This is truly inspiring. Thank you
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Hi Kellya,
My tests are MRI, Mammography, A biopsy of the lymph nodes. After the mammography and MRI they found calcification in my breast in a separate area so I just had another biopsy now.
It seems there might be more tests if anything comes back positive.
I’ll also get some genetic testing.
How are you coping? I hope your tests are okay?
Yes me, diagnosed in August 23, ER+ HER2+. I had lumpectomy, chemo, Herceptin and radiotherapy and now on Letrozole for 5 years.
I had 6 months off work while having treatment, been back at work FT for a year now. I can honestly say every day is a gift and although I’ve always had a positive outlook on life, after the breast cancer I embrace every opportunity with both hands.
You will feel very uncertain about everything at the moment but when you have a treatment plan it will feel a bit better.
Try and take it one step at a time and you will get through this and come out the other side, I’m sure.
Good luck with it all, and most of all be kind to yourself. Life is a gift, embrace it wholeheartedly xx
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Hi @sim2, I’m sorry to hear you diagnosis. Its is a scary time but its been caught early and the treatment these days is so much more advanced than even a few years back.
I’m 54, I was diagnosed with breast cancer ER/PR+ HER2 negative. Stage 2/Grade 2 in April 2024. I had surgery in May, mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction (from tummy) which removed the cancer. I had 3 lymph nodes removed, 1 was positive 2 negative so went on to have 16 weeks (8 sessions) of preventative chemotherapy and 3 weeks (15 sessions) of radiotherapy. I completed my treatment end of January and am now back to leading a normal life. I’m on hormone therapy for 7 years all part of reducing the risk of it coming back. There are never any guarantees in life but I have had every treatment possible to reduce my risks and I feel extremely positive about my future. Cancer has taught me to live everyday to the fullest and not worry to much about the future. I’m taking up golf this year, lessons start in April 
I’m starting strength training at my gym. I’m also signed up to do a diploma in Health and wellness coaching, something I have put off for years.
I wish you all the best in your treatment, take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. x
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Hi Simone
I’m 49, I caught mine early 3 tumours HR + but HER2 -ve
I had a full mastectomy and reconstruction after which I didn’t need any chemo or radiotherapy… which I am so glad. I’m only 3 months after surgery and it hasn’t been easy going but oh is it worth it to know my body is no longer killing me slowly.
I’m now on tamoxifen which drops you straight into the menopause symptoms which is hilarious if you can laugh at yourself - words don’t come easy!!
Please remember things have changed a lot and you can do whatever you want but give yourself a chance and feel empowered to beat this!
Like others have said take one day at a time… it can all feel very overwhelming and you can’t help thinking the worst, and although I was told I would have to have chemo and radio I had nothing in my lymph nodes because I caught it early. It’s a crazy rollercoaster of emotions but you can do this and beat it!
Good luck and if you need me reach out x
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That’s exactly where I want to be curlywurly1!
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You will be lovely
One day at a time xx
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Hi Simona
I was diagnosed with BRCA2 (44) and my cancer was picked up as part of that check up with the diagnosis coming in September 2023. Since then i had a lumpectomy, chemo, lost my hair, radiotherapy, oopharectomy and just jn October last year a double mastectomy and was put on letrozole with 6 monthly zometa bone infusions. Its no easy path, bit like childbirth at the other side you forget most of what you went through. I now have my hair back, am going swimming 3 times a week. Yeah im tired because of a reduction in hormones but im now reliving my youth and having naps in the afternoon, albeit not so i can go all night clubbing! Its a different pace but i think im back to normal. I was given the cancer clear last May 2024.
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I’m 64. Had routine mammogram mid November, recalled in December. More mammograms, tissue biopsies, MRI diagnosed with stage 1. Feb 14th had a mastectomy (Goldilocks procedure) on right and lymph node biopsy, and reduction on left. Home same day.
Results: No radiotherapy or chemotherapy needed. Just hormone tablets. Only needed paracetamol for a few days. Bit of swelling but other than that I’m fine.
It might seem that every time you have an appointment the goal posts slightly move (forwards and back) but that’s because each test etc provides a bit more information and that might mean your team can check something else. Yes, more tests.
Write down any questions or thoughts. It’s hard at first but now I feel positive that the screening programme did exactly what it’s for - picked up changes at earliest point and got me the treatment I needed to love the rest of my life.
Best wishes xxx
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Hi, my story is very similar to yours.
I lost my mum to breast cancer when she was 47 (30 years ago) I also lost my best friend to it when she was only 31 (20 years ago) so I have always had a massive fear around breast cancer.
I was diagnosed in December 2023 age 49. The diagnoses literally knocked me for six, I was so terrified! My cancer was also ER positive HER2 negative. I had WLE and radiotherapy and have been on tamoxifen since January 2024. I’m not going to lie, I’ve struggled mentally with moving on and with the fear of the cancer returning. But I am definitely coming out the other side now. I’ve had two follow up appointments (it should have only been one but because of my anxiety I had an extra one) and all is fine.
I had a massive celebration for my 50th last year. We’ve just had a wonderful holiday in Mexico. I’m working full time, socialising, exercising and enjoying life again! I have learned that there is life after breast cancer! Treatment now is fantastic and has moved on so much! My consultant/surgeon and BC nurse were all fantastic!
I know it’s hard, but try to stay positive. There is life after breast cancer. And not just life but a great life! xx
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Dear dolly-diva22
What a lovely positive message, I know this will help so many on this site.
Well done to you. Keep well, health and happiness.
Hugs Tili 
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Hi I was diagnosed at 39 with breast cancer got lumpectomy and alll lymph nodes removed left side. Chemo was tough radiation I found ok . It did take about a year to start feeling like myself then had a wonderful 17 years living a wonderful life cancer free then at 57 had a reoccurrence in same breast so had a masectomy in 2020 more chemo and target therapy 2021 again chemo tough. I would advise treatment as I would not have had 17 fantastic years if I did not take treatment
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I am happy
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I think I may accidentally have “flagged” your post and I don’t even know what that means. I don’t know how to undo it sorry 
.
I promise I am not offended in any way by the post and do not deem it inappropriate .
Sorry
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I got diagnosed with secondary breast cancer her2 + sept 22 no lump no symptoms just a rash round my right breast had bn in Greece so thought it was a insect bite but when got home rash got worse & breast got bigger sore red & swollen. Got seen by breast clinic mammogram biopsy who said very likely breast cancer. Dr confirmed it & chemo mastectomy planned met & ct just to rule out not travelled which they didn’t think it had. Unfortunately it had travelled to liver so went from curable to treatable only big shock with an 8 year old. World turned upside down. Was dreading being off work for 6 months & keeping busy. But managed it & responded to treatment got the jag every 3 weeks to contain and life was slowly getting back to normal again got back to work and on family holidays abroad which was just wonderful & how much appreciate life so much more.
In June 24 I started taking dizzy spells, bad headaches and balance went we thought it was an ear infection but unfortunately I got sent to hospital for a scan which showed 3 tumours in my brain 2 50tumours above spinal cord & smaller tumour atOf head absolutely devastated. Apparently when I got initial scan in sept 22 they don’t scan brain so the tumours are likely to have been there then very infuriating as if we had caught them
Smaller I could have got targeted radiotherapy but instead had to get full head therapy which I actually responded to and done ok with.
Again was doing well but took another dip at Xmas scan showed movement in brain again.
So back doing chemo a different chemo this time
Trastuzumab deruxtecan which they said would be much harsher first 2 started at medium and they’ve cranked it up for 3 rd was fine with first 2 but they said I might dip this time.
Hoping to get back to work after Easter holidays need normality back. Unfortunately because of the steroids I’ve put a lot of weight on which is very depressing because I was looking very slim.
Looking for any positive stories and has anyone heard if fenbenzadole my chemo nurse said no but I’ve heard mixed reviews.
Thanks x
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Hello Simona,
After 18years out - after Stage 2.5, a few surgeries, neoadjuvant chemotherapy,
3months of wrong chemo, back for more months of correct chemo, right mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction, radiation, hormone meds… I have been very healthy, and living life fully (with a lovely reconstruction as well). Recently, I was diagnosed with DCIS in situ, stage 0 (? right?). I just had a lumpectomy - so easy, relatively speaking. I’m waiting for pathology to see what’s next. Hopefully just radiation & hormone meds. ALL THIS to share something I feel is very IMPORTANT: I had PTSD and fear and panic arose BECAUSE I had the narrative from last experience. It sounds like you also have trauma around relatives’ experiences, and this is so understandable. I worked with my fabulous therapist, did some EMDR, and approach decisions with less emotion and fear, and with a clearer ability to assess. My advice is to get the treatment! Most of us BC babes live very well after BC incidents. Sending love and support and calm energies to separate fear-based decision making.
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