Diagnosed yesterday Stage 1, Grade 2

Diagnosed with breast cancer Recently diagnosed with breast cancer
1

Hello everyone.

Diagnosed yesterday with Stage 1, Grade 2 IDC and due to go for a lumpectomy on 3rd December. 8mm lump. At the moment they have said I’m likely to need Radiotherapy after and some form of Hormone Replacement (believe it’s Tamoxofen). Won’t know if chemo is recommended until after the pathology comes back post op. I’m 43. Cancer was found entirely by chance thanks to my GP who referred me ‘just to be on the safe side’ for an issue with the other breast. So I’m sitting numb, completely stunned and trying to focus on the fact it’s been caught early, but so many questions. Trying to avoid Google!

To those who have had a lumpectomy, how was the recovery and any side effects? I have a two year old and family nearby who can help my husband and I but im naturally concerned as to how long I’ll be out of action for. For once in my life im going to need to take my own advice and slow the hell down, but want to keep some normality for my wee one. Same for Radiotherapy-was fatigue a massive issue for any of you? The Nurse yesterday mentioned side effects like skin reddening and some localised discomfort. I’ve just been given a promotion at work and while the means nothing in comparison to treatment, I want to be informed about how much impact this could have in terms of time off.

I’m very fact based, problem solvy type of person but the unknowns of this all and the uncertainty, will I need chemo, will I be able to look after my daughter….its a blur.

The Consultant was positive yesterday, she said I’m at the favourable end for treatment and was weirdly upbeat (but cautious). The Nurse was a lot more down to earth and open about things. Apparently none of my initial markers show anything concerning - never took this bit in so I’ll need to phone this morning to ask for a bit of clarity!

Sorry for the ramble. My wee one was up at 5am with diarrhoea so here I am sitting with her cuddled up on me, a washing on, looking for advice/support in here!

5 Likes
2

Hi Lambo and welcome

Sorry you find yourself here. It is a great place to ask questions and get support. Sometimes you have very personal questions that would be difficult to ask others, but it’s all open book on here.

You sound like myself back in July when I had confirmation. I had to wait a further 2 weeks for extra details, then lumpectomy was booked in several weeks later.

From what I have experienced and what I have read, how you are after surgery is very individual. My tumor was near my armpit, and I had one continuous incision for tumor and SLNB removal. The first week was uncomfortable for me and I used a low dose of codine. The second and third weeks I used paracetamol as and when.

I started basic exercises they suggest for two weeks then onto further stretches. I did experience a stiff shoulder, which was very achy. A little bit of numbness in armpit and tingly sensation to back of arm. I also had some fluid build up after 3 weeks.

The thing to remember is not to over do it. Movement does come back very quick, but the wound is still healing. I got caught out a few times, did a bit too much……hence the achy shoulder !

I needed a second op to get clear margins, that was a lot easier as it didn’t go up into the armpit as much. It also drained the fluid, which made a huge difference to comfort.

I’ve just started Tamoxifen, 3 weeks ago. No major side effects yet. Felt a bit nauseous, had a few tummy cramps but nothing more at this point. Now waiting for Radiotherapy.

You are a fact finder like myself, my team have been brilliant at answering questions. Sometimes you need to ask more than once, as you process the information.

With regard to google. I know there is a lot of controversy about that and yes you do need to be careful about what you read. But there are some other good web sites, such as Cancer Research UK, MacMillan. They sometimes explain things differently, so you have a broader explanation.

Good luck with your journey, the NHS have been wonderful and I hope you get the treatment and support you need.

Best wishes x

1 Like
3

That’s similar to my experience, I was diagnosed over the summer the week of my 45th birthday, and I started a new job earlier in the year. Work HR has been great but a few coworkers much trickier. I’ve managed to go back to work 3 weeks after the DIEP procedure (part time home working), as I only have 2 weeks of sick leave and a mortage to pay. I am hoping to work through most of the treatments as I can work from home, and I have a good initial health base and do alot of exercise.

The nurses and surgeons I spoke to initially were quite upbeat initially, which is annoying now as I have been offered chemo as 2 lymph nodes were involved-- but of course we didn’t know this until after surgery.

I do alot of research and ask a lot of questions, take your time and don’t be rushed into anything. Also trust your instincts.

Good luck!

1 Like
4

Hi lamboo01, Your diagnosis is similar to my own, only I was stage 2, grade 2, 31 mm lump. I had a lumpectomy, then had to have an excision as clear margins weren’t enough first time, this was a shock as I wasn’t expecting a second operation, but apparently it is quite common, then 5 radiotherapy sessions. For me the surgeries were quite easy, apart from nausea after surgery, which was bad, second time the anaesthetist gave me something during my op so I was fine. I had some lymph nodes removed, but still had full use of my arm, I got a lump where they were removed & this seems to be slowly disappearing. My radiotherapy side effects were an itchy rash a couple of weeks later in the shape of an iron and fatigue, all bearable.
I was prescribed Tamoxifen, but I am 76 and the extra 3% against recurrence was not worth it for me, so I decided I didn’t want to risk any side effects. I feel I have been very lucky with my treatment as it doesn’t feel as if I’ve had cancer compared to many ladies on here. Had I worked, I think I could have continued with only the recommended time off. I hope you have as easy a time as I’ve had.
Ask lots of questions, especially your own personal risk of recurrence.
My NHS treatment was quick & 100%.
Best wishes.

2 Likes
5

Hi, sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I was diagnosed in February with grade 2 stage 2, spread to the lymphnodes. I think I was in shock for the first week, my only advice at this point would be to be kind to yourself, if you feel sad, angry, tearful thats all completely ok and valid and let it all out.

I had lumpectomy and lymph node removal mid August after finishing 5 months of chemo and I found the recovery ok. I was in and out as a day case, no movement issues and just mild paid which paracetamol helped with.
Apart from being tired from the anaesthetic for the first day I was up and about from day 2, no heavy lifting but general day to day stuff was ok.

I have my final radiotherapy today (woo hoo) ive had 15 sessions and ive been great. Everybody is different but ive managed well, I have a lie down when I get home and dose off for half hour and then just make sure I go to bed at a sensible time. Rest as and when you can but keeping active and drinking water to stay hydrated helps.
My skin has also been really good, something I was very worried about but it hasnt changed at all so far - it can continue to change for up to 6 weeks after radio finishes so not out the woods yet - but I had my review yesterday and the nurse was amazed how well it looks and said it should be ok. I smothered the area in Vaseline Advanced Repair cream morning and night, you cant over moisturise so slather it on.

Good luck with everything xxx

1 Like
7

Hi, sorry to read about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed last year after routine mammogram. 17mm tumour, so had lumpectomy and node biopsy. Admitted 7.30am and discharged 5.30pm. Surgery went fine. Lumpectomy area had no pain at all. It was the lymph node biopsy that was painful. I just took the painkillers for a couple days and it gradually settled. Make sure you do the exercises as the do help ease any shoulder stiffness.
I could manage light exercise within a few days then gradually built up over a few weeks. I was unable to drive for maybe a couple of weeks.
I saw my surgeon for follow up 3 weeks after surgery. Lumpectomy margins were clear, but cancer in first lymph node. Saw oncologist 2 days later. She arranged 5 sessions radiotherapy and 5 years tamoxifen.
With the radiotherapy, I got extremely tired after first 3 sessions. It eased over the weekend, before I went back on the Monday. I did get a bit of burning, then blistering a couple of weeks later. Make sure you use the creams.
I am doing fine after 1.5 years. I do get quite tired at times. I still get sore underarm if I carry heavy things.
Hope this helps you a bit and I hope your little one is feeling better too x

1 Like
8

Hi lambo01

Sorry you have to be here, but welcome!

I’m 46 and same as you I was referred due to an issue on one side to be told that was fine but had cancer in the other boob, bit of a shock! My final results ended up as Stage 1 Grade 2 17mm IDC and a couple of little Grade 1 IDCs and some DCIS thrown in for good measure. Thankfully all removed and lymph nodes clear. Chemotherapy wasn’t recommended for me (ER+ 7/8, HER2-).

Recovery from lumpectomy was fine with only a couple of issues of a haematoma which was dealt with quickly and suspected start of infection so had some antibiotics (these made me feel sick and were, unbelievably, the worst part of all the treatments I have had!). I did overdo it after about a week and some swelling moved (gross!) which was really uncomfortable under my arm and took a couple of days to ease. I was back to gentle jogging after about two weeks, normal running and light weights at the gym after a month. Could have gone back to work pretty much straight away but I do work from home and my boss insisted I took a couple of weeks off.

Radiotherapy was straightforward. In and out in 15 mins each time. Tiny bit of pinkness but nothing major. Two weeks after treatment I had one weekend where I was exhausted but I rested lots and it quickly passed.

Now been on Tamoxifen for six months. After a couple of weeks I had a few days where I struggled to focus and kept forgetting things which wasn’t great. I changed the time I take it to later in the day so it didn’t affect work and since then had no problems and think it was likely just getting accustomed to a new medication. I had a couple of slightly warmer nights in the first few weeks but no issues at all since then.

Eight months from diagnosis and it as if it had never happened and I’ve felt that way for a good few months. I know how fortunate I have been and am extremely grateful.

You sound much like me in terms of wanting to know how other people have experienced this, so I hope this is in some way useful. Any questions please just shout and good luck with everything. x

3 Likes
9

@lambo01 - hi and welcome to the club none of us wanted to be in. I was also diagnosed with IDC 6mm this time last year. I had a lumpectomy and SLNB in January and was home the next day, on going treatment was 5 days of radiotherapy and 5years of Letrozole. My story differs somewhat from there to yours. I’m 78 and my 84 year old husband is dependant on me, his first question when I came home was “what’s for dinner”. Apart from lifting and over stretching my arm/upper body my life just went straight back to normal with no problems. I did do four things though - practised the exercises they give you multiple times a day/ rested between jobs, little and often/ got lots of sleep to get the GA out of my system/ took paracetamol regularly for the first week. I can honestly say it was really easy and straightforward. Don’t be tempted to pick your little one up, sit down and get her to climb on your lap for a cuddle. Will be thinking of you on the 3rd and wishing you an easy and straightforward recoveryxx

2 Likes
10

Hi I am so sorry you are in this position.

I was diagnosed last December and am a similar age to you- 42. It was also a grade 2 IDC.

My lumpectomy was quite straightforward. I actually took my youngest to a birthday party two days after wards and was able to do most of my every day activities. I did avoid more strenuous activities like house work for a while.

I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

3 Likes
11

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. It’s genuinely been a comfort knowing that there are others who have similar diagnosis to myself and have had positive outcomes (as positive as we can be as let’s be frank, none of us want to be here!). I was worried people would be like oh you’re only stage one, beat it! It’s really helped me start to deal with things. Yes I am grateful that I’m an early stage but it’s still a lot to deal with, physically and emotionally.
I had a major cry today after my wee girl cuddled me and asked if I had a sore tummy as I was sitting all quiet. Went for a bath and sobbed! Think I’ll be greeting over the smallest things for a while but that’s all part of the process I guess. Thanks again x

8 Likes
12

It’s a shock to be told you have cancer, the Consultant seemed to be positive but one of the Breast cancer nurses did tell me to prepare myself as the result could be different, and it was.

I had a lumpectomy November 2021 and I could not believe how well I was after having an operation, I felt absolutely fine. Few weeks later Consultant told me the margins were clear but cancer was invasive so they wanted to check the lymph glands. I had another op to remove lymph gland on 20th December and home that evening, again felt fine but I asked when could I drive as I wanted to stay with family over Christmas. The nurse told me that my car insurance would not cover me for 3 days and then ladies perhaps would drive a couple of miles initially to see how they were, but the Consultant said see how you feel as he knew I had a long journey to family. As I was single and had always lived with my mother who had recently died, I did not feel like being on my own Christmas and so Christmas Eve I drove 160 miles to my brother’s house and was physically ok. Lymph gland was clear of cancer so I did not need chemo, but I had 10 days of radiotherapy end March. The norm I was told was 5 days but as the cancer was near the scar they gave me an additional 5 days. Towards the end of my radiotherapy treatment a nurse asked me how I was and did I have support at home, this upset me as I had no one and I burst into tears. I was grieving for my mother who I was very close to, she had dementia and I was fortunate to have been be able to look after her at home until a few weeks before she died when she was taken ill and admitted to hospital. However, my niece was due to get married a couple of weeks after my radiotherapy so just 9 days after my final session I drove the 160 miles again to stay with family. I felt tired after the radiotherapy and looking back I don’t think I was really safe driving that long distance so soon as I was so tired and sleepy, but felt I had no choice but to go.

Like you, I was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 2 and now almost 3 years later I feel fine, so grateful for the early diagnosis and have had 2 clear annual checkups.

3 Likes
13

Hi lambo01 I’m so sorry for your news it’s just dreadful hearing the word cancer, I had lumpectomy dec 22 and I had a 2 year old tornado child, I had my op and was up an about a couple of days later but I felt tight sore and bit of pain when overdoing things , you have to do the arm exercises it’s vital otherwise you may get the dreaded cording from under arm slightly down you arm , plenty of massage helped me tremendously to help with any swelling and fluid build up in op area ,
I recovered quickly, I sadly had a lot of chemo but was ok and coped I think the tornado child kept me going :heart_eyes: then came the radiotherapy, it was quite quick and easy enough But the awful fatigue came and knocked me out regularly so rest was important as I was struggling to function , I was trying to carry on as before thinking I’m fine but I was constantly told to just rest when I could so I began to be very kind to myself an walked regularly did easy exercise to keep my self sane and had plenty of rest when the dreadful feeling of fatigue came , believe me it is extremely difficult as the fatigue is just on another level, Eat well and regularly get some vitamins and rest when your body feels tired, you will feel better.
Two years on for me and I’m finally feeling good about myself and the fatigue is much better, good luck sweetie you will get through this
BC diagnosis is so daunting but it’s treatable and meds have come such along way in the last 5 years, all the very best on your journey
Lots of love and hugs :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: xx

1 Like
14

Hi Lambo01

Yours sounds very similar to mine I’ll keep it brief. Lump found on mammogram, had lumpectomy 2 weeks later 2 lymph nodes removed which were clear. No problems from op then 5 sessions or radiotherapy 6 weeks later, no problems at all, no burning, itching etc just a bit fatigued. Went back to work between surgery and radiotherapy and back to work 3 weeks after radiotherapy. Started on Letrozole but couldn’t tolerate it, took for 14 months and had to stop and was guven Tamoxifen, not happy to take as liked to endometrial cancer and I’ve had previous gynaecological problem in the past so not on any hormone treatment. In summary I sailed through it all, I know everyone has different experiences. Hope all goes well with you. Take care

2 Likes
15

Hi xx firstly sorry this has happened to you, it’s a massive shock. You will get through this though xx Your story sounds similar to mine but mine happened last December so I’m nearly a year down the line now. I had lumpectomy and sentinal nodes removed, was home same day although that can depend on how early in the day you get seen. I was up and about the same day and managed on paracetamol and ibuprofen although you won’t be able to lift anything for a while and you will need to take it easy too, you might be a bit swollen. I did and still do the exercises they gave me religiously. I didn’t have Chemo but I had 5 sessions Radiotherapy and I’m on Tamoxifen for 5 years. They will give you an emollient moisturiser to use for radiotherapy, I didn’t have any pain or skin reaction, just a bit of dry skin afterwards but keep using the moisturiser. I get some swelling periodically in my breast but my breast nurse says this is normal as is being a bit tired. I haven’t had massive side effects with the Tamoxifen, I got a few flushes but they’ve passed. You’ll have lots of appointments and it you might feel surreal but nothing I had done was in any way as bad as I’d built up in my head, the worst thing was telling my husband and Dad. So take one thing at a time and before you know it you’ll have ticked off different treatment milestones. I’m waiting to be called for my first mammogram since so I’ll be glad to tick that milestone off too. I’ve been back at work for 7 months and life has pretty much returned to normal, although I’ve ditched underwire bras​:grin:I feel lucky and I wish you the same luck :heart:xx

2 Likes
16

Thank you so much for your reply. So glad to hear that you feel like things are getting back to normal as at the moment I’m very much in my head. Stupidly googled something yesterday so have convinced myself it’s going to come back, so I’m taking great comfort in others experiences and not some statistics! It’s the waiting I hate. My proposed treatment is the same as yours but obviously will depend on the results after it’s removed. Ordered my non wired bras last night! Not sure in my 40s I should be cutting about with no wire support but I’ll def be treating myself to some comfier bras. I just want to be back to normal, or what will be my new normal as soon as I feel ready. Good luck with the first mammogram since treatment as well-you’ll be grand and it’s definitely a comfort to know the follow up is in place. I’m a few years off regular screening so that was a massive worry for me.

2 Likes
17

My diagnosis is very similar to yours. Stage 1 grade 2 My lump was 16mm. It was found by chance on a routine mammogram at the end of Feb this year (I’m 65).
I couldn’t feel it at all. Even my consultant, who know where it was, couldn’t feel it. I am also like you, a natuarally positive person and like to work with actual facts.

TIP: I was advised to use Aveno body lotion twice a day, before my operation. Also, once the op site had healed enough, twice a day before and during the radiotherapy. It worked wonders!! …and it gave me a lilttle control back i.e. I was doing something positive to help myself.

I was told that 1 in 5 people, having a lumpectomy may have to have another little up to shave off a bit more. Lumpectomy was mid May, they also said that they would put some blue dye and some radioactive stuff in me to highlight my lumph nodes (I didn’t have to avoid children or vunerable people because of it). The op should have been at the end of April but there was a mix-up with the pre-op. (I have a number of other conditions, inc sleep apneoa and a heart issue and they booked my into the wrong operating theatre). The operation went well and the recovery was went really well. The blue dye stain a small area on my breast, it took a few months to disappear. As my friend had virtually the same experience as me. We decided that we were in a very specail club. The Blue Tit club! The scar is now hardly visable. (it skirts the edge of my nipple).

The appointment, to get the results got delayed TWICE, both times on the morning of the appointment. That was hard to deal with waiting a week each time. For me it was the not knowing although I understand that the delays are to do with the lack of people to analyse the results now that more people are checking themselves and coming forward to be investigated.

Nevertheless, my results were Stage 1, Grade 2 as I was told earlier. They also confirmed no lymph node spread as well. Radiotherapy was for 5 days in August. I didn’t feel anything at all and it is only now, in November that I am aware of a feeling, in my breast, that I understand is probally related to things settling down. I am going to see the breast clinic to check it out that what I now feel is my new normal. I don’t know if it was because I used the Aveno, but I have had no marks or redness at all!!

I was given Letrozole (estrogen reducing tablets) I was told that I will probally be taking them for 5 years. (in fact, I was told that this may even be extended to 10 years - they are doing research as to the best time scale at the moment. I do get slight ‘PMT’ type symtoms. e.g feeling hot at times. I actually sailed through my memopause with no symtoms that I ws aware of. A few PMT symtoms mow is a small price to pay for reducing the risk of the cancer coming back. I have also recently had a DEXA scan to see if my bones are thinning (thankfully that are not,). I will be having another DEXA scan in 4 years. This is because the medication can thin bones so they want to keep an eye on it. I am taking, and have taken for a few years) vitamin D to help maintain good bone health. I will also have yearly momograms from the date of the operation.

At the time, the worst bits for me was when my operation was postponed and waiting for the results of the operation. I also now realised how I have coped so well (well that is what everyone says to me) I have realised that I am an over eater! I probally put on a stone during the process. (you can probably gues what my New years resolution might be in January!)

TIP keep busy and try to focus on other things when your mind tries to overthink (or google). Playing Candy Crush and doing some family tree research helped. Focusing on that, for me, did’nt leave to much space in my mind to overthink. Also, try to keep a sense of humour, it helps.

Overall, I feel incredabilly lucky. Thank goodness for routine mammograms!

Wishing you all the best on your journey, take care of yourself, try to enjoy and focus the other good things in your life while you are being treated. xx

2 Likes
18

Thanks so much for the reply - my results are due between Christmas and New Year so I’m hoping that they don’t get delayed as everyone is off enjoying the festivities! I think the things that are very apparent from joining here is that there is a new normal, a new way of looking at our bodies and adjusting to the challenges. I was talking to a girl who I work with today and she had breast cancer a few years ago and is still suffering the after effects (she was more advanced) but she’s just focused on the good things that happen to her, and the reassurance that she’s getting yearly checks, seen if she has any queries, same as yourself. I think it will be a while for me adjust to the new way of things and any side effects, but hearing stories like your own def makes it feel a LOT better about what’s ahead x

1 Like
19

Hi Lambo,
First of all, sending you a hug. It’s a lot to take in. I’m beginning to emerge from a similar set of circumstances and was able to let my family know that it was upsetting but not catastrophic. My sister’s a surgeon and described the process as “dull”, which in a way is good. I had the lumpectomy/wide local excision (14mm) and worked throughout 12 weeks of chemo, albeit reducing to 90% hours and then 70% for the final 3 weeks. I’m starting radiotherapy shortly. I stayed away from Google and even this forum until I was half way through chemo, as I just didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with it all. Take it one day at a time xxx

20

Hi - so very sorry you’re going thru this, but you’re not alone. I was diagnosed last week with right IDC HR + HER2 negative. Ultrasound on lymph nodes looked clear but there’s the fear that it will either spread there while I wait for treatment or it HAS spread but the nodes are just not swollen yet. The fear and waiting is the worst thing known to man and I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I hope you receive some good news thru your treatment. I can’t comment on any treatment yet as it hasn’t even been a week since my diagnosis, it’s just comforting to know I’m not alone. Best wishes and I will pray for you :heartpulse:

1 Like