Hello All, well like I suppose many folk, the diagnosis I received today was a real bolt out of the blue. To be fair, I was starting to wonder if I had a problem in my left breast as my nipple tended to invert if I leaned forward although it would come out again, but I dunno, it just kept happening and seemed different. Anyway, I confess I left it due to Covid (naughty) - only since last October or so, but had my routine mammogram last week, got the follow up letter, went today and during an ultrasound, the doc confirmed that there was a lump there, about 1cm and behind the nipple but too deep for me to have found through manual self checking (which I do every month). It’s not definitely cancer as results from biopsy won’t be available for a week or so, but she’s an experienced doc and said it was highly likely. So I am treating it as cancer until being told it’s not.
Doubtless at my next appointment (when I get treatment plan) the surgeon will say whether he/she recommends a lumpectomy or a mastectomy but being 60, I am happy to lose the breast if that’s the safest way. I just consider myself to be super lucky that it’s been detected and I am now “in the system” for getting it dealt with. It was certainly a bit of a “facer” though - we all dread the “C” word - but I am determined not to let it dominate my every waking moment. Am I scared, well I suppose apprehensive would be closer to the mark, but what can you do but get on with it? Everyone was super nice and I felt comfortable, looked after and supported.
I am a great believer in forums and the mutual support they provide, so hello to everyone and it’s great to have the option to share this (unwanted) experience as the journey progresses.
Hey there ! A big welcome to this necessary and supportive space on t’internet. I am sorry you find yourself here, but I found your post very refreshing, practical, hopeful and positive - it will stand you in such good stead if the biopsy shows you are needing treatment. I will surely see you around the forum, and like many here I’m sure you will find that knowing of other people going through the process at the same time as you and many years prior to you (and well beyond their diagnosis), will be really helpful in the road ahead. x
Hello Moggy and Fish Mum
I wanted to wish you well and ask you to please let us know how you get on with the biopsy results. I am 63 and when I got told I needed a biopsy I just had this feeling it was going to be cancer. I think it’s better if you can prepare yourself for that as you obviously are, rather than not facing it. Maybe easier to do as you get older, 20years or so ago I had a melanoma and I remember being really terrified by that as my mum in law had died from secondaries caused by a melanoma. But they got rid of mine early ,the fear has faded now I just need to be vigilant.
Anyway I digress ,apologies !
The drive to get to my biopsy results I was full of dread, but when they told me I had cancer , it’s a low grade one, it was almost a relief . I felt like now I know what I am dealing with to some extent.
As I shared elsewhere I have been selective with who I tell about it, I don’t want too much sympathy ,I just want to be treated the same. However everyone deals with it their own way. A few close friends and family you can share with plus going on the forums does help me. Although sometimes the forums can have scary stories at least you know people understand each other to some extent. I don’t want to bore all my friends with talk of breast cancer, but I know ladies on here will listen and encourage each other.
It was all a shock initially but I have had great support from the breast care team, a very efficient and caring service. I hope you have the same experience , do let us know how you get on.