Hi, this is my first post. I am 41 and have 3 year old twins. I was considered of medium risk for breast cancer after my grandfather died of it. They recommended a mammogram from 40. I had one in May and was clear. I felt a lump in my armpit on 2 Feb and was diagnosed on 24 Feb (US scan, mammogram and needle). The mammogram doesn’t show the cancer. The genetic counsellor told me that we are 1:150 families a year that go from a medium to a high risk. The combination of this unlikely event with the fact that my cancer is invisible in the mammogram has put me in this situation. The cancer feels about 2cm. This week I had core biopsy, blood tests, CT scan of lungs and liver, MRI of spine bone marrow and breasts. I am waiting to see the doctors on Tuesday morning. My big worry is the possibility of finding out that the cancer has spread. I am keeping everything crossed that it’s still a stage 2 cancer.
I am not preparing mentally for the possibility of being told it’s stage 4, I just find it too frightening. I’d like to have advice on how to best deal with the wait and whether I should prepare mentally for the worst case scenario. I’ve also been wondering whether I should call my key nurse and tell her how difficult I am finding the wait, in case they can ease my mind a little (can she ask the dr to give me a call if there is not evidence of metastasis?). But then I worry that if they don’t, I will assume it’s bad news and feel even worse.
It’s all still so new I feel a bit lost despite the huge support from nurses, doctors, family and friends.
Hello Barbwill
I am afraid that this is the worst time of all-once you make a start on treatment you will feel better I promise.I dont think anything except reassurance will help and only your doctor can give you that.In fact Tuesday isnt too long to wait though it will feel like an eternity I know.I think asking your bcn ,as you say,may well make you more anxious as the likelihood is that your consultant will want to talk to you in person whatever the situation.If you can try to fill tomorrow with activities for you and the children-do something special that will absorb as much time as possible.Choose an adult friend/family to talk to and try to avoid being alone.tell yourself,'just 2 sleeps to go!'Take someone with you on tuesday and try not to be too afraid[easily said I know].The very strong chances are that you have a primary cancer which is completely curable.
Good Luck
Val
Hi Barbwill
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I hope you are finding it to be a great source of information and support.
It sounds like you’re having a pretty tough time at the moment. The first few days and weeks of diagnosis can be really difficult and as horace has mentioned the waiting is one of the worst things.
I’ve given here the link to our Resource Pack, which has been specifically designed for those people newly diagnosed. It contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
breastcancercare.org.uk/heal … tionId/82/
Also, if you would like to talk to someone and have further support through this worrying time please do give the BCC helpline a ring. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
I hope this helpful.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Barbwill,
I’m sorry you find yourself here. The waiting is so hard.as Val said once you get started on treatment you will feel more in control. The worst point for me was waiting for the results of CT and bone scans.
Try not to google as, at the moment, it can be too frightening. Do ring the helpline tomorrow. That was the best thing I ever did.
Sending you best wishes and lots of love,
Sue
Hi Barbwill
I too am sorry that you find yourself on here and I know from experience that the waiting is the worse thing in the world right now and your logic about whether to phone for reassurance etc could highlight things if you dont hear anything tho that doesnt necessarily mean bad news but it will feel that way, i send you my love and support and echo what horace has written to you. Horace has been a great support to do and helps put things into perpective. its true that no matter how much support u get from family and friends you really do need the support of someone who knows and this site is great for that and please do ring the support line here too, the helpline it really is there for you and it is good to talk to someone who understands, please dont feel alone we are here for each other, keep posting and keep positive, trust me i really do understand how you are feeling, feel free to pm if i can be of any help at all. xxxx
Hi everyone and thank you so much for your replies. The CT and MRI scans of lungs, liver and bone marrow did not see the cancer anywhere else, and this is such a huge relief. I have now started my chemotherapy, had the first one on 11 March and will have 6 3-week cycles followed by surgery and radiotherapy.
I am doing OK given the circumstances. I was unwell for about 3/4 days and almost normal after a week. I am sure that all you on this website will be a great support to me throughout my treatment and beyond.
There’s a March chemo thread, feel free to jump in.