Hi, literally joined just this minute as reading some posts written to others was already helpful. I’m in Australia, but was from UK initially. Today heard from my doc that my fine needle biopsy shows highly suspicious for cancer and I’m awaiting a call from surgeons surgery for an urgent appointment. I gather from my doc that it means it almost definitely is BC. I’ve had mammogram and US and doc there thought what they were seeing was old scar tissue but did biopsy to be sure. It was pain in the breast that took me there for tests, was no obvious lump. I’m in total shock today as I’d heard pain usually doesn’t indicate cancer, but more net delving revealed that’s definitely not always true. It did appear it could be an early sign though, and that of course is now my biggest concern, ie whether early stages or not. There seems to be no indication of lymph node issues. My partner is really supportive but I keep shaking and fearing the worst. Trying to stay rational and will be doing lots of meditation and healing on myself, but I read on here someone say night time is the worst. Is night time here in Oz so I’m feeling it…
Maisie
Hello and welcome to the forum, know it is a place that you would not willingly choose to but there are a lot of wonderful ladies on here who will be able to support and help you.
One thing I would say first of all is not to goodle generally on the internet, there is a lot of misinformation and out of date stuff out there which will scare the living daylights out of people. This website and the 24/7 helpline are fabulous as is the Macmillan website, at least you know that you are getting proper correct info.
This is the worst time honestly, when you do not know if you have or have not got breast cancer,IF it is then you will be given a treatment plan, treatment for bc is very good these days.
The trouble with the night time is that the anxiety monster takes over our ability to think rationally.
Let us know how you get on, and just remember there is always someone on here who will support you xxx
Thank you so much ladybowler. I know you’re right about the net. I was hoping for things that were reassuring, but of course it’s frequently the opposite. Just reading on here all the support and good sensible stuff and things I’m already relating to on the anxiety side of things has helped considerably and I’ve stopped shaking now! Thanks again, much appreciated xx
Thanks Helena, and I really hope things are going well for you post op. I do have a good friend here who’s just gone through a mastectomy, chemo and now radiation. I find her attitude magnificent, and did so before this all blew up for me today. We talked today and that was really helpful too. It really is your mind running away with you and anxiety clouding rationality and letting fear override that needs some grounding I realise, and that will come and go (whilst getting on with what you need to do heal yourself of course). Good night, Helena, and thanks again xx
Hi I was diagnosed three weeks ago only just plucked courage to post a thread I have other health issues also I am a widow living alone I just wish I had someone to hold me and say it will be alright, sorry if I sound as if I am sorry for myself I know I am not the only one i think I just need a bit more confidence in myself
Hi Loridor
Sending you a big online hug. That is all I can off sadly. Have you heard about the someone like me option from this site though. They might be able to put you in touch with some one you can call. And trust me before diagnosis I was the least likely person ever to post on a forum but I do find it helps.
Tracey
Hi Loridor, I only just joined the forum last night and was really having a shaking and anxious time, but definitely felt writing on here and reading other posts helpful; and I hope you did too. I add my virtual hugs to the others. This is scary stuff but there’s so many people who’ve been exactly where we are and come out well at the other end of it, I take a lot of comfort in that. I do hope you’re feeling a bit more settled today, though the nature of the anxiety seems to come and go. My fni results were highly suspicious of cancer and my doc said that really means that it is that so I have a referral to see surgeon on Friday. Good luck to you and sending you love fron Australia xx
Thanks Chary, appreciated. Of course currently I don’t know exactly what I’m faced with here, what stage, has it spread, etc, so getting my mind under control is my biggest battle. Telling my sister and daughter is the next one (my sister has had a melanoma removed many years ago then cervical cancer and had a hysterectomy). She’s highly reactive about all things health and especially anything to do with cancer. I hope after seeing the surgeon I’ll have a better idea where things are at though he’s probably going to want to do a core biopsy, but at least he’ll have a good understanding I’m hoping. Best not to even think about it because that’s when my anxiety creeps up…damn, why did I do that!
Hi ladies,
Just popped in to say hello and echo was has already been said, we really are here for each other.
Maybe think about taking a little notebook to your appointment so you can jot things down, I’ve found it useful to make a note of any questions I have and how I’m feeling, it’s acts as a diary too.
I’m 6 months on from my bc diagnosis, having had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I’ve also had radiotherapy and, like LadyB also take Tamoxifen.
I’m glad to report I’m feeling well and am back to work and ‘normal life’ (whatever that is)! including running (just starting to build up the mileage).
Meditation helps me cope with life in general, there’s a great app called ‘Headspace’, if anyone is interested in giving it a whirl.
Sending love and hugs to all.xx
Hi RunningMum, good idea re notebook. I’ll have my partner with me (and he’s a nurse) but still a good idea. Meditation and reiki type healing on myself is really helping me also, which I’ll continue to do in addition to whatever I’m advised by surgeon. Good to hear you’re doing well and running! That must feel great ?
Hi, just registered to this site and already feeling a bit better reading through some of the posts! I was diagnosed on 18th April, am 41 years old and had an MRI last week. This has shown a ‘bright’ area in my other breast so am having an ultrasound and biopsy tomorrow. As I struggle with anxiety most days this has come as a big shock. Consultant was originally positive, saying lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormones but yesterday was talking more about chemo. Feeling scared, not sleeping well and just want to get on with treatment!
Anyway, thanks for reading x
Hiya and a warm welcome to the forum, these early days while your still awaiting all test results are just the worst time and your anxiety levels will be through the roof but things will get easier I can assure you, we’ve all been where you are right now so can fully understand what you are going through , plenty of support across the forum no matter what questions you have Xx Jo
Welcome to the forum, MandR & glad you have found us.
Honestly, we all go through anxiety at this stage, so its quite normal to feel the way you do.
Although a bc diagnosis is a shock, thankfully it will now be dealt with & its good to hear you want to get on with it!
There are loads of us here at the stage you’re at as well as those of us further down the road & out the other side, so do come & chat whenever you need to. There is also the helpline above if you need to talk things through.
ann x
Thank you - so glad I found this forum!
xx
I too find night time the worst, which was what brought me to this forum 3 nights ago when I got the diagnosis. Mine so far is highly suspicious for cancer but doctor gave me no hope at all that it would turn out not to be and I see my oncologist this Friday. I’ve managed to bring my anxiety down now, on the whole, and have a totally new night time regime of reading inspiring stories on here followed by meditations with my headphones on to relax me for sleep. It seems to be working well, for now at least! I’m grateful to have discovered this forum. I have support around me but others going through the same fears and struggles to chat with and read about is really great. I currently have no idea what I’m facing with my BC but I’ll no doubt have a much better idea soon.
Morning!
I have made an appt with my GP for the week after next so will see what they can do to help the anxiety and what I need for being signed off work. By then I’ll have had the ultrasound so will know if there’s anything going on in the other breast. The MRI showed a ‘bright’ area which they are going to look at and biopsy today. Feeling very nervous but like you all say, it’s mostly just because I want to know what I’m dealing with and then got on with getting rid of it!
Malsie I hope you’re not waiting too much longer and that you are managing the anxiety. I’ve downloaded the headspace app to try out xx
Hi M and R, I hope you manage to find something that helps the anxiety from your doc and get some relaxation from the Headspace meditation. I’ve tried that myself before too when my partner was having a go at getting into meditation and I think it’s very good. The type I normally do is TM (transcendental meditation) which I know is so good for me and which I’d not done for ages. Now I’m right back into it and it’s helping enormously. I’ve been keeping myself very positive and with various natural means brought the anxiety down, thanks. It’s only when what I perceive to be other odd occurrences are happening in the body and I start to catastrophise it means it’s spread, etc, that I feel my levels go up. But I’m discoveeing innocent explanations for some of these things now so that’s been a relief! Consultant appointment tomorrow so can finally get a better idea of what to expect. Meanwhile I continue with all my own self healing etc, so that come the next biopsy it will all be clear as I’ll have got rid of it myself ? not a bad aim to have anyway…
Hi, I was diagnosed beginning of March, the time netween tests and results is worst ever, whereas once tretament starts it starts to make sense, make plans, get some complimnetrt therapies or supplements to help, plus firends and family support.
I still anxious but using valerian supplements to help, I checked this ok with oncologist first though. Its really helped me sleep.
I also started a nice journal so wrte down my fears, worries, also good things like poems, posituve messages etc. Once offloaded a bit it helped.
I have had surgery now, just started hormone drug and have radiotherapy to start next week.
Its still stressful, none of us plan for this but there is support.
I go to support group, come here to read or share, or just chill in front of tv.
Its amazing the tretaments available now compared to even few years ago, whilst not pleasant they do help us so much.
Day by day we get by. 
Take heart also from us ladies who are much further down the line…in your most scared moments you will fear that you have a future…but you do! I recall calling the helpline on the day I was diagnosed, March last year. I didn’t know of the forum at that point, juat cake home shell shocked and started looking up bc sites. I knew nobody who had bc or who had had treatment ( well I thought I didn’t lol but after I was diagnosed a few people I thought I knew well told me they had been treated many years prior). Anyway I rang the helpline and spoke to a lady who told me she had breast cancer herself 23 years ago, and infact all the people sat around her had too. It suddenly opened my eyes, I went from ’ I’m not going to see another spring’ to ‘there is lots of hope here’. I’m not saying I didn’t continue on the roller coaster, but as I adapted to the treatment plan and took it step by step…it seemed that positivity grew. X
That should have said ‘in your most scared moments you will fear you DON’T have a future…’. Sorry can’t edit on phone.