I have been reading the many threads on this really supportive site and finally got round to logging on and introducing myself. I feel very alone, although there are plenty of friends out there to support me it is useful to talk to people going through the same experiences. I was diagnosed on 3rd April with Grade 2 tumour about 5 cm and no knowledge of the stage yet. I know I had pain the week before I went to the Gp for a referral for mammogram and had for a few years what my Gp put down to fatty lumps - hormonal- they seemed to reduce with evening primrose.
I am hoping that I am going to get through this, the future scares me, though I have been given the news to day that there is no spread in the armpits ( ultrasound) and the Dr is treating it as a detached lump that could be reduced with chemo and then lumpectomy in late summer/autumn. That is the bit that is killing me as I fear so many uncertainties still ahead. I will talk to the Dr about it next week anyway, but anyone else going through the same? I just got off the phone from the hospital as I was typing this as I have been pushing for results from CT and bone scan, they are all clear and I cried for the first time I have been diagnosed, that was very therapeutic, I was sooo worried about those results though the Dr said should be no worries, just precautionary. I will now stop waffling and probably log on to let you know about how the chemo goes tomorrow. The Top Tips were Bril!! Looking forward to your support and supporting others, thanks PS I am 47 years and pre menapausal X
Hi Marvin
So sorry you have had to join us here - but as you have discovered there is a wealth of information and support here - and always a listening ear from people who truly understand what you are going through.
I am 46 (almost 47 !) was dx last Nov with Grade 3 tumour, 5/11 lymph nodes involved and her2+ - my treatment consisted of mastectomy and full node clearance, followed by chemo (Fec x 4), 20 x radiotherapy sessions,chemo again (tax x 4) and then a year of herceptin. I had found the lump myself.
I am currently approaching the 2nd of the Tax chemos- while the chemo isn’t the nicest experience in the world - as many here will tell you - it is very do-able, and you do get through it. I too had bone scans etc prior to my op - and these were clear.
I hope that everything goes okay for you treatment wise - please do keep posting and let us know how you get on
take care
margaret x
Hello, don’t be sad. I am only 37 and exactly in the same circunstances as you and I have got 3 small kids! Grade 2, 5cm etc. My 6 cycles of Chimo starts next Tuesday to reduce the tumor and I will also go for surgery in few months time. I am sure by then I will nedd decent support an dhelp, but I will try to cope meanwhile… I had results from by CT and MRI and they were clear, which was a great relieve! Makes you happy to have it only in one place at least.
Keep strong, we will win this battle.
Hi marvin
Welcome to the forums. I am posting to let you know that Breast Cancer Care have published a Resource Pack, it has been designed for anyone newly diagnosed with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and various treatments, it is available via the following link or by contacting the helpline: breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514 You may find our helpline useful to call to talk through the specific concerns about treatment possibilities that you may have, they can talk to you about our other support services too and also offer support, information and a ‘listening ear’. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, 9am - 2pm. I hope you find this helpful.
Best wishes
Katie
Thanks for your prompt postings… and support. I have the resource book and it has been very helpful. Off to buy stuff for the treatment side effects now. X
Dear Marvin and Stylish - Just want to say good luck to you both for your treatment. One of the best things you have done is to find this site. Everyone is so supportive and friendly and there is always someone here to answer questions or just give a bit of support. You know that you really are understood here, whether you are having a good day or a bad one. It can seem so overwhelming when you are first diagnosed as there is so much treatment to go through. But as Margaret has said, you will get through this. Just take it one day at a time and be very gentle with yourselves. Good luck. Sarah
Hi Marvin and Stylish
I was diagnosed in July and am so so glad I found this site, it has been so helpful to look at posts and read ideas to help and support me during the different stages, I have had chemo first and then ops, will move on to rads when healed etc.
Great now to be able to help others like I was helped,who are just starting out on the journey we all wish we did not have to take.
Take it one step at a time, sometimes good to write down questions you want to ask and answers, cos I used to forget or muddle things up.
Ask what you like on here, so good to share, good times as well as worrys and fears with others who are going through at same or different stage of journey with you.
Good luck with your treatments
Take care,
Dawn X
Hi Marvin
I was diagnosed last Oct.I am 46 also. had 7 chemo sessions and lumpectomy on tues,have started on Herceptin and will start radiotherapy approx 4 weeks.It has been a roller coaster both physically and emotionally and some days I wondered how I would get through, but you will be surprised by the reserves you have, and feel free to vent your feelings here, there is always someone who can relate to you and crying helps to release the anger and frustration.
Mary
x