I am a 55 year old woman (post menopausal), and was diagnosed with Cancer in my right breast on the 11th December 2009. I was actually recovering from Gastric Surgery (I had my gastric bypass surgery redone on the 17th October 09), and felt as though my right breast was a little numb. When I felt it I found a lump which seemed to go from underneath round to the top. Anyway, husband said he could feel it too, so went to GP, who arranged an appointment for me at the local Hospital on the 11th December. Consultant said the swelling I could feel on the top of my breast was the Lymph nodes, so they did a biopsy in the lump, and the lymph node area as well (don’t know what type of biopsy, but it looked vaguely like a gun, and sort of clicked when they did it).
Anyway, I asked the Doctor carrying out the test, is it an irregular shape (because I know that can be a bad sign)?. To my horror, he said `what you’re really asking is - is it breast cancer… and if you’re asking that I have to say yes it is’.
Went back to the Consultant in tears, and she said that the tumour is 2.1 cm, but they have to wait for the result of the biopsy before starting treatment to establish the type of tumour, and whether it is in the lymph nodes. So I am going back to meet the medical team who will be looking after me on the 30th December 09, to discuss what treatment they plan.
I just don’t know where I am emotionally. At work I get by, and am just on automatic pilot (although I have told my line manager and big boss - who are very supportive, and said if I need time off I can have it, and that my job is mine for as long as I want it), but at home I go from complete optimism, to total despair in seconds. I am not ready to die yet, I want to see grandchildren at some stage.
I am also confused about why I have got this, because I have done family research back to 1750, and don’t know of anyone who died of cancer, so it’s not genetic. I suppose I was once obese (have lost seven stones in weight since my first gastric bypass in 2007, and now weigh 10st 10lbs), so maybe that caused it. But then my last mammography was in 2007 (when I was overweight), and that was clear.
The only thing I can think of is that I did have post menopausal endometrial hyperplasia a few years ago (which is caused by the body converting fat cells to oestrogen producing cells - which causes the endometrial lining to keep thickening), so maybe I am still making oestrogen, and that is causing problems ?.
Whatever the cause, I suppose it makes no difference now - I just have to focus on getting rid of it. The worst thing is some ways is waiting to hear what they have in store for me (although I guess if they told me it is beyond treatment, that would actually be the worst).
I also have so many questions. The first one is how long does it normally take to decide on treatment? Three weeks feels like forever.
Secondly, if it is in the lymph nodes, what will they do about it, and how will they know it hasn’t gone beyond there?
Thirdly, having had a gastric bypass, my stomach pouch won’t even tolerate aspirin, and in anycase drugs are poorly absorbed, because the dueodenum is bypassed, so how will they give me powerful drugs ?.
Anyway, I’m so sorry for this dreadfully long post, when so many of you are probably suffering far worse. Thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest.
Hi Mars2,
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums where I’m sure you’ll get lots of support from the many informed users of this site.
While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below links to some of BCC’s publications that you may find useful. All BCC publications and services are free including the helpline where the staff will support you if you need someone to talk to in confidence. The helpline number is 0808 800 6000, for Christmas and New Year opening times see the home page of this website, otherwise the helpline is open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm.
Referral to a breast clinic
Resource Pack:
Breast cancer and you:
breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/89/
I hope some or all of this helps. Take care.
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
Mars2 - so sorry that you have had to join us - it is very tough at the start whilst you wait to find out what treatment will be happening and whether there is any spread… It really does get easier with time as you feel you are now fighting the disease and have an idea of what you face…
If they think there may be spread you usually have to have some more scans - i had a full bone scan, a chest xray and ct scan.
Chemo is usually given intravenously - although there are some types given as a tablet but they are usually for patients who have cancer that has spread…
As you read everyone’s story on here you will find that most people actually have no family history… and there is a real range of ages from women in their 20’s to their 60’s and beyond… Please do not beat yourself up wondering what has caused this.
Do keep posting - you will find everyone on here is very suportive and there is usually someone that can answer your questions…
Theresa x
Hi there
Sent through a long response which looks like it didn’t go through.
What I said was that what you’re feeling is not surprising as it is such a huge shock. I am 45 years old with no family history of breast cancer so it was out of the blue for me too.
The wait is hard. I had my biopsy on 12 Jan, results 6 Feb and then started treatment on 4 March. The team look at each case individually and decide on the plan. This MAY include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then medication.
My cancer had gone to the lymph nodes under my arm. I had all those lymph nodes removed during surgery.
When I first had my diagnosis I felt horrendous and kept breaking down in tears and like you was optimistic one minute and in the bleakest of places the next. That rollercoaster did improve for me as I went through the treatment and I am in a much calmer place now.
Hopefully you will find the forum useful but may I suggest also ringing the helpline and asking them to send you a pack of information.
Sending you a big hug
Elinda x
Hi Mars2
What the others have said is true. Its tough at the beginning but does get easier when you have a treatment plan. I’m 42 and had no family history either. It was in one lymph node and they took them all out. I had MRI and bone scan but no spread. I’m currently on chemo after having the lump removed. Treatment is fairly standard but it does depend on what type of cancer you have and whether you are pre or post menopausal. We all understand how it is for you but, I promise, it will get easier.
take care
Julia xx
Hi Mars2
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I also found out from the man doing the ultrasound and biopsies, but he had already sussed out that I wanted to see what he was looking at (he showed me the mammograms results too) and that I could handle the answer… I am sorry you got one who didn’t break the news very gently. I found it prepared me for when I went back in to the consultant surgeon and I wasn’t in so much shock with him (although it hit me more about 30 minutes later!!).
Regarding your questions:
-how long does it normally take to decide on treatment?
-It will vary, but mine was 4 weeks between initial GP visit and hospital check up, but then only 1 week for results of biopsies and then 1 week to surgery (mastectomy).
-If it is in the lymph nodes, what will they do about it, and how will they know it hasn’t gone beyond there?
-There are a couple of ways of indicating if lymph nodes are involved, including sentinel node biopsy which is a surgical procedure. If one or more are involved, they usually remove them all. In my case, they did it all in one surgery as they ‘looked funny’ but sometimes they take a few, test them, and then go back for the rest.
You will usually be offered a CT and a bone scan, possibly also MRI scan, to see if they can find any other signs of cancerous cells. This is quite routine, so being offered it does not mean they are particularly worried for you. I think your blood results and general health are also indicators.
-Having had a gastric bypass, my stomach pouch won’t even tolerate aspirin, and in anycase drugs are poorly absorbed, because the dueodenum is bypassed, so how will they give me powerful drugs ?.
-I can’t comment, but keep a list of the questions that pop into your mind, and details of your medical history and dates as they will want to know all of this. Chemo is given intravenously, but it acts on fast-growing cells including the bacteria in your stomach/gut, which is why many people (but not everyone) feel sick on it, so it is vital they know about your stomach issues.
I am SURE yours will be treatable, so do not give dying a second thought. You’re not going anywhere just yet!!! And the treatment is ‘doable’, if a little prolonged… You’ll get through this. xxx
Hello Mars2 - I hope that you feel a bit better by sharing your concerns/anxiety and that you will now have your treatment plan after returning on the 30th; not knowing and waiting I found has been the worst part of this process when newly diagnosed - like you I am just post menopausal and was diagnosed early December 2009 following a routine mammogram and was in total shock and imagined the worst case scenario that life was to come to an end and not in my life plan! so to date have had lumpectomy, wide excision and sentinel node biopsy, thankfully lymph nodes clear, had to return for another wide excision and now awaiting that result before deciding final treatment plan. I also started to question “why me” and like you have an interest in genealogy but I quickly realised that I was not going to find an answer in the past or beat myself up on all the things which might have or not have caused this, so I plan to be around to see grandchildren it gives my a focus and hope for the future. So much progress has been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer so I feel that I am in a better time/place for treatment which is matched to individual need rather than one treatment for all. Please get as much support & help as you need I have found my Breast Care Nurse very helpful as well as the support from family, friends, employer and also from this site it all helps during the dark times. You are not on your own - best wishes.