Hello everyone… Just thought I’d add my experience on here. Very scary time. Well found lump start Nov 2018, but due to xmas, I didn’t have tests until 27 Dec… (so my 2 week urgent ref took 6 wks- all the waiting, altogether took over 2months, it’s been torture) had mammogram, ultrasound and 5 biopsies. Told lump was 45mm and very suspicious. Yesterday 11 Jan 2019 I was told I have breast Cancer … grade 2 (not stage) and its invasive… not in 2 lymph nodes where had biopsy… But - still waiting on grading and CT scan to find out more?.. also waiting if HER neg or positive type of cancer. Not sure of type of surgery or treatment yet… ! Tho i have been explained to covering everything… I have my pre-op next week, and also another appt to meet with surgeon again… after he has MDT meeting and talks with plastic surgeon . things should come a lot more clear next week. I can’t believe it… Im so emotional. not knowing full picture yet. Lost my mum 6 yrs ago to Pancreatic Cancer… and feel so sorry for my Dad to have to tell thim this. I live alone, so can be lonely at times… tho daughter, sister and friends are fab. Im single, scared on my own. I will be 49 yrs this month. X
Hi Chelles,
…& a warm welcome here, although it’s not where you’d want to be of course.
Others here have to deal with this living on their own too & will hopefully be along to share experiences.
Anyway, you’re not alone here, so do come & chat or vent whenever you need to.
ann x
Welcome Chelles - you will never be short of support on this forum .Even living with family /partner cancer is a very lonely place at times and only those who have been through it can really understand .The first few weeks are pretty awful but it does get better and less overwhelming .Please come and chat anytime always someone about .Jill xx
Thankyou for your replies… and kind words…
Already gained a little comfort knowing that I’m not alone x x
It is certainly overwhelming and scary at the moment, with so much to take in … not yet having all my results.
I’m so aware of it, even when I turn over in bed, raise my arm etc… I can always feel this heavy, strange , dragging sensation in my breast !! … (awful)
Thanks for listening… & speak soon…
xxx
Hi Chelles, sorry you find yourself here but glad you found us as you will gain lots of support from people who understand what you are going through. As Jill suggested, living with others doesn’t increase your feeling of understanding as your journey has gone off in its own direction. Do you have friends and family who may be able to give you a lift to the hospital so you can avoid public transport? You can continue to drive but may need support for your appointments. Even though you’ve had to wait a bit longer due to Xmas period the cancer doesn’t spread that quickly so it shouldn’t make too much difference. I was diagnosed March 2017 and my tumour was 90mm and I had 9/12 lymph nodes affected and I’m still here and doing well after chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. Here is my story which you may find some comfort from: lifeafterlola.com
Once your treatment plan is in place you can chat with others going through the same on the “going through treatment” threads. If you are having chemo there is a monthly chemo threads for everyone starting chemo on the same month. I found this really helpful and still keep in touch with my chemo buddies. This is a very daunting time to get your head around and your feelings are completely normal. xxx
Hi Chelles
I think the hardest part is the period of diagnostics and then waiting for treatment to start when you just flip from appointment to appointment. I was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive tumour with lymph involvement back in 2011 and had lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy and got through that and had many healthy years since. Unfortunately it’s come back and I’m facing it for the second time in my 40s but I feel stronger and more prepared and certainly more informed than first time around. My advice is to read what you can on reputable websites. I even got books from the local library on how chemotherapy works and what it does to the body and I got some comfort from that. Once you start on your treatment you will find an inner resilience and strength like you haven’t known before and you will take it forward with you for the rest of your life. But right now you’re in that limbo land needing clarity around treatment and that’s a really anxious and scary place to be. It’s good that you have got a support network around you as you will need help along the way. There is light at the end of the tunnel but it’s understandably a long way off right now. Sending positive thoughts to you. X
CT scan is to see if has spread to liver or lungs, it’s fairly routine, don’t worry! They need the info so they can give you advice as to best treatment.