Hiya, Its took me a few days to feel up to posting. I attended my appointment and unfortunately have a small tumour in my right breast. The doctor who saw me has said it's cancer :-( But the positives are that it has been caught early.  I go back on Wednesday for biopsy results and to hear what my treatment will be. Obviously am operation will be involved.  

Jane x

Hello Jane,

I am so sorry to hear you have had a cancer diagnosis. It really IS a big big positive though that's it been caught early. That makes such a big difference to positive outcomes. 
 

My tumour was grade 2   I had a breast reduction op when the tumour was removed followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy. All went smoothly.  I can't say I was always feeling positive because I had a few 'down days' which is bound to happen. 
 

The main thing though is that two years on I am well! Whilst I haven't forgotten this experience, (nor will I) I AM grateful to the surgeon and oncologist and the BC nurses who helped me so much.  Lean into them Jane and take all the support you are offered from the medics and friends and family. The most important thing is you getting well so be kind to yourself. You don't have to be super human. Cry when you want to. Do what's right for you.  There's not a rule book! 
 

I wish you well. Please keep us posted on your progress. I know it's very frightening in these early days. It will get better when your road to recovery begins. 
 

Kebbs x 
 

Hi Kevin,

Thank you so much for replying. I am sure I'll feel so much better once I know what the plan is on Wednesday. I realise I am lucky as screening has picked this up at an early stage but I'm an overthinker and am full of "what ifs" . Good to hear that you're well :-) my sister and mum have both had breast cancer treatment after being picked up at screening and both ok. I've every reason to be optimistic, but for an anxious person like me, it's easier said than done. I'll report back after I've been to clinic on Wednesday. 

Jane x

Sorry "Kebbi" Bloody spell check!

Hello there

I too had a very small tumour picked up by mammogram 2 years ago, had a mascetomy as I'd had a lumpectomy 28 years before with my first prognosis, same side so it had to go, wasn't an issue at all.

I've had my second clear mammogram and am thankful once again it was caught early and am still here.

Hope all goes well for you and there is light at the end of the tunnel and you get strength to cope.

Gail x

Thank you, Gail. I can't wait for Wednesday to find out what's what. x

Good luck with your appointment. I am a month ahead of you. Surprise recall after routine mammogram although I had felt a slight ridge in my breast but put it down to sagging boobs. 
I was booked for lumpectomy mid September but had to be postponed due to catching Covid.

I had breast conserving surgery last week with sentinel node biopsy. Recovery is a little slower than anticipated due to having a drain placed but after having it removed yesterday I am much more comfortable. 
I am grateful  to the dedicated breast team who were quick to diagnose and treat my tumour. Even the surgeon struggled to feel the lump and said it would have probably gone undetected for quite a while without mammogram, most of the women I know who have been diagnosed have been unaware of a lump. 
I am now recovering and waiting to find out whether I will need further surgery or chemo. If not then it will be straight to radiotherapy. 
Mine was 28mm grade 2 ductile carcinoma. It will be staged after biopsy . 
I'm not getting too stressed about the results because I feel massive relief that the tumour had gone. It was ER+ so I started anastrozole as soon as I was diagnosed. This also helped since I felt I was actively stopping it growing any further. 

My surgeon is amazing both as a clinician and as talented surgeon. My husband had a look at my boob today (he is very squeamish) and was very impressed with the appearance so soon after surgery. This gave me a massive boost psychologically, any surgery can have a defeminsing affect. 
I have had one day of weepiness the weekend before surgery. I needed a bit of rant and cry but it was enough. 
Im sure there will be more over the next few months. I will not know whether I need chemo until the results are back.  I think chemo is my worst fear. 
Historically the area I live in was a hot spot for breast cancer and as a result the Breast Care team are phenomenal. The consultants (surgeons,radiologists & oncologists) work closely providing exceptional care alongside a brilliant team of Breast Care Nurses. 
I am hoping to get involved in some fund raising in the future to support the Unit locally when I'm through 'the journey'. 
 

Hi Angrymum,

Thanks for sharing your journey so far. I bet you feel so relieved just having the blighter out of your body! That's how I feel, I just want it out. Thinking about it now, my breast had changed shape very slightly but I've put on weight over the pandemic and put it down to that...I've gone up a cup size. I'll find out more tomorrow, I've been ok last couple of days but can feel the anxiety building again. I don't think I'll sleep much tonight. 

Jane x

Just to let you know I have been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, 1.5cms, stage 1. Surgeon has said it's 100% treatable and I'm booked for breast conserving surgery on Monday 11th October. Pre Op tomorrow. I really cannot fault breast test Wales, they've been amazing. I am sure I'll sleep tonight after 10 awfully anxious days. xx