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 