I was diagnosed just yesterday with invasive ductal carcinoma, I was given lots of other info, but as I’m sure you all know it’s a bit too much to take in. The nurse marked everything off in a booklet for me to read & digest when I can. They took a lymph node sample when doing biopsy & they were clear.
They seem quite confident that they can remove the lump without the need for a mastectomy so booked for surgery on 17th & they’ll do further tests to double check the lymph glands aswell.
Chemotherapy & radiotherapy treatment will follow after that.
I’m not sure how to feel about everything at the moment, I just don’t really feel anything if I’m honest. Everyone around me is taking it worse than me. I’m not sure if its not really sunk in yet.
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.
As well as the support you are receiving on the forums 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:-
Also do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
I was diagnosed on 12th March a date forever burnt in my brain. I also felt numb and everyone else seemed to take it badly. Its shock, its take a while to sink in, still feels like its not real but I have found this site to be of such a great help and just wanted to tell you that you are not alone.
My pre op is tomorrow and lumpectomy on 15th. Initially I couldn’t focus on anything I felt like I was in a fog. I don’t know your situation but I had a couple of days off work and then went back which has helped a lot because I kind of feel normal for the hours I’m there. I have found the weekends the hardest. Keep in touch on this site. You can ask any questions without feeling silly and share how you are feeling and in my experience there is always somebody who will answer. Take care xx
although you will often discover what you are feeling is “normal” it is not normal for you or your family. The leaflets available do give good tips on how you can deal with some situations like telling others.
you will find this a great place to get info and let off steam.
Hi my names Jan this morning I was told I have a lump I was called back for a further mammogram & ultrasound they said its so tiny you couldn’t feel it - have to wait for appointment for biopsy but have been told I’ll probably have lumpectomy & possibly radiotherapy - feel very frightened and confused have been told its treatable but doesn’t seem to be going g in my head right now - I’m new to the forum so please bear with me, I wish everyone out there all the best x
Hi M
Thank you so much for your kind words it really means a lot to me that you have made me feel so welcome and know how I feel.
I am so pleased to hear things are going better for you, its very encouraging.
A big hug for you & all ladies out there in the same situation - let’s keep strong love Jan xx
I’m so sorry to hear your news. I was diagnosed with a grade 3 invasive carcinoma in November 2013 after a routine mammogram (thank goodness for mammograms)! Like you I felt totally shocked. I had two lots of surgery and am due to complete 4 weeks of radiotherapy this month. I just want to say that you will find the strength to cope with all your treatments. With the support of family, friends and this wonderful band of ladies on this forum you will get through it and come out the other end. If you’re worried about anything or need to ask questions from others that have been there you only need to ask.
Hi all ladies out there, have been out today with my husband & friends all very nice lovely lunch and I was smiling as much as I could, but inside I feel dreadful today - they all know what’s wrong and are so kind, but I keep shaking and try to run away inside my head but I can’t. Does any of this make sense I’m sorry if it doesn’t. Take care x jan
Hi Kathy Thank you so much for your kind words it really means a lot, I’m sure I will find the strength from somewhere eventually, my family will help me take care x jan
Hi jan yes it does make sense and the worse thing is we get these little thoughts that have a way of creeping up on us, I was diagnosed 13/3/2013 talk about unlucky 13 lol I had a mastectomy and a full lymph node clearance on 4 April 2013 but I can still remember all my thoughts and feelings like it was yesterday,I would go about my business then id have a little cry dry my face then carry on with what ever it was I was doing but all the time I stayed positive and would often tell myself ‘I will take what ever they throw at me and l’m lucky it could be a lot worse’ As the days pass it does get easier its just so difficult getting your head around it all.I only told my immediate family and at work my boss and two work pals I didn’t want any one to know I didn’t want any horror stories or that sad smile people give you I just wanted normality.I had my op easter week after that I didn’t care who knew.We all have different ways of dealing with things. Good luck with every thing.Yvonne
Hi Yvonne Thank you for writing to me and telling me about your experience I hope everything goes well for you - I just hope they see me soon at the clinic for the biopsy then I will see things moving on, I wish you luck with everything as well love jsn x
Hi Sue3689
I have just been diagnosed too, I am waiting to hear from the clinic when I will see the consultant for a biopsy. I too feel the waiting is awful but I know things take time re biopsies etc, I look at my daughter whose 29 whose staying with us and she is frightened too for me and herself as well, I will take her out tomorrow we will have sometime together, for me, this is the only way I can deal with things.
When I found out last friday from USS I didn’t know which way to turn now I’ve just started to believe I can cope (thanks to the ladies on this forum) and I am accepting of things in time, that go wrong, I’ve had a serious spinal op in the past and may have to have another one day, but you do feel numb and no two days are alike.
I hope your treatment goes ok for you and wish you all the best take care - big cyber hug Jan
Welcome to the BCC forums, along with the support you have found here our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you. Lines are open during the week 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2 on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call
You may find the following link to the BCC ‘Just diagnosed’ information and further support ideas helpful:
Hi Ladies
I have just received an appointment for next Wednesday 16th at 10am to meet the consultant and discuss biopsy etc., while I’m pleased things are moving it also makes it very real & frightening - am trying to be positive, still carrying on as usual and eating chocolate ! Wishing everyone good luck love janXx
Hi Ruth
The waiting causes so much havoc and ordinary things become such an annoyance rather that a nuisance - but you are coping like you always do, we are just all over-consumed with this horror, its natural to feel like tearing your hair out! I’ve come into work , I work four days a week in lighting but I spend a lot of time on my own and my thoughts go haywire. I feel I will probably have time off soon so if I can get up and get ready and come in then thats ok. Maybe if you have your friends emails addresses just send a little note about your phone , even to just one person and then they can pass it on, I know what you mean though, I had to change a hair appointment because its the same as the hospital next week and obviously that comes first but the girl who does my hair is saying “well when can you come/what do you want to do” and you think how the hell do I know - getting positive news would be good right now! (Cancelled for now)!!
The main thing is you get well and you will, that is all that matters - and its great we have people close to us and everyone here for support all my love for tomorrow, we will be here for you love Jan xx
Hi Ruth
Glad to hear things went well today, all sounds very encouraging, unfortunately I don’t know much about the process as I’m still waiting to see the consultant for a biopsy, but it sounds as though they have got everything under control and are supporting you with all the information throughout your treatment, I have been thinking about you and wondering how you’ve got on so I’m pleased to hear from you - rest now (it’s been a stressful day for you) and take care love Jan xx
Hi Ruth & Everyone
Going for my first appointment this morning - while I’m glad they haven’t hung about I’m really nervous as well. I’ve been to this clinic before and its far from great, but as long as they arrange a biopsy and sort me out thats what matters - will let you know later live Jan xx
Hi Ruth
Just on way home, have had a biopsy, but from what they saw on the ultrasound it is very suspicious, I don’t know how or why but nothing the guy said was of any surprise even though I couldn’t help being upset - my husband was with me, he was a histopathologist so he understands everything. Result s are next Friday and then we discuss a treatment plan, from what they’ve seen the lymph are clear so this could be early cancer.
I’m so pleased things are in place for you and your treatment and the ct was clear I wish you so much luck and please keep in touch and will I with you and everyone on this site all my love Jan xxx