Two weeks ago I went to get a lump checked. I was expecting to be told it was a cyst as they run in my family. They took some cells, an ultrasound and biopsy. So far, I have been told the cells are suspicious and the lymph nodes under my right armpit are u4 on the scan. Results next weds (9 days away) and op to remove lump next thurs. The waiting is agonising!!
I am 30 years old. No children. I just want to know what I will be having to face. I’ve always wanted children and now I’m scared that if this is cancer I won’t be able to because of the treatment. My Boyfriend has been so supportive and says he doesn’t care if we can’t have children as I am priority but then I feel bad for him about that.
I am trying to get on as normal and be positive but I get these panicky/anxious moments where I am so scared! At other times I feel positive that I can handle whatever this is. I’ve also made the mistake of googling things and scaring myself! Today I read some of the cancer leaflets without crying so that’s a good thing I suppose!
I feel like I was happy and carefree and then this has hit me! Any advice from women who have been through similar would be really helpful.
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums, you’ve come to the right place for some good, honest support from the many informed users of this site, who I am sure will all agree with you that waiting is the worst part.
While you are waiting for replies, please feel free to give our helpline team a ring, they’re here to support you through this both practically and emotionally. Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open this morning at 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and 10-2 Saturdays.
I remember what an anxious time it was waiting for my first results. Treatment varies but it often involves surgery and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is the treatment that might affect fertility but you might not need it. If you do, let your consultant know and ask about the options and whether you need to be referrred to a fertility specialist.
I know how awful the wait is, but it will go and once you know what the plan is, it’s so much easier to get your head round it all.
Re children, they can do several things. If they think they have time to spare before starting chemo (if you need it) then they can take eggs that you can freeze. This will give you a good starting point when you complete treatment.
If there isn’t time (like in my case, my onc said we could freeze eggs, but she wasn’t keen on waiting as my cancer lump was large and in a few nodes) then you can have an injection called zolodex (or prostrap, does the same thing) which knocks you into temporary menopause while you have treatment and then they stop the injections (they are every 28 days) and things will hopefully go back to normal and your fertility should be preserved.
If your cancer is oestrogen positive however they may prescribe you tamoxifen for 5-10 years after you finish active treatment, but if you do want children, subject to your oncologist’s thoughts, you can pause it after 2 years to have children… I have just started my tamoxifen, I have a 1 12 year old and am counting the days till I can pause it… Naughty I know, but I can’t help it!!
Good luck with your results, feel free to pm me or write back if you have any questions!!
Since I’ve started reading this forum yesterday I feel much calmer about my results. I guess what will be will be and I just have to be strong and deal with it. Worrying won’t change it.
Thank you for the advice about children. At first my boyfriend was very accepting of the fact that we may not have children but I worry that two or three years down the line it might hit us so I do want to make sure I consider our options before rushing into anything.
Also - I know I am thinking quite far ahead. All depends on results which are on Weds 3rd. Had the mammogram today - it’s strange how normally I would be so embarrassed having my boobs out but now I don’t care at all!
I found that if I feel panicky it goes if I play music and sing!!