Hello I have been diagnosed with breast cancer on 19th May 10. However I have being having a lot of test before and can have the operation. Is their particular time for an operation to take place this is a grade 3 I am to have mastectomy.
This has been a trying time for me because I have children age 13 and 11 and twins 2.5 years old. I am trying to keep positive at all time but do have low days where I cry a lot. My family sees me as the strong one but God know what is going on in my head.
I have so much on my mind and reading other people post has given me a boost know that I am not the only one. However I do feel that this is a long time to wait to have the operation has anyone had to wait this long for their operation?
Hi Joly
Welcome to the world of BC, but sorry you find yourself here. Im sure youll have lots of questions and worries at this stage.You will still be in shock Im sure.
Try to make use of your breast care nurse who should be at the hospital where you have your op.They should be able to give you practical advice about your treatment plan.
I was diagnosed on 6th Oct last year, with mastectomy on 30th Oct, so there is no real ‘guideline’ for when it all happens. Mine was supposed to be the 15th for a lumpectomy, but they discovered more than one tumour, so went for a MX.
The docs will want to have the time to assess your own situation, so dont worry. I asked how long the lumps took to grow and my surgeon said hey are often slow growing.
It is ok to cry, its a great releif for you, and family will understand-but it is more difficult for them to take if youre a strong character usually!!!
I didnt have to worry bout young children-my son was 17, but take any offers of babysitters, meals cooked or school drop offs when they come-and ask if they dont!!
Best wishes, use the helpline on here, they are really easy to talk to and reassuring.
Cathie xx
Hi Joly and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the valuable support you will continue to receive here from your fellow users you may find our new resource pack useful to read. I have posted a link below where you can order this online:
breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/82/
Also, you are very welcome to call our helpline for further support and information, the number to call is 0808 800 6000 weekdays 905 and Sat 9-2.
Hope this helps
Take care
Lucy
Hi Joly
I was diagnosed on 27 May 2010 and have had lots of tests. Now know that my mastectomy date is 28 July so that is 2 months from diagnosis which seems ages but they have to be sure what they are facing and doing so guess all the tests are worthwhile to get the best possible result. The wait does seem endless but I am trying to keep busy doing lots of things between now and op day.
I am having a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction from back muscles and would welcome any advice from anyone else who has had this op.
Best wishes Joly hope all goes well
Hi Carolj4, I had a radical mx, full node clearance and ld flap recon on the 15th Feb. I was dx on the 3rd feb with ILC. It’s a big op, mine was nearly 7 hours and I had three drains, I was in hospital for a week. My youngest boys are 9&10 and I took up offers of help with the school run, I couldn’t drive for three weeks.
it’s healed up well, do make sure you do your exercises to get your flexibility back. Good luck! Tinax
Hi Joly
Snap - I too was dx on 19 May but in 2006! I was also a Grade 3 and although I had my surgery very quickly, I had to wait another 9 weeks until I started chemotherapy because I was pregnant at the time and they wanted to make sure my baby was delivered safely (which he was I am pleased to say and he is about to turn 4 this week!). Have they given you a date Joly for the operation? You will find as you go along that treatment and practices vary dramatically from hospital to hospital depending on where you live.
It is not easy going though all this when you have young children but you will find that they will keep you going. Take care. Love xxx
Hi all. I’ve just been diagnosed with a Grade 3 nodal carcinoma = last Wednesday to be precise (30 June). Still feel like its happening to somebody else not me. Hopefully won’t have to wait too long for surgery but I’ll keep you updated. I think this forum is fantastic - being able to relate to other women who are going through this is a great support. Watch this space …
Hi Javelin
So sorry you had to join us. You’ve already seen that this is a great place for support and advice. I too was grade 3, tho mine was ductal. i’ve finished my treatment now, so it can be done!
Take care
Julia xx
Hi all and thanks for your message Julia. Well the date for my op is 22 July. All in all have not had to wait very long from diagnosis which was 30 June. Just trying to do some forward planning for work - I’m a Health Visitor so you can imagine my workload and now I feel like I’m dumping it all on my wonderful colleagues. They’re very supportive and with all the positivity around I will hopefully be back at work before too long. How long has it taken others to get back to work? I know that’s probably as long as a bit of string, but on average?