Hi all,
I am 28 and was diagnosed with grade 2 ductile BC on 27/07/07 (family history on both sides). I’m having a lumpectomy on 21st August followed by Tamoxifen and 4-5 weeks of radiotherapy. Thats assuming they don’t have to go back and remove the breast.
I don’t think it has really sunk in yet and my friends have done more crying than I have. I feel flat more than anything else, like its happening to someone else. I feel like a fraud when I tell people. Is that common?
I don’t think I really understand everything that is happening yet either. Does/did anyone else feel like this?
Trace
Hi Kimeng59
I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis, but would like to welcome you to the Forums. I am sure you will receive lots of helpful advice and support from our users.
Below is a link to a Breast Cancer Care publication Resources Pack which can be ordered on line, it is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
Kind Regards
Jane
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Trace, i was diagnosed on the 6th of june and had lymphs taken out, followed by a full masectomy and immediate recon then a third op cos some skin died, i think the hardest thing is, you don’t really feel ill and its all very surreal, well, thats how i’ve found it anyway, but you take care and we are all here for you
Alison xxxxx
Hi Alison
I think that’s it. People keep asking me how I’m doing and all I can say is fine, because I am. I don’t know how to be anything other than fine! I don’t feel ill but people are acting like I’m gonna keel over any minute. I guess they don’t really know what else to say.
I’m sorry to hear you had to go back for more surgery. I’m really hoping I don’t have to. I’m having the lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy and hopefully they’ll be clear. Won’t worry about anything else until I really have to!
Thank you for your thoughts. I hope everything goes well for you from here on in.
Trace xxx
Hi Trace,
I am sorry you’ve had to join us but ‘welcome’ to the site, and the younger womens pages. I was diagnosed with bc in March, age 34, and as with you it all felt very surreal! I too walked around in a daze for much of the time initially as it didn’t really feel like it was happening to me. I felt incredibly well, was fit and healthy (bit of a porker though if truth be known!). I totally understand what you mean when you say you felt like a bit of a fraud when telling people. I didn’t feel any different and I certainly didn’t look any different, so telling people I had bc did not seem ‘right’ somehow.
I knew v.little about bc prior to diagnosis, and it has been a v.steep learning curve for me and those close to me. I had a right mastectomy and total axillary clearance the week following diagnosis. It all happened so quickly my feet didn’t touch the ground! My tumour was grade 3, 4cm, hormone receptive and HER2 +, and I had node involvement. I started chemo (E-CMF) in May, this is due to finish in Oct, then its rads, hormones and Herceptin. Phew!! They are throwing everything at this little bu**er and I’m not complaining!!
Rest assured you are in good company here, and we totally understand what you are going through right now. I wish you well for your fothcoming op and a v.speedy recovery,
Take care and be sure to let us know how you are doing,
Kelly
-x-
Hi Trace
I was like you- everyone else was devastated and upset, whereas I still haven’t had a good ‘proper’ cry yet. This was partly due to me making sure that my boys didn’t worry too much. I told them that if I was worried then they should be, but I’m not and it’s getting dealt with. All the hospital staff have commented on how well I have taken it etc! My fellow patients who had surgery the same time as me, nicknamed me ‘Miss Glam’ as I looked so well and still do. I took my sick certificate into work last week and to be honest, I feel a fraud as I look like there is nothing wrong with me. I felt that I had to justify looking so well to my manager and explain why I’m not ready to go back to work yet! I went to a different hospital for my radiotherapy planning yesterday. As this is a dedicated cancer hospital, it hit home a bit more as I saw some very ill people but still no tears.
I wish you well with your treatment and stay positive
Kat x
Hi Kelly and Kat,
Thanks for your reassurance. I thought there was something wrong with me! I admit I didn’t really know that much about bc even though I’ve been going to the family history clinic for nearly 6 years now. So glad I did as I don’t know if I would have had the guts to go to my GP with the lump. I’m learning fast though even with all the jargon and acronyms. I think I need to get a copy of my notes to get a better idea of what is happening.
It does feel like everything happened very quickly and thinking back, its been 5 weeks since I found the lump and I have a week and a half til my op. I just want it over with. I think part of the reason I’m taking it so well is because the staff at the breast centre are so efficient. Even my boyfriend said he would be more worried if they were dragging their heels but they’ve been very good to be honest.
I wish you both well with your respective treatments and recovery. Thanks again.
Trace x