Hi everyone. Yesterday (3 1/2/ 4 wks after my diagnosis) I got to hear everything. I have Stage 3 BC. Both lumps which I’d found were confirmed as cancerous. I’m being brought into hospital on Monday morning to have a day procedure operation to remove a couple of the lymph nodes to double check this definitely hasn’t spread. To hear that I had Stage 3 was & is a big shock & also that I’ve been booked in for an operation so quickly. I will start chemo 2 weeks later to try & shrink these lumps in order for the surgeon to remove them but if this doesn’t work then my breast will have to go. I still can’t believe this is happening to me. Going into work later to tell my manager & sort out what way my sick leave will work. I’m glad I know everything now & can move forward knowing what is what but it is all so very scary. I’ve never been seriously ill & now I’ve been hit with this…
hi Elizabeth,
yes, it is such a shock & it takes some getting used to, as well as coming to terms with it all.
Anyway, you are not alone in dealing with this & as you say, at least you can now move forward in getting it dealt with. It will move on.
As I have said previously, I had a lovely conversation with a work colleague the other day, who also had stage 3 bc. She’s now 5 years clear, looking great & working full-time. I never knew.
hugs
ann x
Elizabeth
Sending you a hug. It is such a shock when you get the diagnosis of bc, however it is then reassuring when you get your treatment plan and you know what is going to be done and when.
I too have a colleague at work who was diagnosed 5 years ago with stage 4 breast cancer, she had a lumpectomy, snb, chemo and then radiotherapy, she was back working full time later that year and is still working and doing very well.
When you go and see your manager, I dont know what your relationship is like, but you need to make sure that you are doing what is right for you as you embark on this journey, and just in case you are not aware, having been diagnosed with cancer, you are now covered under the Equality Act 2010, a copy of which you can download from the gov.uk website.
We are all here for you and there is usually someone on here even in the wee small hours, just know that you can rant, cry, laugh but most of all that you have all of our support.
Helena xx
Thank you Ann M & Ladybowler. I’m very lucky with where I work & management were brilliant today as I knew they would be. Tomorrow will be my last day at work for quite a while & I’ve been told I am welcome to call in anytime for a cup of tea & a chat but I won’t be allowed to do any work! Going to be difficult leaving tomorrow. I am so scared of this operation & the side effects of chemo (& also losing my hair), but at the same time I know all this is necessary to make me well again xx
Hi Elizabeth
Just wanted to say hello and welcome you here. I was diagnosed on 20th Dec (merry Christmas!) with invasive ductal, no node involvement, 3 lumps in left breast.
I’ve had my sentinel node biopsy a few weeks ago and the op is very doable, just make sure you try moving your arm asap after the op, things do go a little stiff!
i start chemo on 15th Feb, they’ve said I’ll 99% be having a mastectomy too 
I’m only 33. But like you say, if we don’t do these things, the alternative isn’t worth thinking about. We will all come out the other side of it! People on here do say that once you get your treatment plan in place, it does get easier, and it’s so true! I felt much more in control once I had the full picture. I’ve bought a ton of stuff in preparation for chemo, trying to pre-empt every possible side effect! I’m also going to try the cold cap to save losing all of my hair… apparently it works for 60-70% women! Worth a try!
I’ve also stopped work completely until all treatment is finished. My work place have been amazing, it’s so good to have that support isn’t it?!
Anyway, look after yourself, and try keep your chin up. It’s been found, and is being dealt with… very quickly. Xx
Hi Pinkloz83 sounds like we are in a similar position. Since diagnosis I have been feeling pain in my left breast. However I don’t know if this is maybe psychological as I’d no pain in it before diagnosis of the BC in my right 1 & both were examined. I think I will run my concerns past my Bcn
Hello Elizabeth,
Sorry to hear you news. Glad to hear you have a compassionate workforce and that you are going to be taking it easy. some tlc.
Just wanted to add how helpful the other ladies on here are so do post when need to. I’ve had a few days away from the forum trying to take my diagnosis in. Had a few wobbles before that and the support even during the night is something I’m very grateful for.
It looks like I’m also having a similar plan of action. Hear more this coming week. Hope you can put a little time aside to gather some magazines, hand cream, nice pjs for monday. shall be thinking of you.