Hi everyone. Now to posting on the forum but have been lurking and reading over everything since my diagnosis on 18th November. I have pr+, er+, her -, lobular cancer in two sites in my left breast which was picked up after biopsies and mri following a routine mammogram a few weeks earlier. I have been getting mammograms since turning 40 (5 years ago) due to family history. Since diagnosis I have felt so helpless and it’s horrible to know that the cancer is in me, potentially growing, while I’m doing nothing. I have been advised that I will have to have a mastectomy but no date set yet. Meeting with onco plastic surgeon on 10th January to discuss the surgery and reconstruction. Not posting to ask a question just sharing my story and saying hi and thanks for all the support I’ve already received just by reading the posts. X
Hi @fubc I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Feel free to post whatever is on your mind, there does not need to be a question attached or just look through the various categories for threads which interest you.
There will be a lot to discuss during your appointment on the 10th January and choices to be made around reconstruction (should you choose to have it) which is why, due to its complexity, you haven’t had a date for surgery yet. You have er+ HER2- cancer which is by far the most common of breast cancers and tends to be slower growing than others so try to hang on to that. Most people, at diagnosis, imagine cancer running riot in their bodies but it doesn’t quite work like that which is why breast cancer is not considered a medical emergency. Nevertheless, because it is all-consuming at this point in the process, I do hope that you get your surgery as soon as possible so that you can concentrate on recovery and looking forward to a cancer-free future.
Thank you both so much. I keep trying to put everything to the back of my mind while I’m waiting but it then hits me in waves all over again. I absolutely trust the experience and expertise of my BC care team and I have seen positive outcomes for family members and many others but it just feels like I haven’t started fighting yet. Best of luck to you both in your individual journeys too. X
Your “up and at ‘em” attitude, as demonstrated by your choice of username 
will stand you in good stead in 2025. The type of surgery that you will have can be emotionally overwhelming and, depending on your stage and grade, the treatment programme following surgery can be arduous so do avail yourself of help through that period, IF YOU NEED IT, such as the free MacMillan counselling sessions Free counselling for people with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support and/or the Breast Cancer Now Someone Like Me programme Someone Like Me | Breast Cancer Now. The frustrating period of inaction will soon be over and you can attack the treatment plan with alacrity but there will be times when you hit the wall, it is a natural and inevitable consequence of the physical and emotional trauma you’re going through. At those times, remember, you can find support in multiple ways through Breast Cancer Now, MacMillan and Maggie’s Centres. Wishing you all the very best.
Hi @fubc I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
The only thing I can say to you is not to overthink. I know that it’s not easy but you need to think about the facts - it was found during a routine mammogram…and you’ve already had a MRI so the wheels are in motion…
I think sometimes overthinking it is a way of our brain playing games with our sanity…I am a scientist and always am looking at facts and data not what my brain tells me when I can’t sleep @3am…
I was also diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2021. I was 43 and it was out of the blue. My oncologist told me that the cancer has been there for at least a few years… unfortunately, it has spread to the lymph nodes. I didn’t have any family history so no routine mammograms. Didn’t even have a lump but the MRI showed 12.5cm tumor…so yeah 3 years later I am still coming to terms with everything and honestly, it’s not getting any easier. I am now more worried than when I had my diagnosis because what’s happening after you got your diagnosis is you are getting your treatment plan and is one thing after another…now when I’ve finished my active treatment in June and am only taking Letrozole is a lot scarier…
Also think about what kind of reconstruction you would like. I went with immediate reconstruction with an implant but had a very nasty infection and my chemo was delayed…so while you are waiting ask questions on this forum so that you can make up your mind. The ‘someone like me’ is great way of getting in touch with person 1:1 who has been through the same journey like you…
People on this forum have been immense support to me and I hope you will find it very useful…
Wishing you all the best for your treatment. Xxx
Update
So, it’s been nearly 8 weeks since my original diagnosis. Thought I’d share a wee update on where I’m at…
I had a lovely Christmas and New year with close family. Lots of time with my children, eating, drinking, playing games and watching films. Was able, for the most part, to put the cancer away and enjoy and appreciate life.
Since returning to work though I have struggled to keep it out my mind. I think now that the new year is here I can focus on nothing else. I’ve got an appointment with plastic surgeon this Friday so I’ve decided to stop work then and get myself mentally prepared for what’s ahead from then. I’m hoping it won’t be too long now. I know that implants are not an option for me so I will be having a live tissue reconstruction. I think Fridays appointment will confirm if it will be diep or elsewhere - with my build I think there will be plenty sites to choose from 
.
In the weeks immediately following diagnosis I needed to be at work and keeping a sense of normality about every aspect of life to the extent of probably pretending it wasn’t real. Now I’m ready to put all of that to one side and focus on me. With three kids with busy social lives, clubs etc and a husband who is self employed and works long hours it won’t be easy but I know it can be done. 2025 - bring it on!
I hope everyone here is doing well - emotionally and physically just now.
Take care x
Nice to hear from you @fubc and pleased you have a lovely Christmas and New year.
You are right to focus on you, it’s hard as a mum, wife, etc but it’s only for a short time for long term gain. I found it very hard to ask for help as I was always the person offering the help to others but this cancer thing changes your mindset. It’s time to be selfish and concentrate on you.
I wish you well in your treatment 
Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing ok. I haven’t posted on here for a while but thought it was time for an update. I’ve been feeling a bit low since the new year. Finding it harder and harder to take my mind off the fact that the cancer is there. Was kept fairly busy with appointments but have been desperate to get to the surgery stage. As it drew nearer I began to get less anxious about the cancer and more about the lengthy surgery. Needless to say I have been very teary. Anyway, I had my surgery yesterday and thought I’d share me experience for anyone who is apprehensive.
I arrived at the hospital at 7am and it was all systems go from the minute I walked in the door. Gown on, stockings on, bloods taken, visit from anaesthetist, nurses with lots of questions about me in general, my cancer surgeon, a plastic surgeon registrar who drew all over my body with Sharpie for learning purposes and the plastic surgeon who came and approved and amended then drew even more.
I went through to the theatre at 845 and the anaesthetists chatted away to me before I fell sleep with no fears at all. I had a single mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction, lymph nodes removal and a lift for symmetry on my remaining breast. Woke at 9pm in recovery and was very groggy and sleepy all night. The nurses were in and out my room checking bp, drains, catheter and wounds every half hour but I managed to fall into a deep sleep between every visit. At 6am today I awoke properly and had a cup of tea and some breakfast. I’m a bit sore all over but getting plenty pain meds. My abdomen feels like I’ve been doing some really intense core exercises.
It was a pleasant surprise to realise that they’d managed to spare my nipple when the plastic surgeon hadn’t been sure. My boobs don’t look drastically different. Already this morning I’ve had a wash in bed and they are just about to get me on my feet and into my PJs. Plastic surgeon has been to see me and is really pleased so far.
I’m so relieved to have started my journey on the road to recovery. Maybe I’ll need radiotherapy, maybe I’ll need chemotherapy but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Good luck to everyone at the different stages of their journey. X
Wow @fubc what a fabulous update! Congratulations on a successful surgery and, as you say, you are now on the road to recovery. Loving the positivity! Thank you for sharing your experience, I’m sure it will help loads of women to face a daunting prospect with confidence in the future. A big YAY! for your team too. Rest up, follow the recovery advice from your team and let us know how things are going as you move through the stages. So so pleased for you.
Thank you so much for the update @fubc
We’re so glad to hear that your surgery went well, I hope you’re able to rest up and have a smooth recovery. It’s great that you have access to the forum while in hospital, as you know we’re never far away! When you are able to, and should you need it, our nurses are available to chat anytime you’re feeling low or anxious on 0808 800 6000.
Sending you all the very best, and once again thank you for letting us know how you are getting on!
Alice 
@fubc So pleased your surgery went well. Rest up. Do your exercises when you can. Don’t be too rigid in doing them be guided by your body, so as much or as little as you can.
Hello @fubc
Love your forum name and your posts.
It’s great that you are so positive and focused.
I was like that, had one goal and that was to do whatever it took to get rid of cancer. Finished work for 8 months and got on with my mission. That was in 2021, I still spend time reading and learning about new things I can do to keep my mind and body in the cancer free zone.
Now you have some down time it maybe a good opportunity for you to delve and come up with your own next step and strategy for what you want to do. I reckon you already have that in mind anyways
Here’s some book ideas which I found really interesting:
Radical Remission by Kelly A Turner phd
Breaking the cancer code. By Geronimo Rubio and Carolyn Gross
Chris Beat Cancer. By Chris Wark
Keep being you and being positive, take care. Heal well and love life 
So, I’m getting home today (Monday) after Left DIEP reconstruction and right mastoplexy for symmetry. My wonderful plastic surgeon actually wanted me to go home on Saturday! I wasn’t particularly mobile at that time and was struggling getting between bed and chair and going to the toilet (Not helped by the ridiculously tight pants they make you wear ). Unfortunately I ended up with quite a bit of fresh swelling a day or two after surgery so they kept me in to monitor it. Had a CT scan too but everything seems fine and they are happy for me to go home today. It’s amazing the difference a couple of days has made. Although I’m stooped over and my core and tummy feels very tight I can move about and can get myself in and out of bed/chair and to the loo without too much hassle. Need a rest after any exertion though. I’m still on lots of pain meds, heart burn tablets and laxatives. Getting last drain out before I go home. Physio has given me gentle exercises to do and I’ll have various clinics over the next couple of weeks to monitor recovery and plan next steps based on pathology results. One more step of the journey done though. As always, love and best wishes to all. X
Thanks for you’re message and book recommendations. I see that the Chris Wark one is also available as a podcast which might be more up my street. Will check them out in the coming days/weeks. X
Just had a call from my BCN. Pathology results are in and I’ve to go to clinic for them this afternoon. That’s 6 days after surgery 
much earlier than expected! Wish me luck 
Hope it’s good news 
So, good news! The cancer although extensive (2 lobular tumours and multiple satellite deposits) within the breast was not detected on any of the 4 lymph nodes removed so it’s gone!
Follow up care involves definite endocrine and radiotherapy but they threw a spanner in the works by mentioning the possibility of chemotherapy to reduce risk of recurrence but implied it would be very much up to me once they hit me with figures. Anyone have any experience of this? I will post the question elsewhere later on too. X
Hi, you are not alone,
. Just sending you support. Is there anyone you can discuss your fears with? I’ve got a few friends and family that I talk to and it helps,