After a routine mammogram and having no symptoms or concerns at all, I was recalled for more tests and then told I have breast cancer. It came as a complete and utter shock and I am really struggling to get my head round it all. I am still recovering and having physio for an accident I had 18 months ago but this diagnosis has knocked both me and my husband for 6. At the moment I am struggling to take in much information and none of it seems real but my surgery is 26th August and I think it will all start to hit me then. The fear of the unknown is horrible. So many of you will understand and I just need some reassurance. Thank you.
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Hi @charlie4
It is a completely normal reaction to feel shocked and numb when you get a cancer diagnosis. I guess we all feel a bit immortal until a diagnosis like this hits us. You are at the start of a âpathwayâ that is slightly different for everyone. It can be reasonably short or it can be long. Once you get going with treatment though, you start to feel a bit better mentally, because you feel like you are doing something about it. Also you get instructions about what comes next, every step of the way.
Donât forget you can phone the helpline here any time if you need to talk. There is also the âsomeone like meâ service which will match you with someone who is similar age with similar diagnosis, so you can communicate with them.
Personally, I found the surgery easy to cope with - I had a lumpectomy and two mastectomies. Didnât even stay the night in hospital. You may need to find a post-op bra (online or M&S do them). If you have specific questions just post them on here and you will get loads of advice. Above all keep focused on the fact that there are thousands and thousands of people living healthy lives, long after a breast cancer diagnosis (17 years for me).
Wishing you all the best and sending love and hugs
Eily 
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Hi @charlie4 Welcome to the forum nobody wants to join but when you are here you will be so well supported.
Iâm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, nobody wants to hear those words, but you have a treatment plan, starting with surgery so thatâs good.
I was diagnosed in May 2023 and was hit by a couple of curve balls, not only did I have one tumour but they found another in the other naughty boob, then I was diagnosed with HER2+ so needed chemo and a year of targeted therapy. So my treatment changed but I got there in the end. Iâve just had my 2nd annual mammogram with no areas of concern.
I found the support and knowledge of all healthcare professionals second to known even with NHS backlogs etc. itâs a bit of a whirlwind but they individualise your treatment for you.
- Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
- Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer.
- Someone Like Me: Will match you with a trained volunteer whoâs had a similar experience to you. Theyâll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen. Call on 0800 138 6551 or contact our email volunteers
Can I ask how old you are? As there is extra support for anyone under 45. If that applies to you I can post another link.
Take sometime to plan some nice things to take your mind of all of this before your surgery. I went away for a short break in the U.K. and it was just what I needed before starting treatment.
Take care.
Thank you so much Eily. I really appreciate your reply and kindness. Very best wishes and sending love too x
Thanks so much for your reply. I really appreciate it. I am 70 - up until this happened, I really havenât felt that old though. We have a couple of things planned before my surgery, things that were already on the calendar like wedding anniversary and a vintage fair so that will be good.
Take care too. x
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Hi. I know exactly how you feel. 3 years next week I got my diagnosis after my 3 yearly mammogram. No lump, no idea. It came right out of the blue. Itâs such a shock and is the only thing you can think about. It will get easier. I felt better by talking about it. This is a great forum to do that. Be kind to yourself everything youâre feeling is quite normal. Take each stage as it comes and youâll get there
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