I feel like I am in a blur - last week got told I have breast cancer, core biopsies, results yesterday, surgeon to see on Monday (she’s off this week) and in hospital Wednesday to have tumour removed. I don’t have any knowledge, or know anyone that has had breast cancer ( looking online that seems amazing!) I really don’t know how to react! Right now It as if I have a giant tarantula sitting on my chest and I’m not sure if it’s bitten me badly or not. Only information I have is that it’s a small tumour, appeared on the ultra sound but not on the core biopsy but it’s the aggressive type. My family are all grown up (that’s a laugh!) and I remarried last year at 58 to the type of man I always dreamed of …
Hello MarionEliz
Welcome to the forums. I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, the first few weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with your diagnosis and treatment.
As well as the support you will receive 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 understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/resource-pack-primary-early-breast-cancer-bcc145
You may also like to talk things through with one of the helpline staff, they are there to offer emotional support as well as provide information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi MarionEliz
I have just read your post and it seems similar to me. I am getting married next month in Gibraltar to a man who is my world. I am also 58 but getting married on my 59th birthday I was diagnosed in January 2014. I had a lumpectomy, mine was an agressive Grade 3, no spread to lymph nodes. It was 6mm but when they removed it after clear margins it was 13mm. I had 15 sessions of Radiotherapy and put on Anastrozole for 5 years. I think everyone is different and we all handle BC differently. I am sure you will be ok please let me know how it is all going. I will be thinking about you. Please keep using the forum and dont be tempted to google as it can be quite scary reading some of the articles out there. Just think I am going to fight this and you will find the strength. We all get the strength from somewhere.
Any question just ask someone will have the answer.
Take Care
Angie
Hi marionEliz
Take one day at a time, You are in the hands of professionals, do the things you want to do now, keep the next few weeks clear after the operation, you will be on very light duties, so anything you do now is useful like shopping, housework, ironing because you are not meant to do much after the operation, as you have restricted movement after too. After the operation the surgeon and breast care nurse will be able to give you more detailed information about how it went. When you see the oncologist about 4 weeks later they will give you details on further treatment that may be beneficial to you. Take someone with you, as that chat can be a blur as well. One day at a time! All the best and air hugs nicole
Hi Marion
Sorry to hear your op has been cancelled. I didn’t find my lump it came up on my routine mammogram. The surgeon couldn’t feel it so what chance have we got. Yes it is lovely getting a second chance at marriage. Please keep posting I will be very interested in how you are doing.
Take Care
Angie. X
I’m 55 and like you are new to BC and have more scan next week. I’m grade 3, triple negative with node involvement. I have found the ladies on this web site so encouraging and full of good advice. Unfortunately you are in the waiting game like me but all I would say is keep posting asking questions as this helps.
Good luck with your treatment.
Hi Marion
Yes my surgery was January this year and it does seem a long time ago. I do still get wobbly days when my brain goes into overdrive but I think this is only natural. Just try and take a day at a time I know it’s not easy. We all want to get all the treatment completed asap. It is the waiting that is the worse thing ever. I started chasing things up as this is the only way you get anything done. Hope your appointment comes soon for your surgery. Take Care
Angie. X
Hi Gilly,
Remembering my last call with the cancer nurse she said one of my hormone readings was an 8 and the other was nil. When she was speaking about the HER2 positive she said it was good that I was positive in the hormone dept ( perhaps for the anti hormone therapy?) been reading up on Herceptin and my daughter is a nuclear medicine technician has explained the heart scans every 3/4 applications. I still have no date for surgery and sit by the phone. It’s only 2 weeks since my diagnosis and I can’t believe it! Seems that was another life ago. In the meantime got those healthy eating plans book. Basically it’s colours of the rainbow eating with all blue and red berries, fish and chicken. I was pretty lax at even managing my 5-a-day now I’m aiming for 7. Knowledge empowers you but sometimes too much becomes disheartening. Until my surgery and the Tumour removed, my lymph nodes explored I am in limbo only knowing half the story. Maybe get that call today - fingers crossed xxx