Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with early breast cancer on 6th Feb, Im terrified :( I always check my breasts as they say you should every month, there were no lumps, no sign of anything. I went for my 3 yearly mammogram and was surprised when I got a letter saying that they wanted me to return for another. As you can imagine... I was very scared :( I had another mammogram taken and was told that I had calcium spots in two places, one had 8 calcium spots and the other 3 spots, 11 biopsies were taken straight the way. I then had to wait another week for the results and I was told that I have cancer in one area and pre-cancer in another and because there were two areas of concern I was advised to have a mastectomy :(( I was told that because the cancer was early and small that they were offering immediate breast reconstruction and that they didnt think I would need radiotherapy. I was given a dvd to look at the three options of reconstruction and was very frightened.
I went to see another surgeon who was different to the one who recommended mastectomy. This surgeon said he thought he could save my breast using radiology-assisted wide local excision, which removes a rim of healthy breast tissue around the cancer. They are using guide wires that mark
the cancer before surgery, I believe it`s done on the mammogram machine. After surgery and if all goes well I would have radiotherapy every day for 5 weeks. My breast would be smaller but I could have a reduction of the other breast at a later date. Anyone else here had radiology-assisted wide local excision?
This has been a total shock for me because I felt no lumps, it was only found because of my 3 yearly mammogram. Although it has been 5 weeks since I was diagnosed…I have only just come to terms with it,
I have had days of complete shock to anger to despair, I dare say that I will have more of those days while walking along this road.
Surgery date is 25th March.
Raine77
Hi Raine77
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums. I am sure you will soon get lots of replies of help and advice from the many informed users of this site.
You may find the BCC resource pack helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed. If you would like a copy just follow the link below:
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
If you feel you would like to talk through in confidence some of your worries and concerns then please give the helpline a call, the staff here are all either breast care nurses or people who have personal experience of breast care issues. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Kind regards
Sam
BCC Facilitator
Hello Raine77,
So sorry to read that you are joining our ranks. Being told you have cancer IS a terrible shock! It totally rocks the foundations of our worlds, for us and for all those who love us. It’s great news that it’s been caught early. I don’t know anything about the type of surgery you’re being offered, I just wanted to say hello, and to wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery.
Thinking of you,
Warm hugs,
Sara. x
Hello Sara,
I definitely agree that being told you have cancer is a terrible shock, it has turned my world upside down. I havent been able to sleep so good since I was diagnosed, and as the surgery date of 25th March comes nearer...I find myself getting more frightened :( I think its being frightened of the unknown at the moment. Will everything be ok after surgery, will the cancer be in the healthy breast tissue they take out, will it be in the lymph nodes etc…etc :((
Thank you for wishing me well and for the warm hugs, it`s most appreciated.
Raine77. x
Hi Raine
Sorry you have had to join us but welcome all the same. I am nearly treel months from from fonding a breast lump and still finding it difficult to get my head round it all. I am 48 so lucky to have found the lump(I was not looking). I had WLE, although had coice of mastectomy.
Sleeping seems to go out the window for a lot of us which is no surprise really.
Wish you all the best with hugs Alicex