Hello,

I am going through this right now. I went for a mammogram on May 2 and they saw something and did the biopsies in my breast and armpit. During the ultrasound the doctor told me to bring someone with me when I come in for results. I explained I don't have anyone to support me right now, my family live abroad. She sent me into see the doctor after 2 rounds of biopsies (5 punches in total) and 3 mammograms. They gave me a card for breast care nurses for extra support. Even though they don't have the results of the biopsies they told me it was cancer and they would most likely have to operate later this month. I know how worrying this is for you but the equipment they use is so advanced now and the doctors can usually tell with about 90% accuracy if it is cancer. If they didn't tell you it is cancer it could be you are clear or there is something you caught very early. My breasts were very sore the next day after the mammograms and needles, so dont worry that is normal. I had itching for 2 months before the appointment and they said that is just a skin condition and nothing related to the cancer. If there is one piece of advice I can give you it is this. You are where you are. There is only moving forward from this point. It's really important if you are prone to anxiety to take time for yourself to really support and take care of yourself physically and mentally during this process. Remember we are all in this together. What you have gotten through so far was gruelling, i know because I've just done it myself. But you got yourself there and you faced it head on and did it. The rest, whatever that happens to be, you can deal with too. Trust yourself that you are going to see yourself through this the same way you have overcome every hurdle life has thrown at you so far. You are stronger than you think. Sending loving healing energy your way, friend. xxx

Hi

i unfortunately got my diagnosis last Tuesday. Triple positive invasive cancer of left breast size 4cm confirmed with some small bits dispersed off but in the breast still.

action plan is to have chemo for six months then wait 3 months to be ready for operation then to have radiotherapy for last couple of months and then he hopes I am fit again.

Been a shock and difficult week. Hoping you’re ok. Take care x

Hi BoxStar2014 I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  When are you starting chemo?  I had 4cm tumor in left breast and had lumpectomy first, have quite large breasts.  Then had chemo and then radiotherapy.  I am sure it has been a difficult week for you.  Big hugs.

Lee x

Hi Lee

Thank you, it has been up and down but I am remaining positive. I worry about my loved ones, it’s hard for them too. All I need is them to be with me through this, it’s their in abundance but my hubby feels it most. I have said we need to do it together, I need his strength for me and the kids.

I am at my first oncologist appointment on 26th May to find out. I am being offered chemo first to shrink the tumour and to ensure they stop it growing so fast. They believe it’s my best option as it will shrink the tumour so he can take less breast tissue in theory. I have triple positive invasive stage 2 grade 3. They hope to start in June for 6 month treatment. Then surgery will be most probably early into 2027 followed by the radiation treatment.

It’s a scary thought, and I have to have an injection when I receive chemo re the  HER2 + which I have been told needs injecting into my thigh when receiving chemo at the same time.

I think my worst dread is how I occupy myself during treatment. I am not a reader, tend to spend time on my iPad lots, so will have to find something new!

where are you on your treatment, was it recent or is it complete? Hope you ok now.

I had a phone call today, my MRI scan has revealed some nodules on my right breast also, so been requested to go for another ultrasound scan to look at this and possibly a further biopsy on them right side. They have told me it’s to see what’s what and it may be due to just having biopsy on the left side.

its all very confusing and more worry that it’s worse than first thought, it just makes you worry. I have my oncology appointment on 26th now as this was moved forward. It’s getting quite scary now, I think I have been in a bit of a daze, can’t sleep tonight. It just feels one blow after another.

Hi BoxStar2014.  Yes this must be very worrying for you especially the new findings in your right breast.  I have lobular breast cancer which is hard to pick up on mammograms so also had MRI to see if spread.  I would say take your husband or someone with you on Tuesday.  Some people record the conversation so you don't forget anything (I think you have to ask permission first).  Whatever happens you can get through this.  My friend who had breast cancer the year before me told me to try and keep to a normal routine.  Even when having chemo, I kept to the same routine as much as possible.  It is easier on you, your husband and family, it keeps a certain 'normality' in the whole process.  Sleep was an issue for me too in the beginning and got zopiclone from GP.  I only take half when I need it.  Good luck for Tuesday.  Please let me know how you get on.

Lee x

Yes Hubby is coming to my first oncology appointment. I have been signed on the sick as I cannot work due to where I work, my consultant advises I need to be off through out the chemo. I will be kept busy looking after the kids and keeping the house sorted.

at the moment I feel rubbish, the MRI contrast made me feel terrible afterwards it was worse than the CT contrast.  I am not a great sleeper at the best of times having gone through the menopause recently. 

I can’t quite believe how my world has just become upside down overnight. Even the feeling of how people care yet they don’t know how to react to you. Although I have people routing for me, I just feel on my own, it’s my fight and it’s difficult.

Hi I didn't know the contrast dye was different.  I am lucky as no side effects.  I didn't work through chemo either.  Worked in jobcentre so dealing with the public all the time.  A cancer diagnosis does turn your world upside down but when you have your treatment plan and start it does get easier.  I feel lonely too, everyone is great and hubby supportive but feel like going through it alone sometimes.  That is why I come on here and the Macmillan forum, it makes me feel better.

Lee x

Hi I didn't know the contrast dye was different.  I am lucky as no side effects.  I didn't work through chemo either.  Worked in jobcentre so dealing with the public all the time.  A cancer diagnosis does turn your world upside down but when you have your treatment plan and start it does get easier.  I feel lonely too, everyone is great and hubby supportive but feel like going through it alone sometimes.  That is why I come on here and the Macmillan forum, it makes me feel better.

Lee x

Yes it’s an odd feeling, as I said to my hubby last night, it’s me that’s going through it, so I know your finding it hard but I need you to be the one who’s keeping it together because I might not be able to. It’s scary and the unknown, my feelings over whelming at present. Yes the contrast is different for MRI. Hoping I don’t need many scans in future as I only just held on to my mind, the cold air around my head made me want to cough, I had to concentrate on my breathing, had a little cry in there but they never noticed. I pulled myself around by calming my breathing down.