Hello
I found a lump in November, waited a month to see if if was to do with cycle changes etc. Went to my GP on 7th December for a routine appointment, asked her to examine me… wow what a whirlwind since then… GP arranged for me to use see a consultant that evening, had a mammogram, ultrasound & biopsy. Went back in to see the consultant and he basically advised that he was 95% certain that it was cancer even without the results. The irony was, I hadn’t told anybody about my lump, so my husband was totally knocked for 6.
Arranged to return to see the consultant on 14th December, who confirmed that it is BC and need chemo and a masectomy… great!!!. Inbetween then and now I have had so many scans that it is quite unbelieveble, have had sentinel lead lympth node surgery and my first of 6 chemo sessions started on Thursday. Quite honestly I feel that my whole life has been taken over. I don’t know how I’m feeling or how I am supposed to be feeling…
Hi TEDDS and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the support I am sure you soon receive here I am posting the number to our helpline, you can call for further support and information on 0808 800 6000, the lines are open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2
BCC have published information booklets and can offer you further support services to help you through this difficult time, you can read more via these links:
breastcancercare.org.uk/diagnosis
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Tedds,
There are many ladies on here, myself included, who can relate to the roller-coaster we seem to get on once diagnosis takes place. I don’t know how long you may have been browsing the forums, but I would certainly encourage you to look out for helpful threads - for example, ‘starting chemo in January’ will link you with ladies on the similar journeys. And of course there are loads more to browse through. I have found the support and the information invaluable. Also, (when I’m not too tired and sleeping!), I have joined in on the Thursday night live chat - which is very helpful, because it brings home the reality that we are not alone.
Take care, love Grace x
Hello, Tedds,
Your feelings are so normal, yes it does feel like your life’s been taken over and is out of your control when you get this diagnosis and start treatment.
When i was diagnosed, i couldnt think of ‘normal’ daily things, my life was just encapsulated in BC, I couldnt eat, or make decisions.
And yet, you know, Tedds, you are strong, you will get through this hard few months ahead, because you have already been so brave and strong to come as far as you have, saying, ‘yes ive found a lump–and yes im gonna do something about it’
Just think if you hadnt got checked out…
Chemo is not an easy journey, but its do-able and you can already count down your sessions–the time will go quickly , my chemo started this time last year-- lean on people, accept all help, and do what you want to do on the good days, be kind to yourself on the rough days.
Love Truddles
Hi Gracie & Trudie
Thank you for your comments, I know its a long journey and it will probably be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but hey ho - I like theme parks…hahaha
Hopefully catch up again sometime. x
I am in the same position Tedds- diagnosed out of the blue in Oct- clinic visits & mastectomy; had 2nd chemo on Saturday & feel very much on my own- no real follow up from anyone; except my family. I feel very much in the dark over who/what should be happening next- just turn up like a teabag for my infusions & go home again to do my BCC exercises! Had 5 Breast clinic nurses in 2 appointments- lovely sister took me over when she realised but I have rung or emailed 3 times & it takes 5 days for her to come back she is so busy. Rang MacMillan- got a bloke- so I just try to get thro the chemo & get out the other end. I would like to meet up with other folk on the journey (to get advise eg re prostheses- bras etc) but where?
Hello northumbrian1
Welcome to the forums, this must be a very difficult time for you but you have come to the right place for support from our experienced users.
Maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.
I have also attached a link to our Lingerie Evenings where information about prostheses and bra fitting is given.
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/information-support-sessions/lingerie-evenings
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Northumbrian1
So sorry to hear how you are feeling… 
How are you doing on the chemo? I seem to be doing okay on it and I hope that you are too.
In all honesty, I wish I had masectomy before chemo, as I just want to get rid of it, but mine needs to be shrunk before they can do it…
If you want to chat - inbox me - it does feel pretty lonely with only support from family, and in all honesty, they don’t really understand how you feel.
chin up, hope to chat again x
Thanks Tedds
Chemo fine-- tablets working (Dom Perignon - sounds so much better as champagne!) hair coming out loads.Lots of friends have bugs so a bit isolated at present. I need a project so have cleared a bedroom & am goin to emulsion if I can cope with smell. I think i have sent a message to your inbox. Interesting article in (admittedly The Sun) on breast cancer & parabens today.
thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4054989/Breast-cancer-risk-all-over-shops-shelves.html
Keep in touch
Northumbrian1
Hi Northumbrian1
Thanks for your message, hope you can find some ways of getting some communication going…
Painting… hahaha, far too energetic! lol
Hi all, Well they call it fast track it certainly is.
Now need time to take a breath i don’t want to get dressed today, i just want to sit here and feel sorry for myself again today, i still in shock,
Went for appointment 23Dec with an annoying cyst and bleeding nipple, whilst i was there they found something else, turned out to be a 1cm lump took biopsy there and then, returned for result 28Dec yes was cancer, they arranged for a lumpectomy and surrounding tissue clearance, ok i thought 1cm caught it early a shock but feeling ok about it, then they sent me for a lymph node ultra scan, BIG FAT SAUSAGEs is what i saw as they did needle biopsy, Doctor said they would do selective node clearance, (the one with the dye injected into nodes) and 15 radiotheropy after. off i went to enjoy the rest of christmas and new year, keeping my new found info quiet as not to spoil xmas for everyone else with an appointment for the 9th for my op.
Returned for result of lymph node biopsy 05Jan. To hear from doc they now doing a fully lymph node clearance and will have to have chemo.
GULP someone stop the train let me off!!!
Op done 9th
Now awaiting my next appointment. xx
Hi SuperSue
How are things, have you had your next appointment yet or have you been given a date for chemo?
Is that train still going to fast, or have you found that it is going at a slower pace now?
Hope that you are okay.
Take care
Anne
x
Hi Tedds hope your chemo is going well. Looks like i joining the Feb Chemo group, that train just keeps picking up extra’s along the way as my surgeon described today i going to be on a hard 6month path. Gulp. x
Hi Sue
Chemo seems to be going well, I have my second fix tomorrow. Bloods have been checked and they are all fine, so all steam ahead for the morning. Pretty much lost my hair last week, so I am now the proud owner of 2 pretty bold wigs and lots of pretty headscarves etc.
Yep, this year will be tough, but we have many more of them, so a little blip in one will make us far stronger for the future… Chin up & take care. x