Another Newbie

Hi everyone

 

I’ve been lurking about the forum for a few days so thought I’d pluck up the courage to say hello properly!

 

I found a lump in my breast mid March and when I went to my first hospital appt on the 9th April I was told by the consultant he was 90% sure it was what I thought it was. Biopsys were taken, lots of different scans and almost a month later I’m now getting my head round that fact I have breast cancer and I’m booked in for a radical mastectomy next Monday.  As a 43 year old single mother of 3 youngish children it’s a lot to absorb in such a short space of time.

 

I feel a little in the dark though as I read threads on this forum. Other than the fact I have a large lump which is too big for a lumpectomy and that my Lymph nodes are affected, I seem to have very little information about my cancer compared to other people on this site. 

 

I’ve managed to stay positive so far though, although those around me seem to find it harder to deal with. But I can’t help that nagging feeling that I don’t want to lose my boob. I know it’s for the best to get rid of this cancer, but that doesn’t help when I look in the mirror.

 

PJ xx

Hi Purplejewel

Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it a great source of information and support. I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few weeks can be difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.

As well as the support you will receive on the forums you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/resource-pack-primary-early-breast-cancer-bcc145

Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. and are open again tomorrow from 9am.  Normal hours are weekdays 9 to 5pm and saturday 10 to 2pmay.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

Hello PJ…hope you have friends and family that are able to support you at this time. Did anyone accompany you to your appointments? I hope so. Sometimes it’s good to have another person there to listen to what is being said, record information, ask questions as your mind may understandably be all over the place. So much information to take in! Did they inform you of the type/stage/grade of cancer you have and the treatment plan after your op? It maybe a good idea to start jotting down all your questions and ringing the breast care nurse or trying to get an appointment prior to your op so you are much clearer about everything. Also to find out how much surgery will affect you / what practical things you need to put in place beforehand. I have not had surgery yet so can’t help you in this area. But best of luck with your treatment

Hi PJ,

I was told after biopsy results what grade and type mine was and received a sample letter within a few days when they sent one to my GP confirming it all, once lumpectomy and nodes were removed and checked again it was clarified at results appointment and in a letter, you should be a be able to find something out now, I would suggest ringing your breast care nurse as she can explain it to you, I know it’s a hell of a shock and I couldn’t take any of it in at the time but you do begin to digest the information as the time goes on, take care love Jo xx

Thankyou for your replies Jo, Jax and Sally.

 

I am lucky in that I do have good friends around me and close family to support me. I have taken a friend with me to all appointments so far and she has been like my p.a. writing down everything that is said.

 

When I went to the last appointment, when they gave me the date for my mastectomy the consultant didn’t seem as forthcoming with information. He said I needed to focus on the surgery and getting well enough after it for the chemo and radiotherapy that is to follow. He said the cancer had reacted positively to oestrogen, which apparently is a good thing? When we asked if they could give me any other information about the cancer they said they would have to wait until after my op, as they would perform further tests on what they had removed and my chemo treatment will then be centered around these findings.

 

I have an appointment on thursday with the Breast nurse and she is going to perform my pre op and give me all the other necessary information that I need, so it’s fresh in my mind before I go in on Sunday. She also said she would be showing me pictures of how I’m likely to look after the op and can answer any questions I have then. My mum is coming with me to this appointment, so I’m just hoping she doesn’t find this too upsetting.

 

The breast nurse gave me the resource pack at my second appointment so I have quite a lot of information to hand, but I’m not really sure that helps as I don’t actually know precisely what it is I have?

 

 

 

 

Biopsy results came back this Thursday which was when I was diagnosed with B/C. I am 42.  I have a lumpectomy scheduled for 18th May followed by Radiotherapy.  Am also starting to feel a little more overwhelmed that I did initially, as I read more about it.  I had naively thought the lump would be removed, 3 weeks of radiotherapy and all done.  Only following my consultation with the surgeon on Friday when he spoke about the 5 years of Tamoxifen did I fully comprehend the longevity of the post op treatment.   Have since read about some awful side effects of the drug which many women seem to experience.  It’s occupying a lot of my headspace at the moment. I am feeling strong but I can’t seem to think of much else.  Want to stay positive for my family and for myself.