When I received the letter inviting me in for second stage screening, I was so worried. I’d just had my first mammogram and hadn’t been having any problems or felt anything unusual so it came as a shock. I went for the screening where they confirmed that there is a small lump and took a sample for biopsy. After that, my mind went into overdrive and I started imagining the worst.
When I was given the result a week later and was told that the lump was cancerous, I actually felt very calm. The staff were so nice and explained my options to me. Thankfully the lump is only very small and so the chances are that I’ll only need to have a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy.
By the time I left the hospital, I had a diagnosis, a date for my surgery and a rough timescale for the radiotherapy and my recovery.
If I had never gone for my mammogram, the lump probably wouldn’t have been discovered until it was a lot bigger and more difficult to treat. And I think that’s why I feel so calm now. I know that it could have been much, much worse.
Has anyone else experienced similar reactions and feelings when they’ve been diagnosed?
I am in a very similar situtation. Was called for breast screening and was shocked to be invited back for second stage. They had found an area of calcification, and I had to have a biopsy. i tried not to let it bother me, keeping calm, expecting it to be nothing. My first results were unclear so I had to have another biopsy. Again, i felt quite calm, even though it was all I could think about, day and night. Results told me I had DCIS and a bit of invasive cancer - this bit did shock me. Last week I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and feel fine at the moment. I am in no pain. I will get the results of this next week. I am hoping it will be clear and I will just need radiotherapy for 3 weeks. In the main I have kept calm, just wanting to get on with the treatment. There have been a few tears, but no major meltdowns. I was called for mammogram just before my 48th birthday. I realise I am very lucky because it was caught so early. Had I not been called until I was 50 … It still feels strange to say “I have breast cancer”. I have been reading lots of stories on this forum, to help me with my queries. And will continue to do so. So many ladies are going through different treatments and coping in different ways. I don’t wish cancer on anyone, but I am so grateful for this forum.
I had a mammogram in March this year and everything was OK. Then, in September I felt a lump. My GP put me on fast track to the hospital for tests. Six months on from a clear mammogram, I was told I had cancer.
I was shocked but relatively calm. If anything, the thing that frightened me the most was whether I would be able to look after myself whilst I had treatment. (I live alone and have no family or close friends).
To be honest, when I eventually cried, it wasn’t because I had been diagnosed with breast cancer, it was because I was overwhelmed by the care and attention I was suddenly getting from my breast cancer care team at the hospital.
It was the first time in years that someone had asked me how I was feeling and told me that they were going to help me along the way. Without sounding like a drama queen, I felt I had suddenly become ‘visible’ and there were lots of kind people wanting to make me better.
I wish I had never been diagnosed with cancer. However, from one of the worst health diagnosis you can get, I have to say that my ‘cancer’ experience has been positive in a number of ways. I know that will sound ridiculous to many.
Next week, I start my radiotherapy. I will continue to purposely find positivity as I travel along my cancer journey. Finding positivity has helped me get through this.
Hi Karen, I was diagnosed a month ago & also felt very calm. I went into practical mode, making plans for managing treatment around my 2 small boys & my business. I expected the meltdown might come later but so far it hasn’t. I felt calm going for my lumpectomy on Fri & feel fine now, no pain at all & went out for Sunday lunch today. I’m sure there will be bad days to come & I’m feeling nervous about whether I will need chemo. But I can honestly say that this has been a positive experience for me so far. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of friends & the medical staff have all been so lovely, I feel very lucky to be getting such good care & that it was found when it was. I’m 42 so below the screening age. I’m sure there will be days when we don’t feel so calm & a good cry will probably be the best medicine. The ironic thing is that in my ‘pre-cancer’ life I was the worlds biggest worrier! Everyone responds differently to these things. There’s no right or wrong! Good luck with your treatment. xxx
sounds like you are coping reasonably well. Its true at times like this it is amazing how friends and family rally round to make sure you are ok and have everything you need. The waiting is awful i agree. I found it the most frustrating thing but theres nothing we can do.
As the other ladies have said you will be surprised how well you will feel after the surgery.
Just found out yesterday that I too have breast cancer very much like yourself 2 small lumps. I feel much calmer today but still very scared. Its the waiting more than anything I just want it taken out then I think I will feel better about it all. Its weird being told you have cancer when I dont feel ill. Good luck with your treatment.
Hi, i have recently been diagnosed and like you i felt calm until last few days, i go for and appointment today so they can tell me what treatment they have decided i nee. I now feel like crap i have the vomits and diariah and cannot stop thinking the worst, i am a new granny and keep thinking what if i don’t see her grow up. Maybe i will feel better once i ahve been to my appointment but at the moment i am not so sure
Hi Mandy1958 and alfiemolly, welcome to the BCC forums
I am sure your fellow users will be along soon and you will also find practical and emotional support from our helpline team, they are on hand 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call
Here’s a link to the BCC ‘Just diagnosed’ information and further support which you may find useful too:
Alfiemolly, I agree it is very strange being told you have cancer when you actually feel very well. I’m still feeling very positive and hopeful. I suspect the time that I will start to feel most anxious will be when I’m close to my post-op appointment. My plan for now though is to rest up after my op and do my exercises and just concentrate on my recovery. I know that will be easier said than done but all I can do is try my best.
Mandy, I’m truly sorry you are feeling so bad. All I can suggest is that you make best use of all the help and support that is available to you and I hope you soon start to feel better.
Had my surgery yesterday and it went very well with no complications.
Feel very well today apart from some soreness where the incision was made and the painkillers are taking care of that. I’m absolutely amazed and very happy at how well I feel.
The staff at the hospital were all so nice and I was kept well informed and was very well looked after at all times. The only point at which I felt anxious was when they took me into surgery but they gave me something to relax me very quickly and then anaesthetised me. The next thing I knew I was coming round and feeling like I was waking up from a really good night’s sleep.
Now I’m just waiting for the appointment to come through for my results. In the meantime, the plan is to take it easy, avoid daytime TV and catch up on some DVDs and get back into my card making.
I have just been diagnosed 2 days ago, primary breast cancer no lymph nodes involved.
They are going to start me on chemo after xmas to try and shrink the tumour and then operate next summer, seems like ages away! I’m her2 receptive and will be having hercepton too.
I’ m 37 feels quite young to have cancer but I know there are lots younger than me too, I would like to talk to other women that have had chemo first is this a fairly common thing?
Hi Emma and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the support you will soon have here please feel fre to call our helpliners for further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2
BCC provide specialist support and information for younger women and you can read about the services you may find helpful here: