More of a vent than anything because I have had to keep this under my hat for 2 weeks now.
I had DCIS in 2022. Only small 6mm and 5 days RT. Got the all clear and went for my 3 year Mammogram in July this year. I noticed a small scab near the scar site and even commented that I hadn’t noticed that before. No reaction, mammogram was done and I got a clear result.
I noticed that the scab wasn’t improving or healing, so after 2 months I rang the breast unit. They got me in the following week. 7 biopsies later I am due to see the breast surgeon this afternoon. They found 2 microcalcifications but no lymph action.
I’m now fearing the worst and have convinced myself that I am going to have to have a mastectomy. I will know one way or the other by the end of today I guess.
As I say, I am not expecting any answers…the only answers are the ones the breast surgeon will provide. I guess I’m more looking for a feeling that I’m not alone. I’ve got a massive scream in my head and I can’t let it out.
Thank you for your kind words everyone. Sadly, the meeting yesterday exceeded my worst case scenario. I have breast cancer, news that didn’t come as a surprise. The bit that blind sided me is that I have to start Chemo in late November, then it will be a mastectomy I’m guessing early next year.
So, I have decided to retire and get my pension. The next few months will be about focusing on what I want the next chapter of my life to look like.
For now, some difficult family calls need to be made and then I need to just make sense of the news while managing the washing-machine-on-full-spin-cycle of emotions that are whirring in my head and body.
So sorry that it’s not better news @Jaygo that’s definitelya lot to try to process . You didn’t give your age and I don’t know if you were thinking of retiring anyway or maybe don’t like your job but if you had intended to stay in work before your diagnosis I would say don’t make any snap decisions because of your diagnosis and treatment. If you had been planning to stop work anyway then that’s different. MacMillan are good to ask about financial stuff and the Nurses on the helpline here might be a good resource for you. right now - available 9 am to 1pm . Sending love xx
Hi love. I am just 61 - had my first biopsies one day after my birthday. I had been planning on retiring at 62 anyway. I will be having a conversation with my financial adviser in the next week or so. I am self-employed, so won’t wind the business up for another year, and will be taking on some work (the stuff that brings me joy) but a lot of my work has been causing me severe stress, so I’m done with that. If I can pay off the mortgage, it will mean I can shed the guilt of retiring early. This experience has helped a line be drawn in the sand. Time for a new life chapter where I put myself first. Life is too short. x
I’m 60 and had already reduced my hours and pay band taken a retire and return due to having had retinal vein occlusions a few years ago - I don’t work nights now and with not having management responsibilities anymore I really enjoy my two days a week at work otherwise I would have retired . I’m sorry that your birthday was spoiled by all this and you’re right it’s definitely time to put yourself first and don’t feel guilty about it. Xx
Glad you have found the right balance for you my lovely. I’ve just enough in the business and my savings to eke things out for the next 12 months, then I will jump ship. And hell yeah…next birthday is going to be EPIC. Going to make sure of that! XXX
Oh Jaygo, so sorry to hear your news after your vent. I fear I may be close behind you. My first IDC was in 2020, and I had 5 biopsies last Monday, following a recall from my annual mammo…preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, I’m going from ‘getting on with things’ to ‘OMG’ each day atm. My boys are 18 and 20 and they’ve only got me…so I’m going outta my head a bit….roll on Wednesday when I will have had the results, but I’m absolutely terrified tbh!
My darling I hear you and I feel for you. We’ve been round this block before, so we know that until they say it’s cancer, it isn’t cancer. However, I totally understand your terror. I’ve been living with the same for three weeks now.
What we do know is that in worst case scenario, we are in the best possible hands with the NHS. Whatever their challenges in other areas of medicine, they are second to none when it comes to cancer.
I’m not religious, but I am hoping and praying that you get positive news. You will be in my thoughts, and we both know we are not alone.
Hey all, seems to be a nice little group here, I hope you don’t mind me saying that!
Just thought I’d pop a message to say hi, and that am thinking of you all. It’s results day tomorrow for me, so one more sleepless night and feeling of dread.hope you’re all doing ok today xx
Glad we’ve created a nice group. I will be very much thinking of you. The not knowing is just awful isn’t it.
I will be keeping everything crossed for positive news for you, and I hope you will let us know how things go. Whatever the news, we all have your back. Much love. x
I went through this last year, and made the decision to retire and sold my accounting practice. It turned out to be just as well because the panic in my brain made it nearly impossible to do any significant work after the mastectomy. 18 months on, I still feel permanently worried and panicky and overwhelmed.
But I really do miss all my clients, and miss the work.
I wish you the best of luck and courage to cope.
Wishing you a good outcome.