Young & Just diagnosed :-(

[Guest user]

Yeah I second that Jules,
Lolly you have been such a sweetie to me and I have already stocked up on all those tablets you suggested and have the green tea all ready to go.
I hope you are still feeling ok after no. 2

Love and Hugs
Lisa
xoxo

[ForumMember]

I just want to say (again) Lolly your amazing! You are such a warm, kind, caring BRAVE lady and you helped me so much during my cancer scare.

Lots of love Jules xxxxxx

[HayleyBayley]

Hi Lolly,

I am also a newly diagnosed (mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed on 29th May, 10cm lump and all nodes full of "it"). Joy oh Joy! I'm 41 with 2 kiddies (6 & 4).

Like you, I am feeling really positive and ready for the chemo fight and I agree that it is a good starting point. My (and my husband) sense of humour has been such a godsend, it has really helped me so far. My hair is straightened every day at the mo (by me of course) but booked in next week for the chop! Not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not...

Keep it up, and all the very best of luck and love with all your treatment

Loads
Hayley xx

[Guest user]

Hi lolly

thank you so much for your comments on my thread. i really admire how positive you are and when i think how young you are it makes me feel a little ashamed about how frightened i am at the moment. i hope all continues to go well and just wanted you to know how much you have lifted my spirits.

Lots of love

Redemption (Mo)

xxxx

[Guest user]

Hi Lolly

Just logged on a seen your message. Sounds to me like there was a lot to take in from your meeting. Gosh - well as I'm not as familiar with 'cancer speak' as some of you other gals out there, from what you say it is all going in the right direction which is a positive. I absolutely agree that a PMT (not the one that you have every month) is the key to it all. I am still at early 'getting my head round it' stage and still feeling a mixture of feeling overwhelmed but now much more optimistic.

It sounds like your team of people are fab. I am meeting with the nurse this pm to look at reconstruction 'stuff' and then will be moving on to lymph node tests etc. It's really encouraging to hear that you have recovered so quickly from your op. it makes me feel that it's all much more doable.

I really hope all goes well for you this pm and that the next steps are a little easier to make now that you're over this first 'big bit'.

Ruth x

[Guest user]

Hey you wonderful ladies...
Results showed 9 out of 14 lymph nodes removed were involved..Lump was bigger than thought at 7cms instead of 2.5cm they had measured on scan!!
Going to see the chemo doc on monday to find out about it all.. I know i will have to have chemo & radiotherapy and also take tablets for 5 years after.
It seems that although i thought it was caught early, you can never be sure..BUT they have caught it all, and it WILL be gone after all this medication!!
I am still very positive, not saddened by results as i feel i knew that some lymph nodes would be affected anyway, just thankful not all are.
Consultant said he is amazed at how quickly i have recovered, and i honestly put it down to a positive attitude..anything else brings your body down too!!
I had surgery on the friday, straightened my hair on the sunday, washed it myself on the tuesday and straightened again and have full (although a little sore) movement on my arm.
Going private i feel has helped me, as instead of waiting weeks for results etc you get them straight away. It saddens me to think not everyone is treated like i have been at such an awful time in our lives.
Lots of love to you all
Hope we can keep each other updated on our progress.x.x.x.x

[Guest user]

Hi forgot to say

Fab news Anne that you have finished your stuff today. Ruth x

[Guest user]

Hi Mary, Debs, Lolly, Anne and all

Thank you so much - that is something I will remember forever x.

I am now popping to my friends house to collect my daughter and have a glass of wine.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

Lolly - i hope all is good for you.

Love Ruth x

[Guest user]

Hi Ruth
I was dx last Oct and like you found it early and have had WLE on 15th April and 21 nodes removed,had chemo before surgery to shrink lump and now on herceptin for the next year and awaiting radiotherapy in a few weeks.I have clear nodes and have been told that there is a high chance that it will not return so looking forward now I have locked out the world at times over the last few months despite having fantastic support but the lonely feeling left me feeling vulnerable at times, am coming out of this now and feel ready to face the world again.Enjoy a drink when you can. I certainly have.
When I was first dx my bc nurse said something to me that I tried to live by.
Cancer will be a part of your life now, but don't let it have all of your life.

Good luck and try to stay positive

Mary
xx

[anne5]

Hi Lolly

Just seen your post. Good luck for tonight - hope all goes well.
I was diagnosed last July with IDC grade 3 - had wle and snb but unfortunetly they did not get clear margins as they found DCIS to. Opted for mastectomy with immediate recon with LD flap and full aux clearance. I too have lymph node invlovement 12/29 - so have had 6 cycles of chemo and just had 30 rads. Finished today. Hip yee. Now on tamoxifen for 5 years and follow up next week with onc to see where we go from here.
I also have too small children they were just 5 and 3 at diagnosis - . It is all doable and I can not believe that I have actually done it.

Please take care, love

Annex

[Guest user]

Hi Debs

I hope you're ok. It's good to know there are others out there. I used to wish that when I was feeding the children in the middle of the night when they were babies, that you could just walk in to a room and be with other mums and chat because it sometimes felt so lonely to be up at that time. It is good to know there are others to talk to now that I'm going through this. I have felt very isolated despite that fact that my family - including my amazing husband - and friends have been texting, emailing, phoning and visiting since Wednesday. The weird thing is that i'm having to reassure them!!

I am always so bright and positive - I do Life Coaching but at the moment it's all so draining. I just feel lonely, lost and sad but i'm also not sure why? I am told that I have caught this really early so my outcome should be good. So why do i feel so 'uuugh'. Did everyone get to terms with it quite quickly??

I don't feel like I should drink anymore (not that i did alot) - did anyone else feel this way? Should i just have a bottle of wine??

love Ruth x

[Guest user]

HI Ruth

Sorry you have had to join us here, I too have had my mastectomy the same day as Lauren although I don't find out what is next until the next 2 weeks probably. Thats ok tho giving myself a couple of weeks off thinking about it too much. I too have had a bit of a cry today, don't really know why but my son goes back to Korea tomorrow and my youngest son goes back to uni on Sunday so I do feel a bit sad. I feel for you because it is hard, the build up to the op but as Lauren says its not that bad. It feels a bit uncomfortable at the moment but all scars do as they heal so not that bothered. Lauren dont forget to let us know how you get on.

Keep your chin up you are not alone

Debs x

[Guest user]

Hi Lolly

Wow - you sound so positive. Good luck with your appointment this evening - hope that you get the result you wish for. You are somewhat down the path from your first message. I imagine it's like starting down a new journey and becoming more confident as you go along. You can feel it coming through in your words and as i sat down to my machine rather tired and drained - I must say that you have given me a boost!! Thank you so much.

Now I'm crying 🙂

I have not got appt yet but will see nurse mon to talk about reconstruction and then surgeon wed to check out results of some other tests they did. I think we'll then book the lymph node check as they need to do this in order to go ahead with both the mastectomy and the reconstruction in one go. Blimey it all seems so much to take in doesn't it.

love Ruth x

[Guest user]

Yes it is a whole new world....So much to take in, not enough head space to accept it!!
I have my follow up appointment this evening so will find out full extent of cancer i hope.. Mastectomy not so bad, enjoying picking out new 'boobies' and bras for the time being until i can have reconstruction..Stay strong, and positive..Lymph nodes are always tested i think, if it has spread then the chemo/radio should kill any left anyway..Don't panic!
When is your mastectomy booked?? Lots of love to you.x.x.x.

[Guest user]

hello everyone

Just read all your stuff. Goodness - this is like a new world. I was diagnosed with DCIS of my right breast on Wednesday 7th May. I am 42 with 3 beautiful and bright children. Feel rather shocked and stunned but also feel 'fighty' about it. I have to have a mastectomy on my right breast and they have offered me a reconstruction at the same time (this feels weird putting it all in writing!). Gosh - the thoughts running through my head. My perspective seems to be 'off' and life feels somewhat detached.

I am scared about the next bit - checking my lymph nodes as this will mean it has spread or not as the case may be and then I may have to have radiotherapy. I'm wondering if it will floor me to find that there might be more to this weird journey that I am embarking on. I am trying to keep positive but most of all would love to speak to someone who has been there...

Ruthus x

[Guest user]

HI Lauren

How are you doing???? everything seems to be 'coming round' now and a little painful. but on the whole not too bad. I went out to meet up with family last night, I was only going for a hour ended up out all evening. Feeling a little hung over today but it was good. Do you know when you are going to start your treatment. I haven't had any discussions on it yet. Are you getting plenty of rest???? must be hard with your little ones.

HI paula will give you a ring next week if that is ok.

All the best debsx

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren

So good to hear from you and I think you are doing so well, good on you.

Get plenty of rest whilst you c\an, I know what its like with little un's so rest and recoup.

Lots of hugs and love

P xxxxx

[Guest user]

Thankyou for the messages ladies.. I've now been home for 2 days and am still feeling very positive about everything!! Although today i'm in a little more pain and feeling a bit 'drugged up'......My eyes are heavy so may need a little sleep!
It's great to know that so many other people are in the same boat as me, and know how i'm feeling...
Looking forward to my reconstruction but taking everything else one day at a time!.....
Gotta have a little lay down now, lots a love.x.x..x.

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren

How are you feeling today ( 2 days to go) I feel a bit better about things now, I know a bit more having spoken to my BC nurse today she is coming to see me before the op, I could have gone and seen her today but after going yesterday as well really didn't feel like it. From what I can gather they are taking a sample of my lymph nodes so not all I think. And she is also going to try and arrange that my son can come in for 10 mins on saturday on the way home from the airport, it will probably be around 9.30 ish but she said she will see what she can do , as I haven't seen him sinced september. Where are your babies going?? and how long did they say you will be in for?? I am hoping to be out on Sunday but maybe Monday. Hope you are feeling ok I must say you seem very 'together'

love Deb x

[Guest user]

Hi,

I was diagnosed may 05, i was 15 weeks pregant at the time with son no 6 ( no daughters hence 6 sons), i can easily say it was the most terrifying and isolating thing that has ever happened. We had not long moved to a new area and had absolutely no one to help us, my family all down south and partners all in ireland, but we managed and the kids actually kept us sane! My the 3 year old delighted in telling everyone mummy had three boobs and that i kept two in a drawer, the look on peoples faces were i sight! Funny little things like that still make us giggle!! This sight has been a godsend although i dont often reply to threads i still log on everyday to see how everyone is doing!

Good luck for friday and let us all know how you are doing XX

[Guest user]

Hello,
Sorry to hear your news. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last July aged 35, had mastectomy 10 days later. My children were 3 years and 9 months at the time. Finished my last chemo just before Xmas.I choose not to have cold cap prefering to get home to my children. I bought a wig but never wore it opting for bandanas and headscarves. My little girl loved wearing my headscarves and told me regularly how lovely I looked. She also loves playing with my prosthesis, throwing mummy's boobie around the room!!! Can be abit embarassing when she wants to look down my top in public!! Am now back at work, taking tamoxifen for the next 5 years and awaiting reconstruction. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Best wishes for friday, my breast surgery ward were very supportive allowing my children to take over the dayroom with DVDs etc.
Christine

[Guest user]

Hi lauren
I'm just new to this forum today. I'm 37 and was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma on 27th Feb 2008. What a shock I can tell you! i had a mastectomy on Friday 7th March 2008 and started chemo 3 weeks after.
my advice is to take one step at a time. dont let things rush ahead in your mind and block out the 'what if' questions. You will be in such good hands. keep telling yourself 'one step at a time'. now is about you; let yourself be looked after! Your friends and family will be amazing! My oncologist said to me 'now is not the time to be Superwoman'. so listen to your body and let those who care help you.
as soon as you can after the op try some movements in the arm. And stick rigidly to any physiotherapy.
you are only a few steps behind me: take it easy: good luck. one step at atime mind!
A x

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Lauren

You may find of interest a new publication Mummy’s Lump, this is the UK’s first-ever book to help young children whose mums have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the book is aimed at the under-sixes. For more information about the book and to order a free copy either see the link http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=12225 or contact the helpline on 0808 800 6000

Kind regards
Katie

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren,

Firstly I am so sorry to hear about your bad news. Its such as shock to the system at any time but especially when your kids and so little. I was dx dec 07 2 weeks after my 34th birthday and never thought I would ever have such an illness as I didn't smoke, drink, eat red meat had 2 kids b4 30 and 1 at 32. My kids are 7,4, and 1.5 at the time of DX. I thought it was the end for me initally but, there is a light at the end on the tunnel. The hardest bit more me so far was not knowing the type of cancer, grade, staging etc etc., I had a lumpectomy and a further clearance. I did have invlolvement in my lymp nodes which i found difficult to accept and still do. I'm currently going through chemo at the moment and it not as bad as people make out. Yes you do have bad days but more good than bad. Have you got family near by to help out with the little ones as at times you will need that support. I've been very open with my 7 and 4 year old and told them mommy found a spot in her booby and it needs taking out hence no picking up after the op. i showed them the scares and also told them about chemo is a special medician to take away any bugs left over, but it might be a bit difficult for your 3yr old to under stand.

Try not to worry as and good luck for friday.

(((HUGS))))
Sukes

[Guest user]

HI Lauren
Im Lisa - and 42 is a couple of weeks. My baby is 23! Im with you also, and due a masectomy next week. Not sure after that because they dont know a lot about mine yet since I dont have a lump, jsut calcifications behind the nipple. SO it's all off! There are a lot of us - you are not alone. Good luck XX

[Guest user]

On the subject of exercises, I has wide local excision and axillarry dissection 1 Feb. Started exercises the morning after and no problems with using my arm no. As I'm a student chiropractor, use of hands is rather important to me.

Good luck and big hugs.

By the way, you can get really fun wigs through a certain well-known auction website for the price of an inexpensive top. Maybe you and little girl could play 'dress up' together? I'm old enough to be your mum but, trust me, my pink wig lifts my spirits every time i put it on!

Love and hugs
a
x

[Guest user]

Thanks Kelly...Really just wanting to go out now n get hair cut!!! Trying to hold back....
Thanks again to you all.x.x.x.

[princess18]

Hi Lauren,

just wanted to wish you all the very best for your op on friday. Like you, I also had my mastectomy before chemo and opted to get my long hair cut very short. I got it done just before I went in for my op as I couldn't be bothered with straighteners and things while I was in hosp! Personally I didn't fancy the cold cap either, wasn't happy about the fact that it stops the chemo from getting to the brain, and also I hate the cold!! My boyfriend actually shaved my hair off for me the day we got home from my first chemo.

Anyway, all the very best for your op, and I hope you have a speedy recovery. Be sure to do all your exercises regularly, I found the 'exercises after breast surgery' booklet from this site was excellant and I took it into hosp with me. I would defo recommend you order it if you haven't already,

Take care,

Kelly
-x-

[Guest user]

Hello Ladies..Thankyou soooo much for replying, it makes me feel better to know i'm not alone and other people are going through the same..
I went to see my breast nurse yesterday and she took me through everything-even the chemo and i'm now understanding a little more!
I go in for masectomy on friday, stay in 5 days and then chemo will start when i'm healed....I'm not going to try the cold cap, but i will have my hair cut very short to save my little girl from asking too many questions.. Not feeling anything right now, maybe i'm in shock, maybe i'm taking it well?? Maybe it'll hit me when i'm in hosp... Have had to breastfeeding straight away so one breast is very engorged and sore, but this is the least of my worries!!
Thanks again for your kind words & support...Think i'm going to need you over the coming year!!
Lauren.x.

[Guest user]

Hi Helen

Sorry to hear your news too. I am 43 and was dx in Jan after a 3 month wait of "benign" tests. Mine was IDC grade 3 Iam now on chemo then radiotherapy. My lump was reomoved in Dec then they wanted to get a clear margin but I opted for a mastectomy so had that 1st Feb. As you say is better once things are moving forward.

So how are you doing? what more tests are you having done?

Thinking of you

Best wishes

P x

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren,
So Sorry to hear your news, I a a bit older than you (42) and have a four year old and 22 month old. I found out a week ago and also have to have a masectomy and chemo, however no date for the hospital yet... just more people to see. At least once the treatment gets moving you can feel as if something is being done to deal with it.

Thinking of you, let us know how you get on.

Helen x

[princess18]

Hi Lauren,

I am so sorry you've had to join us, but 'welcome' to this most awesome site. I was diagnosed with bc in March last year, age 34. I had a right mastectomy and total axillary clearance a week after diagnosis. Then had chemo May-Oct, then rads and now I am on Tamoxifen and Zoladex as my tumour was hormone receptive. Phew!!! Anyway, before I was diagnosed I knew v.little about bc to be honest, and it has been a VERY steep learning curve for me and those closest to me.

Your mind will be in a whirl over the coming weeks and months, as you try to make sense of all that is happening to you. Rest assured that we all totally understand what you are going through right now, as we have all been there ourselves. If ever you need to scream or shout, share some good news or just sound us out about a few things then I'm sure you'll find loads of support from fellow forum users. The 'younger women' page is particularly good, check it out if you haven't already.

Do you know if you are having surgery or chemo first? I guess either way it'll happen pretty quickly after your appt on friday, they don't tend to hang around which is good.

I wish you well as you start out on this journey. Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how you get on on friday.

Take care and I'll be thinking of you,

Kelly
-x-

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren

So sorry to hear that you have had to join us here. I am 40 and have two children who are 17 and 13. I am waiting for surgery next Wednesday and am counting down the days.

I really have had a lot of support from this site and it has kept me going. It really helps to know that you are not alone.

Thinking of you.

Claire x

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren

I am so sorry to hear your news. I also have 2 yong children as do many others on this site. Mine are 18mnths and 6yrs old and I had Mastectomy Feb with full axillary clearance.

You will find lots of comfort and suport on here, please feel free to ask questions, shout, sceam. sometimes laugh
( comes later) but most of all know you are not alone. We are all here for you.....

sending you a huge hug for now

((((((((((hug)))))))))))

P xx

[ForumMember]

Hi there Lauren and welcome to the forums.

I am posting to let you know that Breast Cancer Care have published a Resource Pack, it has been designed for anyone newly diagnosed with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and various treatments, it is available via the following link or by contacting the helpline:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514

You may find our helpline useful to call to talk through any concerns that you may have, they can talk to you about our other support services too and also offer support, information and a 'listening ear'. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, 9am - 2pm. I hope you find this helpful.

Best wishes
Lucy

[Guest user]

Hi Lauren

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I am quite a bit older than you at 44 with two big babies 24 and 21, I too am going into hospital on Friday to have a mastectomy so prehaps we can compare notes!!! I don't really know what to expect as such as I didn't want to know just want it done out of the way. I can't handle too much detail!!!
I keep loosing the plot and just breaking down and I am sure you are the same. We will get through this

Deb x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies...
I'm Lauren, 25yrs old with 2 babies 3yrs & 10months and have just been diagnosed with breast cancer .....
I will need a masectomy & chemo and am going into hospital on friday...This week seems so full with tests etc!!
Need a little support from people who understand what i'm going/going to be going through..
Thanks in advance.x.x.x.x.