I’ve been reading lots of posts over the last week whilst I waited for today to arrive and the results of my core biopsy now I have my diagnosis it’s time for me to post.
I’ve got a Grade 2 tumour in my left breast - it’s 18mm so I think that’s fairly small. I’ve got my surgery on 6th March for a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Then results from that 2 weeks later will decide whether I need chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy.
I told my daughter when hubby brought her home from school - she’s 9 (nearly 10) and she seems to have taken the news OK - I think it helps that Nanna (my mother in law) had breast cancer 3 years ago and she knows that Nanna is OK now. Hubby and I have had a few long talks over the past week - why does this happen to us? My husband had tonsil cancer 8 years ago so when it comes to cancer diagnosis we’ve kinda got the t-shirt already!
Think that’s enough of my ramblings and time for me to go to bed!
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it 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.
Whilst you wait for the other user to reply with their experiences and support you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
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.
Giraffe, sorry you’ve had to join us, it seems like you know what to expect a little bit because of your family history, but what a shock for you to have been dealt this after so much already.
Its good that you told your daughter, have you been given the book called “mummy’s lump” --this is a lovely book for telling children about whats happening to their mum. My son was 12 when I was diagnosed, and my BCN felt I didnt need this book, but I picked it up anyway and it was excellent for him, he wasnt too old for it.
Also I let my kids’ school know what was happening, just in case they suddenly stopped working well in their lessons or became upset etc, the teachers would be able to give them some support if they know whats what.
All the best for your op, I had WLE and SNB in Dec 2010.
Life is not fair. I am sorry you have had to join this forum but you will find it a great support, I’d be lost without it!
I was diagnosed with Bc in November, I had A WLE and lymph nodes mid month, the MTX late November. I’m now 2/3rds through chemo.
It is terrible at the beginning, a real rollercoaster, but once the treatment starts it is easier because you are more in control.
But you are right life is not fair, my OH had a renal transplant 20yrs ago aged 31yrs, then he was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma last January, and I got BC in November. But there is no point in getting angry about it, or wonder why you? The best thing is to accept it and keep positive, negative thoughts will not help you. You have to look at what good you have like your OH and daughter. And as you say your mother-in-law is doing well.
Thankyou all for your support. Thanks for the suggestion of the book for my daughter - I’ll pick one of those up. I called into my daughters school and spoke to the parental involvement officer this morning - I know her really well. She was great and will tell all the staff at school.
My daughter said to me this morning - Mummy you don’t look like somebody with cancer - so I said to her so what do people look like that have cancer? - she then said I don’t really know but I suppose they look like normal people! She made me smile. I collected her from school this afternoon and one of her friends asked me - do you have cancer? I said yes I do and then we carried on walking which was quite bizarre!
I’ve done very little at work today other than make several colleagues cry when I told them the news! They are all amazed how positive I am - let’s hope I continue that way.
Well my positive outlook didn’t last long - the reality of the situation hit me on Thursday night and I fell asleep crying. Got into work on Friday morning and burst into tears there too.
Not feeling too bad today. We went shopping and bought my lovely daughter a new bag to take to dancing so she was happy. She’s been brilliant and hugs me when I’m looking sad.
When you’re on this rollercoaster, things will hit you and fling you upsidedown out of your seat but you will also get the calmer moments, such as with your daughter,
My elder son was quiet about it all and he got his support through huge network of friends at church youth group, my younger son kept me going with his humour and asking the most amazing questions!
You’ll actually find things will settle once you’ve got a treatment plan ahead to focus on, and take each little bit as it comes, and it will pass.
Best wishes
I was diagnosed last week with the same as you only mine is 8mm so very small.I’m full of mixed emotions having good and bad days think it’s the waiting which is driving me up the wall and not knowing what treatment i will be having.Good luck with your op big hugs xxx