign and to come for a biopsy 6 weeks after I'd stopped breast feeding.

I got a call a few weeks later saying a Dr requested I gave the biopsy now. I had it and was told again not to worry and it looked like a lactational adenoma.

So I went back Friday for my results and was told I have cancer. The Dr said it was small and said it was an inch (which seems big to me). They told me I'll need chemotherapy which will start in about 4 weeks time. I had an MRI when I was there and have to go back Wednesday. From what I remember (it was a bit of a blur) they are going to put a clip in me and I'll have lymph nodes taken from under my arm. They said it tested positive for eostrogen and HER2. They have also recommended genetic testing due to my age and the HER2. My mum has also had breast cancer in both sides but had it in her 60s.
 

Everything seems very strange at the moment, I was due back to work the end of this month after maternity leave. I'm also in the process of moving house. Have felt a bit numb which I know is the shock. Just trying to keep busy before Wednesday. 

I don't really know what anything means at the moment or what to expect. Has anyone had /experienced anything similar?

 

Parents
  • Sorry to read your story, it is very tricky for anyone receiving this news but with a new baby too I dare say you are all over the place.

    what I can say is, everyone's journey is different, but there are amazing teams to support you all the way. The clip is possibly a marker, some receive treatment pre-op and so they need to know where the cancer is because the chemo will shrink it so the surgeon will use the marker to guide them.  With you being young and otherwise healthy, this should stand you in good stead and hopefully you will cope well with any side effects, for me personally, I would feel very sickly following chemo and eating little and often would help with this, also, regardless of how tired you may feel, especially with baby, getting up and having a little walk around the house or in the garden regularly following treatments does help, it isn't pleasant, but it is something you can get through, talk to your team and make sure you tell them about the niggles, honestly, they can probably help and they will be happy to do so!

    Good luck to you and Sarah below, your kids are probably more resilient than you realise (my kids were 10 and 13 when I was diagnosed). XXX

  • Thank you Cherry-Blossom 

    It was good to read about your children. I think you are absolutely right. Far more resilient than we give them credit for ️ As I said, my results app is on Wed morning. As much as I am dreading it, I am far better when I know what's what. Once I know what the diagnosis/plan is I can get stuck in to sorting it out! 
     

    Sarah xx 

  • Thank you for your responses it's much appreciated. 
     

    Sarah, sorry to hear what you are going through. The waiting is the worst part. I have just been trying to keep busy and do things for myself when I have the time. Telling people was hard but I just kept it factual and what I knew which made it a bit easier. Hopefully you will know more on Wednesday and it's good to note down any questions that you may want to ask. 
    It sounds like as Cherry-Blossom mentioned everyone is supportive. 
    Let us know how you get on on Wednesday. My next appointment is also Wednesday but in the afternoon so I've tried to plan things for the week.

    x

     

  • Morning. 
     

    Thank you for advice re writing any questions down. I have been told to take someone with me to the app. I'm divorced from my husband so I'm taking a bestie!  Unfortunately she was diagnosed with bc a few years ago. Thankfully she's out the other side now  She's fab and will be able to be my voice and ears if I need it. 
     

    Lots of love. Sarah xx 

Reply
  • Morning. 
     

    Thank you for advice re writing any questions down. I have been told to take someone with me to the app. I'm divorced from my husband so I'm taking a bestie!  Unfortunately she was diagnosed with bc a few years ago. Thankfully she's out the other side now  She's fab and will be able to be my voice and ears if I need it. 
     

    Lots of love. Sarah xx 

Children
  • That's great you have someone to take with you. These appointments are always a bit of a blur so it's good to have an extra pair of ears. I'm taking my partner this time, I wasn't told to bring anyone with me the first time which they were suprised about. I forgot almost everything aside from the major bits. I think I'll take in some notes thiss time to ask as I just couldn't think in the moment before.
    It's not too far now from Wednesday so hopefully we will both have more information by then.

    x