Hi, I was told a week ago on Friday they had found cancer, it feels like a life time ago. Was told last year it was a “4cm benign cyst” so didn’t really worry about it too much but it recently got bigger so thought I’d better go back. They did also tell me it wasn’t in my lymph nodes but had another biopsy from my lymph nodes on Friday, I assume just to double check. I am having a ct scan followed by a mri scan on Thursday. Is this normal? To say I’m terrified is an understatement. They have told me I’ll have to have chemotherapy then an operation. Does this mean it’s bad? I realise these are questions I should be asking my nurse or specialist but I’m scared of the answers ??
Hi murphsmum
It’s such a frightening time for you at the moment, everything will be swirling around your head and I dare say you a scaring yourself even more with the different scenarios you are playing out in your head. This is an absolutely normal reaction and one the vast majority of women being diagnosed with BC have.
I don’t think them telling you you will have to have chemo and then an op is necessarily bad - chemo is sometimes used to shrink tumours prior to surgery, and quite successfully too. I think the ct and mri scans measure the size and position of the breast cancer which helps plan the op and they will also just be checking that the cancer hasn’t spread. Don’t worry too much there are many women who have had ct scans and the cancer hadn’t spread to other parts of the body and chances are yours hasn’t either, they are just being diligent in checking especially as they said it wasn’t in your lymph nodes.
Whatever you do don’t suffer in silence ask as many questions as you need - and remember there are certainly no daft questions only questions we do not have an answer to and chances are someone on here will be able to answer you.
It can seem very daunting and lonely, especially in the beginning, but it really doesn’t need to be - ladies on here are only too happy to help.
Joemic x
Hi Murphsmum.
I was diagnosed on the 7th May with Stage 2 breast cancer and still coming to terms with it now. Although it does get easier when treatment begins. It is the waiting that can drive you crazy but it is a good thing in a way because they are working out the very best treatment for you. I have had a lumpectomy and full node clearance so 2 ops since diagnosis and now waiting for chemo to start this Thursday. I also had a CT scan and it came back clear but I remember the worry it caused for me so can understand the worry you feel about it all. Being on this group will help, talking with people in the same situation for support. Wishing you all the best going forward for the scans. Keep in touch. Julie
Hi Murphsmum, sorry you find yourself here but glad you found us and plucked up the courage to post your feelings. It is a very scary time whilst you are being diagnosed and the scans cause a lot of anxiety. It’s quite routine to have a CT scan. Our minds are very mean to us during this period and create lots of worst-case-scenarios. Chemotherapy is usually given to shrink the tumour to achieve clear margins for surgery as well as zapping any circulating tumour cells. I was stage 3 locally advanced at diagnosis in March 2017 and had 8 rounds of chemo, surgery and radiotherapy and I’m still here and doing very well. Here’s my story which I hope you find some comfort from: lifeafterlola.com/
Try to not overthink (I know from experience that’s easier said than done) and find ways to distract your mind whilst you are waiting for results. Once your treatment plan is in place you can chat with others going through the same on the “going through treatment” threads on this forum. I found this really helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions here or on the “ask the nurses” thread in the meantime. Best wishes. X
Hi murphsmum
It’s a horrible scary time…no wonder your head is in a whirl…
I was diagnosed in Aug 18 with Invasive Lobular BC… I had all the scans too… it’s called staging - your oncology team will work out your treatment plan once all the results are back!
I also had chemo prior to surgery… This was because my oncologist wanted me to have the Pertuzumab drug and the NHS will only fund it if it’s given prior to surgery!
Perhaps that’s the case with you…it doesn’t mean it’s 'bad…just different treatment plans! A lot of ladies have surgery first…
It depends what is right for you!
Have a look on the different threads… you’ll find things that you may want to ask your oncologist…plus lots of useful tips!
Hope all goes well with your treatment x
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