Hi Beam67
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 your treatment plans, etc.
As well as the support you are receiving on the forums 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:-
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/resource-pack-primary-early-breast-cancer-bcc145
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
Beam67 Hi there, just seen your posts and I just wanted to add my two pennyworth! I was EXACTLY the same as you, I didnt want to go to the appointments, i changed from a fairly positive, very organised person pretty much in control and then got thrown into turmoil. I spent hours sobbing and wallowing in doom and gloom, crying in the most inopportune/inappropriate places…lol.
Mine ended up as Grade 2 about 30mm, hormone+ and in two lymph nodes out of 22. I thought it was going to be lumpectomy and rads to start with, got my head around that and then totally fell apart when lymph node removal and chemo was thrown in the arena.
HOWEVER, I have just had my first chemo of 4 (two days ago) and even that was not as bad as I had built it up to be in my head.
The only way is forward and you just have to get on and do it as it is the only way to kick its butt! I took control again and although hair loss is still scaring the pants off me, I have two very good wigs on stand by!!
Good luck and believe it when people tell you that you will have a roller coaster of emotion but you will also find the strength to cope. I didnt believe I ever would but it seems to have happened!
You will find lots of great support on here if you dip in and out of relevant issues.
The very best of luck.
Debbie x
Beam - WELL DONE YOU!!! You’ve got the hang of things now, and you can do all the planning and thinking that is required before your op in July. I was IDC in March 2010, WLE then a few more nodes out, and now I am fit and healthy - we call it NED, no evidence of disease. It IS hard work, a real rollercoaster of emotions, so remember this is the place to come for a good rant/weep/hysteria. We’ve all been there!
Let us know how you get on …
grumpy
Beam
So sorry to hear of your dx. Chemo is usually 18 weeks, one session every three weeks, making 6 sessions all told.
I was similar to you when dx in October 2012. Ductal Invasive, Grade 3, 36mm (3cm) 100% ER positive, 70% PR positive, HER 2 negative. Stage 2b, three nodes removed, one affected with cancer, and vascular invasion. I had mx on December 12th 2012, followed by chemo - Fec - T. First one on February 5th (so I’m a February Valentine) last one on May 23rd. I’m not having rads, but I’m waiting to start Anastrazole, so I’ve just had a bone density test for osteoporosis.
Sending hugs and wishing you well for your surgery.
Poemsgalore xx
Sorry your diagnosis wasn’t what you wanted it to be but I was the same as you once I knew…it’s the waiting and wondering that’s the worst x