Hello everyone, my first post and I am just numb too. I had a lump in areola of nipple that was big and I thought it was a cyst as I have been dealing with this type problem since very young… As I had mammogram just last Sept,. I was not overly concerned but knew I needed it checked. I was shocked when radiologist told me he thought it was serious. I too have a node that showed up with examination and ultra sound. Met with my drs for result of core biopsy Thursday and it was confirmed. We are doing chemo first for 6-8 treatments followed by surgery…should be about 6 months of chemo and I am supposed to start this coming week. Can I just say I am nutzo… can’t stay out of the loo… lost 10 lbs just this past week due to stress I am sure. My gp gave me some sleeping pills or I would be up all night. I waited until I had it confirmed by biopsy and had a treatment plan before I told my family (my hubby knew of course) and I have to say that was very hard as you all well know I am sure.
Glad I found this site… seems like there will be lots of support and friendships.
Also I have redness on my breast like I had been bitten my something… not warmer than surrounding breast tho… very painful nipple. Anyone have those symptoms??.. I asked the Drs. about Inflammatory Breast Cancer… they acted as if it sorta could be due to that.
Hi Lee,
I am so sorry you’ve had to join us but ‘welcome’ to the site. I have found it invaluable since I was diagnosed and I hope you find it as helpful as I have, I’m sure you will!
I was diagnosed in March, age 34. I had a right mastectomy and total axillary clearance a week after diagnosis. I was pleased they ‘cracked on’ so quickly but if left me very little time to get my head round everything that was happening and it all seemed v.surreal (it still does at times!). I knew v.little about bc prior to diagnosis and it was a VERY steep learning curve for me and those close to me. I started my chemo (E-CMF) in May and I’m over 2/3 of the way through this now! Will be having rads afterwards, then hormones and Herceptin. Phew!!!
Telling friends and family is awful isn’t it! I remember ‘that’ day like it was yesterday. When I said I had some news everyone immediately thought that we were getting married or expecting a baby. If only!!! Needless to say everyone was totally gobsmacked. My best friend was so upset she actually put the phone down on me! Thankfully she rang straight back.
I am glad the doc has given you some sleeping tabs. I just managed on ‘Nytol’ over the counter but they weren’t the best. Blimey, a lot of sleepless nights preceeded my op, along with a loooaaaadddd of tears!!
I wish you well as you start this journey. There is no doubt it is tough, the treatments affect you physically and mentally. You will have many ‘down’ days but remember you will have many more ‘up’ days. Chemo is tough but very doable. Just don’t expect too much of yourself, listen to your body and take baby steps.
Take care and keep in touch,
Kelly
-x-
Hi Lee
Sorry you have had to join us on here, but you will find so much support from everyone, and it will help you through. I was diagnosed on 16 July with bc and then told 10 days later it had spread to my liver - complete bombshell, absolutely devastated and think I cried on and off for about 3 weeks. I am 39 with a 3 yr old and a 9 month old, so I was gutted to think I might not see them grow up. But I have just started chemo last week, and have to say am much more positive and ready to fight back with all guns blazing. I have too much to live for to let this beat me.
Take each day as it comes, and when your body tells you to rest then do. I have not had any side effects from chemo yet so to speak off, def. no sickness. But obviously early days and it is not as bad as I thought it would be.
It is a very stressful and emotional time for you and your family, but you will get over this bit and then start to move on. It is not easy and you will have good days and bad days. I still have bouts some days where cry for half an hour, normally when cuddling my baby, but then I pull myself together and start again.
Use this forum as much as you like, I have found it to be very therapeutic (spelt wrong) and helps so much to realise you are not alone.
Take care and keep in touch.
Love
Dawn
x
Dear Leeuk
I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Welcome you to the forums where I am sure you will continue to receive lots of helpful advice and support from our users.
I have posted a reply to you in another thread you have posted in but just in case you miss it, below is a link to a Breast Cancer Care publication Resources Pack which can be ordered on line, it is filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available:
breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
If you have further queries or any concerns at all, you are very welcome to contact our freephone confidential helpline to speak to one of our team of specialist nurses on 0808 800 6000 which is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.
I do hope you find this information useful.
Kind Regards
Lucy
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Lee. It is nearly a year since I was diagnosed, and I can still remember clearly the feeling that I had ‘joined a club’ that I didn’t want to be a member of. I cried a lot to begin with, but then I had an agreement with my daughter that we couldn’t both cry at the same time, so we made each other laugh by saying “It’s not your turn”
At first it seems to take over your whole life and is the only thing you think about, but it is amazing how quickly you get used to the idea and just get on with things.
I have my second op (reconstruction) coming up in a couple of weeks, and I will be relieved when that is over. I am sorry you have to go through chemo, I was one of the luckier ones that didn’t, but there are loads of others who have gone through it and are fine now.
I know you will get loads of support from this site. Take each day as it comes.
Best wishes Heidicat
Thank you so much for the comments and support. We have had company all day and I have been feeling somewhat better. I have lots of soreness in my breast…possibly from the core biopsy of last week? I notice more when I get my bra off for the evening.
Thank you Lucy for that info… I ordered one immediately.
Kelly, Heidi and Dawn I wish you all well. I know this going to be a tiring time but I know I can get thru it… but this past week I have acted like a cry baby… I know that is ok too. I just feel this must be agressive if I had a mammogram in Sept and nothing showed up. So I worry… I am sure it’s early yet to accept it and move on but I am going to keep as busy as possible
Hope all of you enjoy your weekend.
Lee x