Hi Claire, 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis today, it's such a shock to hear those words Breast Cancer. No need to apologise ever, that's exactly what this forum is for to provide information support for everyone as much or as little as they want it. 

Ten months after a clear mammogram hit me too, I couldn't believe it and thought they must have missed something on my mammogram. How could all that cancer have just popped up overnight. I know you won't feel it now, but it does get easier.  It is a complete rollercoaster and I won't deny that, but with support and kindness you do move through the stages from denial to acceptance and obviously in terms of treatment into action. 

I'm six weeks post masectomy and diep right breast reconstruction tomorrow. I have to say, I have been really lucky in my recovery having only had a few minor niggles that were easily sorted. I went for my first little jog today - I haven't been since August and despite having to take it very gently, it felt great for me. 

Have they told you anything about the type of cancer yet? I expect they are waiting for all your results from MRI etc, but I know sometimes they do tell you 'snippets'. 

It's totally ok to feel that you can't cope, we all get that and still feel that way at times wherever we are on that rollercoaster.  You've made the first important step of reaching out for support and I hope that helps you a little. 

I'm sending you a massive virtual hug and I'm here for any chat if you want any time. Love Mickey xx ️

 Hi Mickey

Thank you so much for your reply. She said grade 2, it's a 2cm lump but they're not really sure how big it is. She said something about treating me for a cure (?), used "hopefully" somewhere and needing to find out "her2"?

I'm so desperately upset for my children and parents who I haven't told yet. My girls are 16 to 22. My husband has been great but I'm so scared about the future.

It's good to hear you're doing so well. I really appreciate your contact and kind words.

C.

PS. You're having more surgery tomorrow? All the best. X

C.

Hi Claire, sorry I was probably confusing. I meant tomorrow it will be six weeks since my surgery xx

Hi Claire, 

Its all confusing I know - but once they know your HER2 status and hormone status (oestrogen particularly, but also progesterone) they will be able to tailor your treatment to you specifically. Grade 2 is easily treatable, so that's really positive. 

I understand your family concerns, it's good your husband knows and is being super supportive. Try not to worry about anyone else for now. When you know what your treatment plan is, you will feel the right decisions around who and when to tell. Please don't burden yourself with that also right now. 

For now, try not to worry about the future, one step at a time is the best advice I can give you. I always just prepare as much as I can for the next stage and don't think beyond that. It works for me and we change so much on this journey, which is understandable. 

Sending more hugs. Mickey xx ️

Ah, of course. I can see it now. Can't wait to be looking back on all this too. X

No worries - next appointment is sometimes easier to focus on rather than next stage (play on words maybe), but sometimes you feel you have so many appointments, it's easier to just not think beyond the next one as a coping strategy - for you that's the MRI at the weekend. For me it's my official surgery results this Wednesday and discussion around next treatment stages xx ️

Oh, gosh, hope it goes well. I'd be interested to know how it goes if you're willing to share. Cx

Hi Claire, I'm always willing to share. I try to keep my profile updated also.  If you don't know if you click on someone's name in blue you will see if they've updated their profile. Hope that helps hugs MickeyXx ️

Can I ask why you had oral chemo ? I have been told you can choose. As I would rather not have oral as I have three young children and would rather receive my chemo in hospital. Was this an option