hello, im very new to this so not sure how i will do with this site. i was diagnosed with breast cancer last thursday, my head is everywhere, im shattered from no sleep over the past 2 weeks. i have been given my pre op appointment for next week then the operation to have a lumpectomy and take 6 lyhmp nodes is planned for the 29th. my whole life seems to have turned upside down, im a single parent of 3 great kids so i have reassured them constantly but when im alone and nights are the worst i just seem to go and lose it completly, fear panic just take over. im continiuing with work to try and stay busy, but their is only so much housework and cleaning cupboards you can do. is this normal, i put a smile on for all but deep down im petrified.
Hi lloydielou
Welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find them a great source of information and support.
I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.
I’ve given here the link to our Resource Pack for those people newly diagnosed. The pack is for anyone with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer and is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
breastcancercare.org.uk/heal … tionId/82/
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
Best wishes
Sam, Facilitator
Hi Lloydielou
What you are feeling is completely normal, as I’m sure others will tell you soon. It does get easier, I promise, when you know what your treatmentplan is. I too had lumpectomy and lymph node removal. That was this time last near and I’m thru all active treatment now and almost back to normal. Please be kind to yourself; this is an awful shock and we all think the worst at the beginning. If you have any questions, please ask away.
Take care
Julia xx
I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Already had surgery to remove lump and tissue as well as 2 lymph nodes. Waiting, waiting for test results on the nodes … I’d really like to look at the resource pack but I can’t access it
Hi Lloydielou,
You’re not alone. I’m three years post-diagnosis and still remember that awful gut-wrenching feeling I had when I was first told. Once you start treatment you will feel you are finally coming to grips and DOING something. It gives you a focus and you regain some control of your life again.
Please keep posting and let us know how you get along.
Best wishes,
AlexG
Hi Pinkrose and Lloydielou.
Waiting for test results is by far the hardest thing but once you know your treatment plan it does get easier. Have you tried calling the Helpline? they can sent you out lots of info or maybe your BC nurse can give you some stuff. I do recommend against searching the net too much as it can be frightening; I scared the bejeesus out of myself in the beginning! Of course, this is a great place for asking questions or advice. Please pm me if you prefer.
Hugs
Julia
Hi
I’m so sorry you have to deal with this horrible disease and hope you have support from family and friends - I was diagnised 3 weeks ago & had my op a week ago - lumpectomy and node removal. There’s no denying this is such a scary time and waiting for my op was hard - I felt relieved when I came round after it. Now waiting for the full results is another hurdle.
It’s not easy to stop your imagnination running away with you and leaping ahead but if you can (which is impossible sometimes) try to focus on each bit as it comes along. Staying busy is fine if that works for you. I know I tried to hang on to normality for as long as possible up til the op itself. Now I’m trying to focus on getting over that before facing the next stage of actual treatment. I’m not so good at the One day at a time thing but one stage at a time helps as the idea of being affected by this for such a long time is too much to comprehend.
There’s nothing wrong with crying when you want to but I understand the need to hide from children. I have a 4 year old and I honestly think whiclst the future seems scary they do help you stay in the moment as there’s so many things to keep you occupied looking after them BUT you need looking after too.
I have found this site very helpful, especially the forums as you don’t feel so alone & yes I too advise against too much web searching - especially the research stats etc as you are an individual and No one can predict what will happen to you - also much of the data is understandably out of date as treatments have improved so much in the last few years
Best of luck with your op. There’s losts of helpful advice on what to expect & I was far less worried about things after reading others posts.
JO
Don’t be panicking. We have all been there, I remember well the terror you describe when I was diagnosed last Easter, but have come a long way since then. Keep in mind that breast cancer treatment has advanced HUGELY in the last 10-20 years, oncologists really know what they are about now. And everything they throw at you will have been experienced by lots of us here. There is nothing that you can’t cope with, though you should now try to gather up people you know can be of practical help to you with the kids over the next few months esp if you need chemo. Please feel free to ask anything, these forums are invaluable. Send me a personal message if that is easier. You are not alone in this. Stay sane xxxx
HI Lloldielou,
I was diagnosed on the 22nd Sept, and had my op last Friday (lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes), it does get easier, and crying days get fewer.
My boys keep my spirits up and I’m sure your children will help you too.
Thinking of you at this tough time x
Hello,
I have recently been diagnosed with Breast cancer last week and am due for my op next Tuesday- WLE and SLN. The preliminary investigation ( mammo, biopsy- both breast and nodes and ultrasound) did not give a clear indication of nodes involvement- I was told that it was neither positive nor negative- some swelling noticed. I was also told that the cancer was invasive and that tissue around the lump was precancerous-would you all know what this means in relation to grading??My family and I have been coping with this news as well as we can- SLN is scaring me-(will be in my right armpit)- will it take a long time to recover?
Hi SS and welcome to the BCC forums
I am sorry to read about your diagnosis, you have come to the right place for support and information, here’s the link to our Resource Pack for those people newly diagnosed. The pack is for anyone with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer and is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
BCC have also written a booklet called ‘Your operation and recovery’ which you may also find helpful, you can read or order a copy here:
In addition to the valuable support you will receive here, feel free to call our helpline a ring where you can talk to someone in confidence on 0808 800 6000. The line is open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
Take care
Lucy
Hi lloydielou
Just thought I’d lend my support. I was diagnosed in March, like you I’m single and coped by burying myself in work. That’ll only work for so long, you can’t do this by yourself - don’t be afraid to ask for support from your friends and family, and from the wonderful women on this forum. They helped me (and still are) by letting me cry and voice my fears, and just understanding.
Thinking of you
nc xx
pm me if you like, don’t be alone
It is a really scary time, but you get through it somehow and become normal again! Maybe a slightly different
normal! Don’t be alone! Use all the resources on here and in your local area ! Ask questions and do nice things for yourself !
I was diagnosed last year and have finished my treatment now !
Sending lots of love xx