Hi all, last week I had a lumpectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma which was picked up on a routine mammogram. I have stayed pretty positive as it was caught early. Since my surgery whilst waiting for my results I have felt a bit rubbish, it could be hayfever but in my mind it’s cancer and I can’t stop imagining that what if it’s somewhere else and they only found the breast cancer?. I have a worrying feeling this this will turn me into a hypochondriac with every little thing having me thinking it’s cancer. Hopefully when they’ve checked my lymph nodes and the margins for the breast are clear I may feel better, but for now I’m worried to eat red meat drink any alcohol and have non flammable material in the house because I am reading up on anything and everything and it’s sending me crazy. Please tell me this is normal and I will calm down a little bit and be able to have a glass of wine with friends occasionally and stop stressing about the contents of my home.
Welcome to the forum Julie , I think we all feel pretty much the same as you when first diagnosed , it’s very easy to drive yourself round the bend , yes you will calm down and be able to have a glass of wine without anxiety , it just takes time .step away from Google ( it’s no expert ) and listen to your doctors , Things will feel normal again (slightly new normal ) and things will feel more manageable - I promise !!!
im 8 years post IDC and lumpectomy now , the fear lessens and most of the time you are able to put it to the back of your mind cos what’s the alternative live in fear ? Most people with early stage breast cancer have a very successful outcome and hopefully you will also be one of these people .Best wishes Jill x
Hi @julie_123
How you are feeling is completely normal! I think most of us will read your post and think “aaaah yes, I remember that feeling”.I was diagnosed last August. I finished treatment 2 weeks ago - (mine was Her2 positive so I had to do chemo, lumpectomy and radiotherapy). I remember convincing myself that I was “riddled” because I had various aches and pains when i was diagnosed. Anxiety can do funny things to you!
I asked my oncologist about the so-called “risk factors” that you can find on Google or in my case, it was everything Julia Bradbury told me to avoid on instagram! She said to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle with everything in moderation. Its standard advice really isn’t it. I was never “high risk “ anyway- only drink on special occasions, exercise daily, good diet, healthy weight, never smoked. In my case, she said it was “bad luck” and to unfollow Julia Bradbury!
You really have to enjoy life. Have that glass of wine with friends! Don’t be living in fear otherwise you’re just existing aren’t you?
xx
Stay strong and positive during this challenging time. It’s normal to have worries and concerns, but remember that you’ve taken proactive steps by getting the lumpectomy and catching it early. Trust in your medical team, focus on your healing and allow yourself to enjoy life’s pleasures without constant worry. You’re resilient, and I believe in your ability to overcome this. Keep the hope alive!