Newbie to all this - I received my diagnosis 3 days before my birthday last month which I found particularly unnecessary! But the IBC has been caught early and due for surgery in the New Year and then most likely radiation and I think hormone therapy of some sort too.
One thing I haven’t seen as a possible symptom of BC and why I wasn’t particularly surprised by my diagnosis is I had a really deep itch within my right breast - so not of the skin but it felt from inside. And most definitely only in the one breast. I guess the lesson here is even if the symptom isn’t a “standard” one anything unusual to you should be checked out.
I just also wanted to say THANK YOU to the folk who run this site/charity as it’s been a fantastic resource for getting to understand all the acronyms and what this whole journey means. All the personal questions & experiences people post are also invaluable.
I was able to use one post to ensure I asked my consultant all the “right” questions at point of diagnosis - it helped me feel a bit more in control of this crazy uncontrollable situation.
I also have made my own word document where I copy/paste all the various letters - test results etc so I have everything in one place with the timeline of when I received them. That also has helped me wrap my head around the timeline and actually helps see how much has happened even before surgery is due.
So that’s me - I’m more of a post reader/learner than writer but thanks to all those who do share so much as it all helps us Newbie’s as we join you. Wishing everyone the very best of health.
10 Likes
Welcome @strollingby. The lingo seems bewildering at first but it doesn’t take long to be reeling it all off like a pro. It sounds as if, like me, you fall into the same category as over 65% of us, an er+ early stage tumour which will be treated with lumpectomy, rads and endocrine therapy. All eminently doable. There are a lot of us about so any questions regarding lived experience of any of it, do ask. Enjoy the festive period, if you celebrate it, the damned lump will be gone early in the New Year and you’ll be on the road to recovery.
3 Likes
Hi @strollingby, thank you for your kind words. I have passed on your message to the rest of the team who look after the forum. We have a fantastic team of Community Champions too, who are invaluable in helping us keep the forum a safe and friendly place.
Your idea of keeping everything in one place sounds very good. It can be overwhelming when bits of important info are in all sorts of places! I see what you mean regarding acronyms and abbreviations. We try to write everything in full so info is accessible to everyone. If there’s anything you don’t understand, we’re here and always happy to clarify things.
Sending our warmest wishes for the festive season, and into 2025!
Bernard
5 Likes
I agree this site is very good for writing things out in full - I just meant acronyms in general 
2 Likes
Hello
Always know that there is someone here
Good days, bad days, in-between days and there ia always someone going through the same feelings, fears and thoughts
If you need to chat the Someone Like Me service is invaluable and totally confidential
Whatever comes your way you will cope believe me, even with the odd wobble as we are all capable of so much more than we know
Hugs xx
4 Likes