Hi i have just this Tuesday been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have grade 3 and have 2 lumps both about 2 cm in size with an 8 cm mass of pre cancerous cells around it. I have been advised that a simple mastectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy is what they want me to do. I am in complete shock and can only focus on the face that I dont want to loose my breast and am so nervous. And I can have reconstruction in about 9 months if I am ready and want to. Has anyone had reconstruction and are you pleased. And how horrible is it waking up after they take your breast away? I can’t even begin to deal with the fact that I have cancer. Its just a complete shock
bump-I cant really help but I know there are lots of people in your situation.Focus on getting rid of the cancer and the rest will come one step at a time.
Good Luck
xx
Hi Ruth I am so sorry to hear your story I do know how you feel as I am 3 year clear now. I just had my 3 year mammogram 3 weeks ago and got the results the next week when I had my 3 yearly check up. I am just telling you this as there is light at the end of tunnel. I remember when I was told god I thought my world had come to an end. I had a masectomy and 8 sessions of chemo I wasent to bad with the chemo I really only had one bad day each time I had it and it was really just tiredness. I know you will be in shock as I was then I thought right when my breast has gone it will get rid of the cancer I am sure you will feel the same once you begin to get your head round it. When I woke up after my operation I was just so glad my breast had gone as then I knew so was the cancer. I have to take tablets for 5 years but I dont mind taking them as I do feel so well. I have been back at work for 2 years working full time and my life is so good at the moment. I did not have reconstruction as I am a bit of a coward regarding operations but if I was your age I would definitley think about it. I do hope this posting will help you a bit and I am sure there will be lots of lovely ladies on here will answer any questions you have as it was a god send to me. You will get lots of support on here so dont be afraid to ask anything you need to.I live in Scotland where do you live there will be lots of ladies near you who will help you out.Horace has given you good advice just take one step at a time.I forgot to say about the chemo you will lose your hair but it does come back and mine is better now than it ever was. When I lost my hair I got a fantastic wig as I didnt like the scarfs and no one new it was a wig. If you want to ask anything else then please do I do hope this has been some help and please take care Love Linda
Hi…so sorry you have had to join us. Your post reminded me of my title ‘33 years old and just been diagnosed’ when I found out last June…
I too, as does everyone felt like my world had come crashing down around me…I was convinced I was going to die within months. Ive had a lumpectomy, chemo, masectomy and am just having radiotherapy. Its been tough, more mentally than physically. Losing my hair bothered me much more than losing my breast. Like the other lady said I just wanted rid of the cancer and having my breast removed was a massive relief.
I deal with it a lot easier than I thought I would. That said I will be having recon. Im ok with my scar but I miss looking and feeling normal in clothes etc.
You will get your head around this and you’ll feel better when your treatment starts cos youll just want to do whatever you have to to get rid of this and get through it.
Use this site for information and also youll get wonderful support of the girls on here. Ive got fantastic family and friends but no one really understands properly like the girls on here.
Good luck and best wishes xxx
Hi Ruth
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums. As well as the support you are receiving from the other users of this site you may find BCC’s resource pack helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed. The pack is free of charge as are all our publications. If you would like a copy just follow the link below:
If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence then please give the helpline a call, the staff here are all either breast care nurses or people who have personal experience of breast care issues. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
I know just how you are feeling. I was diagnosed in jan stage 3 like you and had a mx and lymph node clearance on 1st of March. I am 41 so it was a shock and still is a shock. However I was offered immediate reconstruction at the same time as my mx and although is still has some way to go (I’m due a nipple reconstruction and the plastic surgeon is keen to lift up the other breast so they look the same!)I am pleased I went this route. I think it has helped me psychologically. Was this offered to you? I am now about to start on the next stage and will have chemo in the next 3/4 weeks. Losing my hair is now my biggest fear but have come to realise that all this is just another step to getting rid of this cancer. Is is terrible and still is terrible but get all the support you can and find out as much as you can and don’t be afraid to ask.
Good luck.
Cat
Hi,
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer after being given the chice or removal of lump which i was told initially was just fatty tissue. A week later was called in to be told that have BC. To say was ashocked was an understatment. I am having adjuvent treatment that is chemo before sugery, so far have had 1 my next cycle is on the 18th. This week hs been hard as my hair started to come out. But if it means that the chemo is in me working then so be it because i want rid if this poopy disease!!!
Like Salsa_21 says use this forum as a source of info, a place to rant and to laugh because we all understand and you too in the future will be someone that will give the information to another woman/man who will be starting this treatment. Also decide to shave my head as it is me who is control not the cancer. Forgopt 2 say I am 37 ith a 5 yo and 2yo, so like u am a youngie on here. PM ifu want to chat further
Louisexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Ruth
I’m really sorry about your diagnosis and the fact you’ve had to join us here but you have come to the right place to get support. It’s so hard in the beginning - such a shock to your system. I couldn’t cope with very much in the early days - so much information is thrown at you together with having to have all the diagnostic tests and then receiving your treatment plan - it’s all very mind blowing and it’s all happened so quickly for you.
I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal after having chemotherapy so I had a bit of time to get my head around the mastectomy. I don’t recall really having any pain, more discomfort which drugs sorted out. I also had pre-cancerous cells like you (8cm) hence the mastectomy. I’m pleased I’ve had the breast removed by the way and am planning to get the other side taken off as a precaution.
I am due to have my reconstruction soon as like you, couldn’t have it straight away. The most important thing, is to get you well again by removing the bad parts and yes the thought of a mastectomy is horrible and very scarey but actually the doing it was not as hard or as bad as the lead up to it. It’s hard to get your head around what you think it’ll look like after but actually I was surprised at the very neat scar I had.
If you have any worries, questions or simply wanna chat, please do come back here.
Thinking of you during this very difficult time and sending you hugs
Ruby xx
Hello Ruth,
How I empathise with you. I had a similar diagnosis to you in December and had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and will have the reconstruction completed after chemo and rads.
I wish I’d had the opportunity to talk to someone in the same position as the fear I felt before surgery was overwhelming. In fact the fear of the unknown is nowhere near the reality.
I was relatively pain free after the op - take any painkillers offered even if you feel you don’t need them! My underarm felt stiff and numb - still does in fact- where the lymph nodes were removed. Keep doing the post-op exercises as they really help and I have full movement on both sides now.
As I had the tissue expanders in when I woke up I was not completely flat chested, but to be honest I was so relieved to have got rid of the tumours that I didn’t care what I looked like at that point.
At first I could not believe that there would be a second in the day that I was not consumed by fear, sadness and dark thoughts but believe me it gets better. I’m taking one step at a time - op over - tremendous relief, now chemo - every one I do is a step further along the road. Not thinking of what comes next, can only cope with one thing at a time!
I have found a brilliant blog this week which has helped me - alrighttit.blogspot.com - the author is in a very similar situation to us and its great to read her brilliantly written thoughts of her journey from diagnosis (June 2008) to present day - I hope it helps you too.
I will be thinking of you and hope all goes well. Take care of yourself
Love & Hugs xxxx
Hi Ruth
So sorry you have joined us here. I can totally empathise with your fears and concerns. I am 40 and was first diagnosed with DCIS in 2005 aged 36, had lumpectomy and radiotherapy. In December 2009 had abnormal mammogram during routine checkup and discovered I had Lobular Invasive Cancer - 2cm tumour with 4 areas of pre cancerous cells. Had to have mastectomy with axillary node clearance. Can’t have radiotherapy twice on same breast so I am currently on chemo and then Tamoxifen for 5 years. The chemo isn’t great but hasn’t been as bad as I anticipated. The anticipation I personally found was worse than the actual doing. The hair loss is naturally stressful but I try to think that its a short blip in my life and will soon be back to normal and from what I hear some women love their new head of hair!
Emotionally I couldn’t believe it had happened to me again. The emotional feelings have your mind in a whirl but it does get better in time. I didn’t have any particular pain after the op and didn’t need painkillers but everyone is different and do what is right for you. To be honest looking at the scar wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be because I was so happy that the cancer had been removed.
I will be having the other breast removed later this year due to having 2 primary cancers and then reconstrufction and I can’t wait :-))
This site has been a lifesaver for me because the people on here truly understand what we are all going through. You will never be judged and if you have any questions, concerns etc, please ask away. We will support you and be here for you.
Take care
Lots of love
Krissy xx
Hello Ruth. So sorry you have wound up on here, but we’re a friendly bunch and do understand everything you are going through. I’ve finished my ‘active’ treatment now, but remember all too well those early days. Be kind to yourself, accept help when offered and just take each step at a time.
I had a lumpectomy so can’t help with the mastectomy side of things, but I had chemo and rads. Hope everything goes as well as it can do.
Al
xx
Hello,sorry you’re going through this.I’m 35 yrs old with 2 children aged 3 and 5.I was dx in jan,and had mx to left breast,with implants in both breasts,3 weeks ago(left breast has expander implant).I had grade 3 ,two tumours (10mm and 18mm)with area of DCIS(60mm).I’m having full aux clearance tomorrow(2 lymph nodes affected from SNB),followed by chemo and rads.
I still feel a bit sore,but don’t need painkillers now.I get more movement back everyday (make sure you do your exercises).I didn’t look at myself for about 10 days,as I was on a bit of a rollercoaster of emotion.But when I did I was surprised at how neat it was,and I feel a lot more positive now .My implant will be filled after all my treatment.There’s a chance it may be affected by the rads,but they will replace it if this happens.
I’m glad I had the mx (I was offered WLE),as I just want to make sure all the cancer has gone.I’m very body conscious,but it really doesn’t look too bad.
Good luck with everything,and take care of yourself
HI Everyone
Thank you so much for all your lovely and supportive messages. I have 2 boys aged 23 months and 4 years. They are so lovely but I think they really have picked up on the bad vibes altho I have tried to keep everything as normal as it come be. I go in to hospital tomorrow to have a sentinel node thing done to see if it spreads whilst I am still getting my head round the mastectomy and I want to speak to the Oncologist to see if she thinks I have a chance that I reduce the mass down to save my breast but by the sounds of it I don’t think I have much chance and I am scared that the chemo first will take it out of me. Also I am not sure how I feel with having it still there on me while I go through chemo with it over hanging like a really bad grey cloud. This is such a raw deal isn’t it. My friends are driving me crazy telling to just have it off. I feel I have emotionally make the decision for myself. My breast didn’t hurt before I found out and now it hurts more than ever like a huge ache probably completely in my head. Does it feel really weird like numb where your breast was? I am very frightened as I always have cared so much about my appearance. But I do realise I love my life and my boys more than I love my stupid cancer breast. I am really angry at it right now for having poison in it!! Thanks everyone Ruth xxx
Message posted on behalf of new user Karen:
Hi
Sorry to hear this, i was diagnosed in Oct 08 and had Grade 3. I have had Chemo, Masectomy and reconstruction at the same time and after that i had five weeks of Radiotherapy. The Reconstruction is marvellous what they have done. Just think ahead and also think good thinks all the way through your treatment and you will be fine with the support of friends and family behind you
Hi again Ruth
I will be thinking of you for tomorrow for the sentinel node procedure. From the sound of what you’ve said, as well as he lumps you also have widespread DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) which is where there is cancer but it has not yet become invasive. This is the same as I had and so i always knew I had to have a mastectomy. No it’s not easy to get your head around but in order to get yourself well again this is a sacrifice you/we have to make.
I had chemo first and then 3 weeks later the mastectomy and I don’t think I felt any worse than I would have done had I done it the other way round. I wasn’t given a choice of operation first then chemotherapy so I guess if you’re being given that choice, that’s a hard decision to make.
Honestly though the reconstructions I’ve seen have been amazing.
You really will get through this although in the beginning it seems so hard to imagine what you’re going through and about to go through or that it’s actually happening to you.
Really wishing you the best of luck for tomorrow and do let us know how you get on.
Hugs
Ruby xxx
Hi RuthA,
I am new to this site today. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. I was diagnosed with DCIS in June 2008 and was 29. The surgeon straight away advised I have my left breast removed. Because of the big history of BC in my family the surgeon agreed to also remove my right breast. I was absolutely petrified before my op! I cried alot and could not eat I was so worried. Worried also about dealing with the drains etc afterwards. But I really surprised myself with how well I coped. You don’t think you will but you do! I was just pleased to have my breasts removed. I know that sounds extreme but after I found out about the DCIS I didn’t want them there any longer especially after my family history. I am due reconstructive surgery in two weeks so am getting nervous. It is a weird feeling not having a breast and yes the area is numb. Mine is still numb nearly two years on but I have got some feeling back. The reconstructive surgery they offer is just brilliant! Wishing you all the best.
Good luck Ruth for the SNB. I will be thinking of you.
Lots of love and hugs
Krissy xx
Thanks be to technology. This is so lovely to come to and off load. I am in hospital. SNB all done, and now have a blue boob! Spoke to the consultant yesterday afterwards. They were apparantly swollen which means nothing yet. CT scans and more MRI scans today to see more details around the rest of my body as they are not sure if there is any spread. Please no. Then see oncologist tonight to discuss options. I really think I will be back next week to have a mastectomy. Doesn’t feel real at all, feel very up and down. Everyone is annoying me now (friends and family) with opinions and being sad or worried. As then I suddenly feel I should be worried. Still not thinking about the real thing here. I just keep trying to find celebrities who have got through it and look fab. So far Kylie and Antasia both who I think had partial mx! I need a Breast Cancer Heat…!
Lots of Love xxx
Just to add Amanda Mealing (not really a celeb, she plays Connie in Holby City?. She had a mastectomy and has fully recovered and looking lovely enough !!
Glad you still have your sense of humour…this will get you through!
Let us know how you get on.
Love Sal xx
Christina Applegate looks fantastic still & she had a bilateral mx after diagnosis of primary & then being told she was BRCA gene carrier.
Think she had the expander inplants afterwards. There’s loads online about her story.
Hxx