I found out on Tuesday that I it is have breast cancer, 2 tumors. I’m told that is advanced and may have spread. I am waiting for a bone and CT scans. I am so scared. Just want to get on with treating it, but told I to wait, for scans, then to see oncologist on 3rd Dec. to discuss drugs. Then it will be 6 months chemo then surgery. Is this the usual way of things as thought surgery would be first?. I live alone, and have far too much time to thing. Advise please!!!
Hi Chisine
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums. I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis.
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their advice and experiences, you may find BCC’s resource pack helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed. The pack is free of charge as are all our publications. If you would like a copy just follow the link below:
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence 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)
Hi there,
just wanted to say hi and to let you know that you have come to the right place for advice, help and support.
Sometimes chemo is used to reduce the size of the cancer before surgery so it is not strange to have chemo first - just depends on your own circumstances.
Ask away with any and as many questions as you like, as someone will be able to give you an answer.
Please keep posting and let us know how you are.
Take care
Thinking of you
Clarabelle x
Hi there Chrisine,
I to am having chemo before surgery.
As the tumour is large and aggressive and i have 3 nodes enlarged under my arm pit chemo is to try and shrink the tumours size hopfully so you can have a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.
I started chemo 2 weeks after diagnosis.Which was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
My first 2 AC chemos didnt work & my tumour went from 4cm to 10cm, i am now on my second round of Taxotere but unfortunately my diagnosis has changed to Inflammatory Breast Cancer. The Taxotere doesnt seem to be working for me either so i am going through more tests.
Thinking of you at this tough time, do keep us updated on your progress.
Hugs, Shell.xxxxx
Hi Everyone,
It is now 1 week since I was told that i have breast cancer. Slowly getting my head round it. CT scan booked for tomorrow. I am still waiting for appointment for a bone scan. I have found it so hard telling people especially my daughter and son. He lives 100 miles away and is upset that he can’t give me the support he thinks he should. It is still another week before I see oncologist and hopefully find out what is happening, if its spread and what treatment I will be having. The waiting is so difficult as i’m sure you all know. I lost 10 lbs in the first few days but am gradually getting my appetite back. Wish i could sleep! I hepls knowning that hepl and support is here, Thank you.
Luck luck
Christine
Sending you love and hugs at this time Christine, xxxxxxxxxx (((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))xxxxxxxxxxxxx and hoping things go okay tomorrow, we are here if you need us. Although it might be difficult once you know what you are dealing with and a plan is put in place you should start to feel a bit more in control of your life, xx
Hi
Its now January 8th. I have had a bit of a roller coaster ride. 1st chemo December 10th. Had quite a lots of side affects. Had a bought of dizzyness just before Christmas. It was very scary as I live alone and had great difficulty getting to the door to let anyone in. I literally could not stand. So more pills! I was very pleased that tablets started to ease problem by next day. At least I could stand, bonus!!
Woke on Christmas Eve to hind most of my hair had fallen out over night. I had to hover my bed.
Christmas Day was a non starter. Family had gone down with bugs, cold, flu and sickness, so no visitors. Also woke with bad head. This got progressively worse as day wore on. Spent much of day in bed or asleep on sofa. Overnight pain progressed over left side of head. No pills worked to ease it. By the earlier haours of Boxing Day really begining to panic. Contacted NHS direct, they were brillent. Talking to nurse within 2 minutes and to Doctor within 15 minutes. Seen at my local practise by 9am. Spent over 40 minutes with GP. With discussion from hospital, was agreed that I possibly have Giant Cell Artritis and am now taking high does steriods. They worked quite quickly. I have been to hospital this week to have biopsy of arteries to test for this condishon. Should now by Monday.
Had 2nd chemo last Friday. Side effects dont seem so bad, perhaps because I know whats happen more this time.
Sorry press button to quick.
Keeping positive, easier as treatment is under way.
Good luck to everyone under going this same roller coaster ride.
Lots of Love Christine xx
Just want to say, sorry to hear of your terrible christmas. Hope things get better for you in the New Year. Good luck