Can I join you?

[missmore]

Gabriela, just added you as a friend, if you want to talk privately x

[Abby63]

Thank you CatoKitty for  your reassurance.

I guess it's not  too long until I will find out what type of surgery i will have as I 'm going to see my surgeon on Wednesday. But then will be again stressful... who knows how long before the actual surgery... I wish I had it done and get rid of the stress...to be over it... I have to wait and hope for the best but can't  help it, I' still think of all  possible scenarios. It is a waiting game. Waiting for the biopsy results, then when that is over is waiting for the surgery, then waiting for results  again, then waiting for further treatment  so it's just to try to live between two appointments.

In any case what is the worst thing is that no matter how much you try, life is not going to be the same anymore. I guess, what they say about living a new normality,  is about  no matter what, we all need to learn to live every day at the full,  to tell the important people  in our lives  more often how much they mean to us and enjoy the small things and never take things for granted.

I think it is in fact a chance to learn to appreciate life more.

[catokitty]

Hi  Abby63  I had 14 mm grade 2 invasive plus a separate area of DCIS estrogen positive.    I was told I had to have mastectomy as there wasn't enough room in my boob for two WLEs with clear margins so the decision was taken out of my hands.   I was okay with this and didn't go for reconstruction as it sounded a big op.   I was a couple of stone overweight but had no problems at all with the anaesthetic.   I woke up feeling fine and I am sure you will too.   My sentinal nodes were positive so I had a further op to check the next tier of nodes but they were clear.   That was in February.  I have since lost about 20 pounds as I am determined to get fitter now.  I recovered pretty quickly from the surgery.     On the plus side with mastectomy I didn't have to have radiotherapy and luckily for me the oncololist didn't recommend chemo.      It is a tough time but we all get throught it somehow.    I had a recall from routine screening and when the radiologist who did the ultrasound and biopsies told me she was pretty sure it was two areas of cancer I was so shocked I didn't cry or act like I was upset, I simply got the bus home and immediately poured myself a large gin.  I had a cry a few days later.    I wondered before the operation if  I would feel sad or distressed waking up minus a boob but I really haven't at any time and I have got used to wearing a fake boob and look fine in my clothes.    Good luck with everything and do keep us posted how you get on . There is always support and friendship here!

[Abby63]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie ...I'm a 51  nurse... but here I am a frightened newly diagnosed breast  cancer patient. Diagnosis confirmed with hystology results on 11.06.2015: R breast grade 2 ductal carcinoma aprox 1.8 cm with high grade DCIS, no staging at present. Awaiting to see  the surgeon on Wednesday and decide exactly what type of surgery I'm going for. Feeling frustrated, scared, shocked, anxious (like everybody else) and feels like life stopped  and is on standby. I hope it will restart again when everything is done and dusted. I am usually a fighter as I've been all my life and act stronger  outside but  I do feel shakey inside. I can relate to all your posts... the shock, everything feels surreal, it is like an out of body experience and does not seem to be happening to me...

It is great to have the chance to speak to other people in same situation.   I  am lucky as I have a great support from my family,  friends and colleagues at work but there are so many things you can't talk  to family about...

I am at present waiting to see the surgeon and don't really know what procedure I could choose. Did you have a chance to choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy or it was just said what you should have? I am overweight and had a heart attach 5 years ago, never had a general anesthetic  before. I would prefer to have mastectomy for my peace of mind but I am not sure this would be possible under the circumstances. Did any of you here had a choice in picking mastectomy or lumpectomy? I dread having another intervention if the margins remain positive...

I have read all your posts and I find all of you so brave  and inspirational.  It is not the best club to join but the members are brilliant... Best wishes to everyone!

Spoiler

[Cesrabbit]

Hi Sarah. This site is very encouraging as there are lots of positive stories and very strong women! I'm finding it difficult as am hiding everything from my 11 year old daughter who knows all about 'the big c' and I know it'll terrify her. I'm hoping to get away with rads only but until lumpectomy I won't know if grade has changed, nodes affected etc. What was yr original diagnosis? Did you have node involvement as I notice you've had a mastectomy? I've been waiting nearly 4 weeks for op (apparently they are overwhelmed with cases of breast cancer at the moment - which is rather worrying!!). Hope your treatment is progressing well. Ces

[spongebob52]

Hi Cesrabbit similar story 52 yrs old nurse/midwife bad menopause commenced H R T.Three years later found lump and dimpling to breast.Had lumpectomy on APril 10 th now  awaiting further surgery and reconstruction at different hospital.So had to go through all appointments again.Felt really stupid not having noticed earlier being a midwife.

 I have  2 teenagers doing exams this week ,husband self employed unable to take time of work, hoping daughter passes driving test to help with hospital appointments. The only thing keeping me sane is my fantastic work colleagues who insist on taking me out regularly for cake and coffee! and my lovely cats.Good luck with your treatment Sarah

[missmore]

Hi Suzie55 - I've added you to friends list. pm if you need to talk/share xxxx

[Suzie55]

Hi I'm a newbee also, diagnosed last Tuesday at Grade 2 about the same size as you and also having lumpectomy on 22nd June. I had no clue that anything was wrong so it came as a shock to be told this news.  Although I have this in my famly and am awaiting the gene test to see if I'm a carrier I feel quite positive and very thankful that it could have been a far worse diagnosis if my routine mammogram was this time next year!!

The waiting is difficult, I want to get on with it, but it's so nice to hear stories from ladies who are further along and be able to talk freely in here without worrying the family x

[Cesrabbit]

Hi I'm 54. Had tender left breast and left arm for about 6 months. Had been to GP about it but was dismissed as 'probably hormonal' - even though I was on HRT. Went for my 3 year mammogram last month which was excruciating in left breast - and that worried me - so was not surprised to be recalled for further tests. The Ultrasound Radiologist said 'yes definitely cancer, I'm surprised you can not feel the lump!' and put her hand over mine to guide me. Still couldn't feel it and she made me feel rather stupid and anxious. I dropped half a stone waiting for biopsy results which I received last week. I have a Grade 1, 1cm, ER+/PR+ (both 😎 HER2 is equivocal so awaiting lumpectomy on 22nd June and results of FISH. Consultant was lovely and said he couldn't feel my lump either and there was no way I would have! Hooray for Mammograms! Found this website very reassuring.