I was diagnosed with IDC Hormone positive/HER negative 3 weeks ago and I’ve been coping fairly well I’d say after the initial shock!
But I’ve since had an MRI which showed a “lesion” on the opposite breast that doesn’t look too suspicious but they want to do an US biopsy it to be safe and another lump on the breast where the IDC is that they want to do an MRI biopsy on, the appointments are both within the next week but I’m just feeling really down tonight that’s its realistically another 2-3 weeks now to wait for the full results and MDT meetings etc…….
Not sure if I just want to rant or hear from others who have ended up with multiple extra tests etc and any words of wisdom to perk me up!! I didn’t get much sleep last night as our 2 and 5 year olds are abit ill and ended up in our bed so I think I’m just a little extra emotional in general today!! Any kind words of support or any stories of other people who have been here before are more than welcome!
Im in a similar position. Mine is hormone positive, Her2positive and I had my mri results yesterday. Ive been told ill be starting chemo in December but before then I have to have 2 more biopsies next week as the mri showed a shadow behind the cancer. Ill then have to wait another week or so for the results. Its excruciating isn’t it. Sending lots of luck and best wishes to you x
Hi Katie, I’ve been feeling a bit down myself tonight. I think the initial shock wears off and slowly life carries on again, especially for us mums because we still have to look after everyone and then suddenly out of nowhere it hits you…. Oh yeah, I’ve still got breast cancer.
Like a bad dream that plays on your mind all day.
Trying to flip these negative thoughts is hard but I’m going to try my best….
These curve balls they give us when they order more tests, more biopsies and they add on more weeks of us waiting, what is the point of it all? Well it’s to fix us. To map out exactly that they need in order to navigate our treatment. They want to fix us and give us back our lives. Sp I guess we are the lucky ones! It doesnt feel that way now haha but we found our cancer and when you know what you’ve got you can fight it
I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen next week or in 2 weeks time or in 3 weeks. Why is everything 3 weeks? And it’s bloody awful BUT after reading through so many stories here from the people that have been through this, I think at the end of this chapter I will be a stronger person for it. WE will be stronger. WE would have tackled one of the most stressful things someone can go through!
It really is awful this wait!! I feel like with each appointment being ticked off I get an extra 2 more! I suppose its all just a waiting game! I’ve come down with a bug so I think I’m just feeling extra sensitive at the minute, I need to remember how fast the last 3 weeks since diagnosis have gone by and hopefully I’ll know more following the biopsies in 2 weeks.
Thank you so much for this message, its really helped me look at it differently with a different perspective! You’re right though why is everything 3 weeks haha!!
I’ve been coping really well with it all and getting on with life/fun with the kids etc but then you’re right the thought just creeps back in to remind us doesn’t it what we’re going through!
I think you’re definitely right though we will come out of this stronger than ever!
How are you doing? Where are you up to on your journey? How old are your kids?
Hi @katie91. I’m so sorry you’re going through this but wanted to share that you are lucky that your hospital does investigative mri at the start of treatment. This way they’ll know exactly what they’re dealing with. 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with hormone positive IDC HER2-. No further testing after biopsy was done on me at the time, so I didnt know of the 3 other tumours lurking. It’s all out now but I wish I’d had earlier tests to check.
The waiting truly is the hardest part. Everything seems to take ages but just tell yourself that they’re getting your treatment plan just right for your exact needs. Once you know the plan, it will get moving quickly with treatment starting within weeks. Use this time to prepare for Christmas as you will be well into treatment by then. I was diagnosed on Dec 3rd 2023, but my treatment plan was on Dec 18th. Surgery was 4 weeks later.
You’re welcome Katie its good practice for me to try and see things from a different perspective
I had a bit of a delay in diagnosis. I have quite hormonal lumpy boobs but I felt an area that wasnt usually lumpy and knew something was strange back in May. Got an appointment at the breast clinic at the end of June only because I was so anxious. Had an ultrasound but they couldnt see or feel what I felt. Was told to check boobs after my period just once a month, if anything changes to get referred again. So I kept checking but nothing was really changing only that it wasnt going anywhere and then it started feeling harder. I wish id gone back sooner but it wasnt until I got back to the clinic in October that they finally took it seriously. The doctors and bc nurses have been wonderful since. Very reassuring and have been happy to take all my panicked calls haha
Ive had 2 lots of biopsies so far including a thickened lymphnode and an MRI. It was confirmed breast cancer on Nov 3rd, later I got told it was ER+ HER2- So far nodes are negative. The 2nd lot of biopsies found another patch of cancer in an area they werent even looking at as it didnt show on the MRI because its so close to the original lump and I’m just waiting to find out if thats the same type as the first lot they found.
Current plan is lumpectomy on 11th Dec, Tamoxifen for 10 years and then depending on the results from surgery radiotherapy/maybe chemo.
My mum survived the same breast cancer 8 years ago although she probably caught hers earlier. Unfortunately I wasnt given gene testing as no one else in my mums family have a history. Her bc was found at her routine aged 50 mammogram, I am 39. So I feel like thats a clear pattern there.
I have 2 daughters aged 12 and nearly 15.
Im trying not to think about what all this means for them yet. I want to get myself treated first and then I will do everything in my power to make sure my girls are prepared. They are very positive considering I’m an anxious mess most of the time haha so thankfully ive been able to lean on that with them. Me having bc isnt scary for them, it just means they have a better chance than I did.
It is one hell of a journey! An absolute rollercoaster of emotions! But its managable! We have countless stories before ours that show it can be done
I feel better by trying to help myself whilst I’m waiting. Eating as healthy as possible and lots of walking. Listening to positive podcasts and reading books. Oh and plenty of tv time. The housework can definitely wait
Cancer’s a bitch, but unlike those you find at work sometimes, you are allowed to kick this one’s nether regions! This phase is horrible, but think of it as the docs and scientists gathering their information to make your treatment journey as smooth as they can. Look at the “Look Good, Feeling Better” charity and see if you book up for a make up morning. It’s a place to meet others who have gone through cancer and come out the other end and now are looking to start feeling better in themselves. Don’t be a people pleaser, you haven’t got the energy to do that. Look into freezing meals and snacks in advance and get your kids to help you pack your treatment bag. Put a couple of shawls in as sometimes chemo makes you chilly, and if you find a teddy in the bag also, you know your kids are looking after Mummy. There are ways of talking to children about cancer and you can break it up into small bits. They will be kids and clowns so you will keep smiling. Don’t make rash promises involving puppies though: you may have to make good on them! We’re all here for you and know what you mean however you phrase it as we’ve all been there. keep taking forward steps.
