I’m 41 & went to my GP who referred me to the breast clinic but originally said I had breast mice (?) I had my mammogram 13 days later & was given the all clear the following week after being told I had swollen glands! I received a phone call about 4 hours later to say they had another look at my mammogram & needed to see me again 3 days later. I had a biopsy on a different lump (my boob is still purple which the Dr apologised for and asked if I usually bruise so easily) & a week later I’ve been told it’s cancer. I had to have another biopsy now on the original lump & im waiting for those results. I’ve been told I definitely need surgery but nothing else. I don’t know what type of cancer (it is apparently common) or what my treatment options are & just feel like I’m in limbo. I’m sorry for the lengthy post but has anyone else had the same type of experience? Thanks in advance
Hi Welshman,
Sorry you find yourself here, but welcome anyway.
The early days of diagnosis are the worst bit, as you have just been told you have bc, but further investigations are needed to confirm what the treatment plan is needed to get it dealt with, which takes time, so we all go through this horrible ‘limbo’ period.
It does get a lot better when you know where you are with it all & you have your treatment plan.
Do come & chat or vent whenever you need to & do use the main bcc site here or the helpline above if you need info or to talk things through.
ann x
Whoops, should read WelshMam, damn autocorrect again!
Hi WeshMam, so sorry you find yourself in this place. You must still be feeling that horrible sickening feeling when you hear you’ve got cancer. We’ve all been there and initially the worst part is not knowing what will happen next because they haven’t got all the information yet. The biopsy results will confirm what sort of cancer you have (although they already seem to think it is the common sort, which is a good thing) and what Grade it is. Based on that they will then be able to tell you the recommended treatment plan. At this stage it is all like a foreign language - I didn’t know the difference between Grade and Stage initially -so when you go for the biopsy results take someone with you if you can as a second pair of ears, or at the least take a notepad and pen so you can write things down, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions if you don’t understand what they are telling you. It can all seem like a bit of a blur at first, though they should send you home with LOADS of information booklets.
It is really positive that they reassessed your mammogram and played safe with doing biopsies rather than sending you off happily thinking everything was alright. What they know about they can treat successfully, and now it is picked up they can get on with treating it. Be reassured that breast cancer is one of the more easily treated of cancers as there are many treatment options depending on your particular diagnosis.
This horrible limbo stage is the worst but when you know your treatment plan you will feel more in control. Do use this forum for advice and support and let us know how you get on.xxx
Thank you both for the replies. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself last night knowing that my family have questions and I can’t answer them. I’m hoping to have my new biopsy results and treatment plan on Friday so will know more then hopefully. I’ll definitely take a note pad and pen so thanks for the tips xx
Best wishes for Friday, I hope that you get some of the answers that you need. This limbo stage is tough especially having been messed around beforehand. You will feel more in control once you have a treatment plan. Breast cancer is very treatable so try not to worry too much even though I know that is easier said than done x
Thank you Chaffinch x
All the best WelshMam today and hope you feel better after you know whats what! I remember being at this stage and wrote everything down.
Taking someone with you as an extra pair of ears is good too as they may ask you to join research etc!
Keep us posted.xx
Thank you all for the support. I’m still in shock and still unsure but what I do know is I’m going in on the 1st November for a total mastectomy. They wanted to do it sooner but my 19th wedding anniversary is the 31st October & my husband is taking me to London to see Wicked so they agreed to wait until the day after. It’s grade 2 which I think is ok but still not sure. They don’t know if there is lymph node involvement yet but it is hormone receptive. They don’t know if I’ll need chemo but I should prepare myself for it. I left my appointment with a leaflet on invasive breast cancer & a booklet about reconstruction. We spoke to my 15 year olds school to let them know what’s happening but tomorrow I get to tell my 90 year old grandad who brought me up & I do all of his shopping which I won’t be able to do for a while. He’s going to be so upset & I haven’t cried yet & can’t start in front of him x
Oh Welshmam
That is so much for you to take in at once but Im sure you will given the best treatment for your diagnosis!
Its hard telling the children but as long as they know its all to put you on the mend and treatable. As for grandad, the olies are stronger thsn we think and just ask somene else to do gis shopping until tou are well again.
I know plenty ladies who have had masectomies and reconstuction and are doing very well.
Try to enjoy your 19th Anniversary and remember that you are going to get mended with the best treatment.xx
Hi welshmam i am in wales too, south wales 31 grade 3, currently having chemo on round 4
Thanks CK. My grandad was obviously upset but he’ll be ok. I’m in South Wales too Fairy & really sorry to hear about your diagnosis but hopefully you’ll be finished with treatment soon & on the road to recovery x
where in wales are you?
Hi Welshmam - I don’t come on here much now but just want to send some positivity - mine was grade 2 hormone receptive and too had a mastectomy but i’m a year on now and back living life as before - you will get through this. They also told me to be prepared for chemo (in case of lymph node involvement) but they were clear so didn’t need it - you might not. Keep your chin up and you’ll get through it x
Sorry it’s been a while. Eldest child acting like a bit of a dick & youngest has glandular fever! I have 3 men in my house on sick (2 because of my diagnosis & 1 with a genuine excuse). I’m being treated in Llanelli Fairy, how about you? Thank you Jencat it’s always good to know other people are dealing with elderly family members too. My grandad gets his last delivery from me tomorrow but he’s made sure he’s stocked up for at least 6 weeks. And thank you so much Alex. Fingers crossed everything will be ok after the mastectomy. I have to wait until after the mastectomy to find out about lymph involvement because the hospital only have one tech & she’s on sick so I won’t know until she’s back apparently…thank you all though. This site is keeping me sane xx
Hi Welshmam
Sorry to hear about eldest son, 15 is that age!!! He will need to adapt to it! My daughter has had a few blips but at uni now so all calm.
Im sure dad will be fine. They are stronger thsn we think! My mum whos 81 stayed with me for 2 months starting from treatment and althoug she was great for support (she had colon cancer 10 years ago) I felf that when I was tired I got a bit short tempered with her as I needed to cook for her and drive her to places. I felt disappointed in myself that I couldnt take her to many places but she understood. At least she saw how manageable my first 2 cycles were and wont worry as much!
Hope you feel better now you know your treatment plan and can prepare for op and try to fit a few things in b4hand.xx