I was told yesterday that I have breast cancer…am completely numb/devastated/disbelieving…
My nipple had changed - it had become inverted so off to my doctors I went. She found a lump too and referred me to the hospital for tests which I had yesterday. I had a mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle biopsy. I was told that the lump was cancerous and would require surgery, but more tests first to find out what type/stage etc…
To be honest I didnt take a lot of it in. The lump is 13mm which i remember her saying is small?
I have further tests on Friday and then full results/options (???) on the 13th.
I realise there are many different treatments etc, but how long after the 13th will I be expected to start treatment/have surgery??
I am feeling totally numb right now…I can’t think straight and have so many questions but my brain seems to have stopped functioning at the moment…
Help… 
Hi Numb
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 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:-
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/resource-pack-primary-early-breast-cancer-bcc145
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. Here you can talk through how you are feeling with a member of staff who will offer you emotional support as well as practical information. They’re on 0808 800 6000 and open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Numb
timings of results and surgery depends on many things, where you are located and what surgery is required Etc. The surgeons will discuss with you any options to be considered and then schedule the right surgery for you. The ‘waiting room’ is the hardest place to be but please try to keep yourself busy and do not google for answers to your questions as you will only make your head spin more! Write your questions down as you think of them and ask your surgeons at your next appointment as you will then get answers specific to you…rather than googles answers which are non specific and often incorrect.
this forum is a great site for support and some of the threads show the lighter side of people going through the BC journey and often make you laugh, Macmillan is another good site for information too.
Will be thinking of you on Friday and on 13th, hope they get you a plan of attack sorted quickly so you know what’s next, it all seems easier to deal with when you have a plan.
kate
x
hi numb
just to say hi, its a lot to take in but you will start to regain control of your life very soon when you have dates and appointments sorted out.
lots of information on this site and lots of lovely ladies with good listening ears.
kindest regards,
angie xx
Hi Numb
Firstly, they won’t know the correct size of your lump until after surgery. But as your doctor said, her estimated 13mm is very small. Some lumps turn out to be 5cm or bigger. Mine was 3cm or 36mm. They would be able to tell you the type from the biopsy. Mine was invasive ductal, 100% ER positive and 70% PR positive, with lymph node affected too. The stage is a bit more complicated and won’t be known until after surgery. As for when treatment will begin, this will depend on what treatment you will be having. I was diagnosed on 30th October and had a mastectomy on 12th December. I could have had it a week earlier but my circumstances dictated I had to wait an extra week. The surgeon wasn’t unduly worried and there had been no change in that time as tumours don’t grow or spread as quickly as we imagine them to.
I needed chemo, which began on 5th February (one more to go) but if you don’t need chemo and just have radiotherapy, the wound will need to be healed before treatment begins. this usually takes around 6 weeks or thereabouts. When you have your full results and a treatment plan in place, you will begin to feel more in control and not worry quite so much as you are now. Very good luck and I know it is difficult, please try to be positive and not to worry too much.
Take Care, Poemsgalore xxx
Hi Numb - I feel for you as I remember being in your position on 30th October last year. Went into total shock and my brain just coudn’t accept what it was hearing. I think each and every one of us on this forum has had, and some of us still have a non-functioning brain, so you are not alone.
Poema Galore has put you in the picture but I just wanted to say that whilst I was in your position in Oct.12 I’ve since had lumpectomy, chemmo and radiation and last Friday was signed off. I feel great and I’ve got my life back again just as you will in a few months hence. Just wanted to wish you luck for your journey and read the forum posts as you can get so much information from them.
Border Collies,
How on earth were you done and dusted so quick?? I had my biopsy on Oct 24 last year, and I still have 6 weeks of chemo treatments to go, then rads which start a month later. I won’t be done until the first week of August!!!
To Numb,
As the others have said, the waiting and wondering at the beginning of all this is definitely the most stressful time. Once you’ve been through all the investigations and have a plan you will regain some equilibrium, and you will find others here in the same boat, so you can go forward together!
Welcome to this exclusive little club, that nobody ever wants to join!