I had my diagnostic confirmed 10 days ago and I will have a mastectomy next Tuesday. I am 38 and have two very young kids (ages 2 years and 10 months). The waiting is really a killer specially because it appears that even with the biopsy you never have the full picture until they actually open you up. I also have so many doubts. Was the option to have immediate reconstruction a mistake? How will the hormone therapy affect me (since my biopsy was positive from estrogen and progesteron receptors)?How accurate are the results of the biopsy, in other words, is it possible for the cancer to be more advanced than what the biopsy is showing)? How is this whole thing will affect my day to day life with my kinds? Any thoughts…
Hi IAC
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I hope you will find it to be a great source of information and support.
I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with information and treatment plans, etc.
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
I was diagnosed with grade 2 idc aged 36. I didn’t need a mastectomy so cannot advise you about reconstruction but my biopsy was the same as my final result after surgery. The only thing different was that the lump was a bit larger than the scans had measured, but not much. I do think they are pretty accurate. My little boy was 3 at the time and he can only remember bits of what went on. I have an amazing husband who did so much to help me during good days and bad. Just except help and you will get through it fine. I am now 38 and life goes on as it did before…but you are different for what you have faced and overcome.x
Hi IAC
I too was diagnosed on the 8th of January with grade 2 invasive ductal. My breast cancer nurse advised me that until I get my pathology report I wont know my exact diagnosis. This is a worry and as I had a lumpectomy with snlb last Thursday I still have a until next weds for results, awful… I just keep trying to remain positive and think I will feel better when I know the exact details. On reading some of the older posts from people further on I think everyone feels like this. Tbh because I don’t want the kids to see me upset I think this has helped me somewhat in coping. Who knows what is the best way, my lump is estimated as 2.2cm and my surgeon advised on the lumpectomy, I sometimes wonder if I should have had a mx with immediate reconstruction so think we all must doubt our decisions, lets face it we aren’t trained for this !!
Hope all goes well next week, take care, Louise xxxx
Hi IAC
Good luck for tomorrow, thinking of you xxxxx