Hello all. I am a 54 year old mother and Grandmother just diagnosed with BC.
I went to doc at Easter with a breast lump. He thought it was a infection and gave me antibiotics that seemed to make it worse at first then settled it down. Booked a appointment at breast clinic as a precaution. Waited 4 weeks then went along to clinic last Friday.
Had mammograms ultrasound and biopsy’s taken from my breast and armpit. Then was examined by the doctor who told me I have breast cancer gasp! And that’s without the result of the biopsies.
I had gone along on my own not really expecting this news. So I am quite sure a lot of what I was told went over my head. now have to go back with hubby tomorrow to discuss treatment.
Doc wasn’t sure if the team would want to shrink the lump before the mastectomy or just go ahead.He told me I would have the op 1st of June regardless.
Just feel like I want the dam breast removed ASP.
Thats my brief history LOL
Hoping to get to know you all and share our ups and downs along the way. xxx
Hi Peppapot and sorry for the reason you’re here. You will find lots of good advice & invaluable support here. The early days following diagnosis are awful, we all know. And all the waiting is interminable, almost the worst thing of all. Try and remember that there is no emergency, and that a matter of weeks is very much ok medically, if not emotionally.
It is always best to have someone at all your appointments, particularly at the beginning as it’s so difficult, with all the accompanying emotions, to take it all in. In fact, they reckon that the patient in these circumstances only takes in 20% of what they’re being told. My advice would be to arm yourself with some questions, write them down, and get your companion to be in charge of that, reminding you to ask everything & writing down the answers for you so you can refer to them later. Also know that at any time you can ring your breast care nurse and ask anything that’s bothering you or you’ve forgotten - it’s what they’re there for.
You’ll probably feel all over the place for a bit, but better once you know what treatment they have planned, and the treatment has started.
Be good to yourself, take each step as it comes and keep posting here
Phili x
Hi Peppapot
Sorry that you had to join the club that none of us want to be in.
I well remember that blank feeling of being told that you have Breast Cancer when you have gone to an appointment on your own never expecting to be told bad news - I’ve been there. From then on I have never gone to an appointment on my own and have usually gone with a written list of questions, because faced with a doctor or consultant my mind usually goes completely blank.
Once you know your treatment plan you will feel slightly better because you will know what is going to happen. The waiting part is the absolute worst bit.
You will find that on this site there is always someone who will be able to answer questions because we have unfortunatly all been there. Come on the site if only to express some of the feelings that you feel you need to keep to yourself. Rant and moan if it helps. This cyber community have kept me sane on more than one occassion.
Be kind to yourself
Andie
Welcome too a fab group!
I too went on my own to the appointment because my consultant said the week before " its 99% a fibroadenoma" so i sat there being comforted by strangers rather than my lovely husband.
Not good.
The next time i took a list and ticked the questions off as he answered them and took my hubbie too.
Horrid time but getting a plan does make it a bit better in your mind.
Peppapot, sorry you’ve joined our club, but you’re very welcome. I’d echo what the other ladies have said, writing a list is a must, and taking someone along with you too. As Andie says, once you have a treatment plan, some of the uncertainty is taken away and you know what’s happening. Waiting for results, scans, appts etc is just the worst. This site has been invaluable to me, mainly for the comfort and support I’ve received from my ‘cyber’ buddies. All the way through there’s always been many people to give advice, opinions and most importantly ‘cyber’ hugs! Ranting is compulsory so you feel free.
You’ll be allocated a BCN, make use of her and ring whenever you need to, that’s what they’re there for and mine have been great.
It’s an absolutely awful time, at my dx last October I didn’t know how I was going to get through it, but I did. With the love and support of a fantastic family, and my cyber family here on these forums.
Take care and please let us know how you are doing. love and hugs Pat x
Peppapot - sorry that you have had to join us and can only echo what the others have said…
Theresa
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Just knowing I am not alone in this is already an amazing help.
I will let you know what happens tomorrow when I meet the team.
I just hope they have got something together as I missed their usual Monday meeting last week and next Mon is bank Holl.
So will just have to wait and see eh?
Been reading though some posts but a lot of the jargon means nothing to me yet. I think I am about to learn a lot eh?
thanks again you lovely ladies. xxx
Its like learning a new language!! but its amazing how quick you learn it, sorry you have had to join us. this site has been a life line to me and feel I have made so many friends.
Take care love Debs xxx