I never thought I would be posting in one of these forums ? ive been diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday and think I’m still in shock I go from being ok to randomly bursting into tears. I’m 38 years old and never expected this at my age.
The consultants weren’t overly concerned about 2 lumps which were biopsied last week but they have came back as cancerous, I’ve been back in clinic today for a vaccum.biopsy which was agony and awaiting results next week. I’m totally overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings they have found calcifications too, does this mean my outcome will be worse? Also concerned as their is 4 or 5 other small lumps around my biggest lump does this mean these are cancerous too. I really want to avoid a mastectomy if possible but I’m thinking with all these lumps it doesn’t look good… had anyone had similar so I can try and prepare for what might happen.
Also I was told by the bresst nurse Yesterday that from my tests I might not need chemotherapy but a different nurse today said I more than likely will due to my age… so even more worried than I was yesterday. I’m not sure I could cope emotionally with a mastectomy as I’ve been suffering postnatal depression for a number of months now and think all of this is Going to tip me over the edge. Any advice greatly appreciated feel like am going mad right now and feel so alone ?
Hi Melia,
So sorry you find yourself here, it is such a shock, but you are not alone.
The early days of diagnosis are always the pits, but it does get better when your treatment plan is in place. Treatment for bc is very effective now, with some of the best outcomes out there.
Many of us have been where you are now, have come out the other side & are now getting on with life.
If you haven’t already, it may be an idea to see your gp about your depression, also, your team (usually the bcn), can arrange counselling support.
There is also the helpline here if you need to talk things through, the number is on the top of this page.
Do come on here & chat or vent whenever you want to, there is lots of support from those of us who are going through what you are, as well as from those of us further down the road.
When your treatment plan is confirmed, do go onto the going through teeatment thread where there will be others going through a similar stage in treatment to you.
Come back & chat whenever you want to.
hugs
ann x
Thank you both, people have said it will be esier once I’ve got a treatment plan in place. It doesn’t feel that way at the moment. I think I will be in far worse place if they huge me the worst news, though this waiting is horrific. Trying to keep my emotions in check in front of everyone and bottling it up until in private but don’t know how much longer I can try to put on a brave face. I have 2 small girls too and feel heartbroken everytime I look at them
Oh Melia I truly know exactly how you are feeling and it’s an awful time. But we will get through this, with the help of all these lovely and kind women on here and come out the other side. Things are looking bright for us with all the treatment. It’s hard not let fear take over…I know, I’ve been a complete mess the last few day, but we really will get there . I’m here if you need to chat.
X
Hi Melia - sounds very similar to my experience in December - one lump then a few other smaller areas of malignancy. I did have a mastectomy due to this and had immediate implant reconstruction. I had my pathology results 2 weeks ago and all cancer had been removed and my lymph nodes clear - they told me I had 9 other small areas of it - but like i say, it’s all gone now. I have no further treatment other than Tamoxifen. I did worry about mastectomy but because i’ve had the implant it really helps.
Thank you lilneez I appreciate that! And Alex that’s great,… not great that u had to have a mastectomy but good that you didn’t need further treatment. I’m terrified about these other lumps and if it’s spread. If u don’t mind me asking how old are you Alex as they said due to my younger age (38) I will more than likely need chemotherapy, I’m not really sure why, looking at Google it states it’s more aggressive in younger people… which again is terrifying! How have u been mentally after the mastectomy I’m not sure I would cope unless they Done an immediate reconstruction like with you xx
Hi Melia - I was 48 when diagnosed - turned 49 not long after. I think it can depend on what grade the tumour is and the HER2 status. Mine was grade 2 and HER2 negative so I didn’t need chemo. I think grade 3 tumours require chemo but I might be wrong - someone may be able to correct me. Do you know your ER and PR status?
Mentally I have been fine regarding the mastectomy - my boob looks exactly the same as it did just no nipple - but my consultant said he can arrange a nipple to be tattooed on if i want. Not sure if i’m bothered to be honest - you can’t tell at all once i have a bra on.
Hi melia
I’m 43 and have grade 3 invasive 2cm (don’t know hormone status until tomorrow) and I’m having chemo based on age and grade, apparently but not seen oncologist yet x
Thanks Alex that’s very reassuring about the boob… again Google obsessed and I’ve been lolling at pictures and some look horrific, defo banning myself from there! I honestly don’t have a clue about er status etc, should I have been told this by now? And what is the her ? Am totally confused! I got told I was stage 2 yesterday but the nurse today told me they couldn’t say until today’s biopsy was back. So confusing
Would they have said from first biopsy results if it was invasive or not… when will I find out my hormone type and what’s this for. Sorry for all the questions it’s just all so confusing and feel I’ve been given very limited information so far ?
The biopsy will check your ER PR and HER2 status. ER and PR are Estrogen and Progesterone and it will come back as either positive or negative. For example mine is ER+ and PR+ so my breast cancer fed off my hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. HER2 status I think is some sort of protein that is present (or not) around cells so if it’s HER2 positive then it can grow quicker whereas if HER2 negative it’s less aggressive. I’m sure someone on here will be able to explain it a lot better than I can. I wouldn’t worry too much about that at this point because the breast care team will find out what status it is and tailor your treatment around it. This forum is a life saver - I was a complete mess at xmas - sat there thinking it had spread all over my body as you do (human nature) but honestly once you get the plan in place you can focus and know what path you are taking - at the moment you are at the crossroads not knowing where you are going and thinking the worst all the time - but honestly give it a few weeks and you will feel so much better. I won’t lie, it’s been a rollercoaster of a few months (diagnosed 15th Dec) but i’m going back to work in 2 weeks and I can’t wait x
Mine was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of 17mm (scan said 25mm but pathology said 17mm) and another 9 areas of IDC ranging from 0.5mm to 9mm - and I didn’t feel a thing! Found on trial screening!
Hi Melia,
You’ll get all the info in time.
I was told mine was invasive & that I was er+ after the initial biopsy, initially it was grade 1 but grade 2 diagnosis was confirmed after the thing was removed.
Golden rule on here is to step away from google, so glad you’ve banned yourself! All it does is create a whole load of anxiety which is completely unnecessary to go through in these difficult early days of diagnosis.
There can be a time when its helpful, but that is further down the line when you know & understand what you’re dealing with.
Do use this site or macmillan for info.
ann x