Didn’t realise my life could change so dramatically in just over 4 weeks. Routine mammogram, callback letter, biopsy, confirmation of cancer and surgery (WLE and SLN Biopsy) Just waiting for results now. Have been coping quite well but I think it has all caught up with me. On an emotional rollacoaster this week - any advice and encouragement will be gratefully received.
Hi Luffy,
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, you’ve come to the right place for support.
While you are waiting for your fellow forum users to reply I have put for you below the link to BCC’s Rescource Pack which you can order free of charge. The pack contains lots of useful information to help you through this.
If you need a good listening ear then the helpline staff here are the people for you. Nothing is too trivial, if you need to talk, just phone. Calls to the helpline are free 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Resource pack:
breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/82/
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
hi Luffy
so sorry that you are facing this - it’s scary but do-able and you’ll get through it. It must seem very unreal to you right now but take one step at a time and check in to this forum as often as you like as it is full of wise words of advice and very friendly people. I had a recall from my first mammogram in April and had WLE and SNB - dx with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 2 with dcis- nodes clear - radiotherapy and tamoxifen. Do pm me if you’d like - and am sure lots of people will be along soon. xxchipperxx
so sorry you have had to join us. initial diagnosis is totally devastating, to you and your life, and everything in it.
everything is all up in the air and full of uncertainty, but i promise it does get to a point where things will feel more ‘normal’ again.
take your time and don’t try to be a hero, cry if you need to and come here to let off steam whenever you want. we have all been there.
sending you lots of love and hugs. xxx
Hello Luffy,
Your experience is same as mine. It is a shock and so much to take in, but you have come to the right place and will find support and information. You may be surprised to find yourself having a bit of a laugh from time to time…it is not all doom and gloom!
Look after yourself and ask questions as and when they occur.
Take care and keep coming here…
Sheila xx
Hi Luffy
I’m at the same stage as you - WLE and SNB 11 days ago. I go back for my results on Thursday so starting to get nervous now. Not sleeping too well and suffering a bit with the underarm surgery. My arm appears to be going down the lynphodema route unfortunately. Lets keep our fingers crossed that we are both clear. Let me know how you get on.
MaggieM
Hi All
Me to new to this - diagnosed 26th Oct - WLE and x4 nodes removed 28th - Confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 on 09/11 now going in tomorrow for another WLE as safety margin not reached. It is one hell of an emotional roller coaster but we are not alone and I have found this site so reasurring. Keep you chins up, cry when you want to and remember you have joined a very special group of ladies who know exactly how we are feeling stage by stage. Take it a day at a time and allow a wallow every now and again - I think we have earned the right to xxxxx
Hi Luffy
Sorry you are having to join us but you have come to the right place, the support and advice on these forums are second to none. Don’t hesitate to voice any worry however silly you think it seems, someone here will have had the same experience and can usually help.
I too have been the same experience as yourself, routine mammogram, recall, WLE and SNB. My op was on 25 August. I am now nearly at the end of radiotherapy. I am sure the other ladies will have said the same think but it so much easier to cope with once you get those results and know the next stage of treatment. I felt in total denial as if I was watching it all happen to someone else, it still can feel unreal to me even now. It’s such a shock when it comes out of the blue and you haven’t even noticed a lump etc. You are bound to be all over the place.
Good luck you will find lots of friends on here Laurasue xx
Dear Luffy, I’m a year down the line from you and the shock of the dx is truly horrible. Try and take one day at a time, easier said than done, but helps keep things manageable
Best wishes
leadie
Hi Luffy,
you are in the same position as me at the moment, I had WLE and SLB 5 days ago and get results on 25Th nov.The waiting is the worse part,I have had some really nice replies from ladies on this forum,I too am feeling very anxious about results, fingers crossed for everyone waiting for results.
hugs to you Wendy xxxx
Hi Luffy,
Just wanting to send best wishes to you. You will find support, information and friends here, and I have found it great to have help from people in a similar situation - invaluable.
Asks all the questions you need to (here and your medical people), try not to worry too much (I know that is easy to say, but try and distract your self if at all possible). I think waiting is one of the worst parts.
Take good care, with love,
Thank you to everyone who has sent messages. This is a great website. I have definitely found some friends now. Feeling a lot better today and in some strange way looking forward to getting my results. I can’t change what has happened but have to just get on and deal with it and with all the help out there I will. Family,friends and work are being fantastic. Forgot to mention that I’m a keen runner - are there any other runners out there going through this?
good attitude Luffy ! hope the results are good for you xx
Hi luffy,
lovley to hear you are feeling a bit better today, I also feel the same now, once the results are in for everyone waiting we will have a clearer picture on future treatment, keep your chin up,this forum is such a comfort.
hugs wendy
Hi Luffy
Welcome to the place where no one really wants to be but finds it isn’t as bad as they imagined. I’m not a runner but a fledgling triathlete. Husband has done so many that I decided it was time to try myself. Did 2 last year and managed one short one before this pesky cancer came along. Had WLE and SNB(nodes clear) end of July followed by radiotherapy x15. Finished mid October. Have started swimming 10days ago with no problems. Don’t know about running as it isn’t my favourite bit and have big boobs. My sports bras are still a bit too uncomfortable and don’t fancy bouncing along!!! That’s my excuse anyway!!!
Hope all goes well for you and any others still in the system
LOL
Margaret
Hi Luffy,
I am quite keen to get running again. I used to do a fair bit before needing a hysterectomy, just started to get going again and needed a couple of rounds of surgery for bc, so am far from feeling fit at the moment!
I am, however, determined to try and get as active as possible (although I know I need time for everything to heal properly). I can’t even comfortably wear a bra at the moment (3 weeks post mastectomy and reconstruction), let alone think about running no matter how good a sports bra! Hoping to get swimming again soon, and am finding tai chi really good. Just need some patience and self discipline about how to start running gradually again.
After my previous lot of surgery it was just great to get out and start walking again, gradually building up distance and pace. I have not run for 3-4 months now, so I know it will be hard going at first.
There are few other runners that join in these forums (sorry, not remembering their names at the moment), as well as other sporting types, and I have found it very positive to hear about their progress. (I was particularly keen to hear from others who had had LD flap recon surgery, as I was worried about my back strength).
Wishing you well, with love 