I keep re-starting this message because I don’t know what to say…Yesterday, when I was told my diagnosis, I was in shock…numb. This morning, I’ve woken up feeling more in touch with my emotions and I think I’d rather return to the numb feelings…
Here’s my story…I’m 47. A year ago, having noticed changes in my nipple (itching, inversion, discharge), I’d been putting the issues down to (yet another) weird perimenopausal symptom but, on attending the breast clinic, ultrasound showed a lump behind my nipple, which was biopsied. I was then told it was a blocked milk duct, nothing to worry about. This year, I noticed my nipple getting worse - redness, discharge, more itchiness, became like a wound that wouldn’t heal and I returned to the clinic. They couldn’t see anything concerning on my mammogram or ultrasound (only the marker that had been inserted last year). Due to the concerning look of the nipple, they did a punch biopsy and, yesterday, I was told that cancer had been found, a cancer known as Paget’s disease of the breast. Now I’m waiting for the mri to see what else might be going on in the breast that the mri may have missed… So scary…
I have read lots of the posts on this forum and can see how many of you can relate to the agonising wait of the early weeks post diagnosis. The knowing and not knowing… Yesterday the shock protected me but, today, the ‘what ifs’ are creeping in and I know they don’t lead anywhere good, nor do they change anything…
I feel like deleting this post but I won’t because I want and need to be part of this supportive community…
Welcome to the Forum, we hope you find it a helpful and supportive place.
I’m so sorry to hear what you’re going through, it’s no wonder you’re feeling shocked and uncertain but you’ve come to the right place for support, so please don’t feel the need to delete your post.
Our nurses are here for you any time, here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions or over the phone 0808 800 6000. If you have a look through the various boards and topics you may also find others who have had or who are going through a similar experience.
In April 2023 I began having discharge from.my right breast it was itchy with red eczema like patchs ( I suffer from eczema and allergies) was referred to breast clinic. They said duct ec tasia which is a loosing if the ducts due to age. No mammogram I was 53 due my 3 yearly but COVID delays. Consultant said to call to see if that could be brought forward they said no…
Roll On April 2 2023, I found large lump 2cm same breast, die to slow growth changes are it was there last year.mammogram yes something there, breast clinic 3 weeks later biopsy ultrasound, may,15 cancer Er+ HER+. Grade 2. MRI for fixing for chemo before or after surgery found a spanner in the works . Lump in other breast, another biopsy wait. I have another primary tumour Er+ grade 1.
Two fold here, had they found it tumor last year would they have found second tumour on yearly checked up and I’d have had to have two.lots if treatment. Or now found together all treatment done together, tumour exactly 2cm do surgery first, then chemo 12 weekly Paclitaxol with 18 cycled of Hercetion, radiotherapy in December for 5 days treating both sides ecch so takes more time. Then aromatase inhibitors for 5/10 years and zoledronic acid infusion fir several years for bones.
I was pissed that I wasn’t followed up with mammogram the first time there was obviously something more going on but now I’m.pkeased it’s all been found and treated at the same time.
I know it’s hard waiting both my biopsies results took 3/4 weeks, post surgery was 4 weeks,. Too.many bank holidays in April, May and then holidays in July!
Take care. This forum is great,so many supportive people. Read lots of stories but remember everyone is different their wants, needs and feelings. The more you read the more you’ll be better informed.
Thank you for replying. I’m sorry to hear you are also on this journey. I think it helps that we have this place to share our stories…I know I can’t just sit here with it going around in my head…I need to let it out…
We’re here. This part will suck quite a bit for awhile longer simply because the information gathering time is overwhelming. It does end though and when treatment starts, your emotions will calm down and you’ll just get on with it. Know in the meantime that breast cancer is one of the most, if not the most, highly researched and funded cancer so the treatments are fantastic. Not easy but very likely to be completely successful. If you have any questions or just need to vent please do so with no guilt whatsoever. We all get it.
Breathe- it’s gonna be ok! I had a friend that had Padgets disease- she’s been cancer free for over 12 years! Cancer sucks- but if there was ever a time to have cancer it’s now! With all of the advanced treatments and research- we have more chances to survive and thrive than ever! Find a way to make peace with your diagnosis- give your stress to God or a higher power! The stress alone will make you sick! You’re not alone in this fight! We are all your sisters and you will get through this! You may not be 100% the same, but for all the bad there is good- you learn to appreciate the simple things in life and hopefully you can use your experiences to help others!
I’m so sorry you’ve joined this club that none of us want to be part of but we really are here for each other.
This is the worst part hunny, it’s hard not to worry whilst playing the waiting game but please do rest assured that you’re in the system now and the right course of treatment will be found for you’re unique case. As others have said, there is so many advances in this particular area and so do keep positive ( I know it’s super tough)
I found long walks really helped, being in nature just soothed me and I’ve kept up my long walks after treatment. I even have a favourite tree that I stop by and give a little hug.
So reach out on here if ever you need anything. Take care xxx
Nothing to add to the other replies but just wanted to send you a big hug and tell you you’re in good hands, will get the best possible treatment for your diagnosis and that everything will be ok. It’s hard to suppress all the scary ‘what ifs’ but try to fill your head with positive thoughts and be inspired by all the success stories on here. Xx
Thank you so much…This community makes me feel less alone. I have lots of people around me supporting me but being with others who have been ‘there’ is a great comfort.
I’m very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. There’s no written rules for dealing or coping with challenges like this one. But, you will get much support and advices from here. I’m sending you hugs. xx
I was getting a routine mammy and afterwards was told a lump had been found and I would need a more detailed test. Going home I realized I may have breast cancer. It was an unbelievable thought. No one in my family ever had breast cancer and I thought it was only hereditary. Within a few weeks I had a biopsy and a lumpectomy. Shocking, painful, horrible. But the best choice for sure. Now several years later I’m with secondary breast cancer as it metastasized to my other breast and spine. Still, the best choice is to get the recommended treatment and talk to others and benefit from their stories and support. You are doing the right thing!
I can’t add anything useful other than sending you good wishes and lots of hugs. We get through this because we have to and so will you. You are in the uncertain phase right now which is definitely so very hard but once you have a treatment plan just put one foot infront of the other and plod on. Each time I came back from chemo I would tell anyone who would listen (and those who didn’t) that I wasn’t doing it again but I did and then it was the end and on to the next phase. I am eighteen months out of it all now and leading a full and active life. Take heart and don’t be afraid to indulge yourself. I became addicted to Say Yes to the Dress which astonished everybody who knows me, but …
Your message really reaonated with me as i found myself hugging a tree on Friday morning! It is a very primal and comforting thing…to be in nature.
I had a mastectomy only right side and reconstruction at the same time. I was ER and PR + and HER neg. I have been waiting for my oncotype results which took 4 weeks. Received them Friday pm and I am gobsmacked that I onlyvscored 11 …so I don’t need chemo. I am taking letrozole, which I have been taking for a month.
Everything has happened very quickly. I was diagnosed at the beginning of August. I am very very lucky. My joints hurt and I feel very contemplative at the moment. Now I know I have to process what has happened as it seems pretry surreal.
