Recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at 37

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Jellybaby,

Its really lovely of you to think of me. I have finished all my treatments now too, some soreness is still there but it’s nearly gone now. I’ve still been feeling shaken and down by the whole thing but slowly day by day I’m getting there.

so so glad to see the back of last year. The dogs are great, they have really kept me going over the last year! I’ve had a lot of fun with the big one. No mammogram yet, they said from the date the cancer was removed so that will be June.

glad to hear you are on the other side of it now too.

thanks so much for posting at thinking of me

xxx

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

Its been a while I thought I would check in on you ❤️
I hope you had a lovely Christmas and new year 

you must be busy with your dogs how did the training go ?

I had a major duct excision on the 4 th January 

the cause of the discharge was blocked milk ducts and abnormal cells 

that has been removed and I just need to look out for any unusual changes and be breast aware  plus there gonna add on a extra year for mammograms my first one will be  in may so just waiting for the appointment 

Have you had your mammogram yet this year 

Lots of love ❤️ xx

[Emilyblake2468]

I admire you going back so soon, you’ve done really well 🎊♥️ I’ve got a whippet…she’s great fun! Really lovely dog and we’ve got a great bond, I think from all the dog classes we do together. I missed quite a lot of the puppy classes due to the radiotherapy- but we are definitely catching up now and she was great last night! 🎊 

I went for a facial yesterday - it was lovely but I have the complete inability to relax as well so you are not on your own there ♥️ I’m like a coiled spring inside sometimes and I can’t wait for all this to pass,

Em xxx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

I didn't actually know if I was ready to back to work but I thought I'd give it a go even though it's been nice being at home I just needed to see if going back was the right for me but I'm glad I did it .

I get hot sweats during the day and more at night so it's effecting my sleep and I haven't quite worked out how to relax.

I will let you know how I get on 

I'm glad your doing ok and that your trying to work things out I know it's not easy  ❤️be kind to yourself and take it easy 

Congratulations to your new edition to the family that will definitely keep you busy plus get you out of the house what  dog did you get ?

I'm so glad your to feeling your self again 😘

Lot of  love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Well done you for going back to work! I can imagine that’s been overwhelming for you, I think the fatigue is so up and down! It’s only this last week that I’ve started to feel something like normal. Have you had many hot sweats? Good luck with your follow up on the 26th. I wonder what is causing the leaking on the other breast? The good thing is that it’s been checked and you definitely know everything is ok ♥️ So that’s good piece of mind for you. Yes I’m doing ok, I’m definitely depressed but working my way through things and trying to avoid antidepressants if I can. I’ve been taking my new dog to show classes now I’m feeling better and that has been brilliant 😀 it’s really made me feel like I’m back in the normal world ♥️ Take care, Em xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily that’s really good to hear and you seem to a lot happier and trying to back to a bit of normality good for you  ❤️ I’ve been on the tamoxifen liquid for 5 weeks know  I have a lot of the side effects bug was told by onc they will only last 2 months 😂 so we shall see,I went back to work today I only doing 1 day a week for a couple of hours to ease myself back in I found it quiet overwhelming 😭 
i have my follow up with oncology on 26 oct

but I did have to be referred back to the breast consultant due to nipple discharge on my other breast had a ultrasound  and that was all ok I have a small cyst but they have no idea what’s causing the discharge I have to go back on the 10 nov to see the consultant 

he is advising to take out the ducts if I’m still leaking 😂

I hope your keeping well and take it easy 

lots of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey hun ☺️ It’s overwhelming isn’t it, especially when it’s so out of the blue and we are so young 😔 ive been so up and down with it all (like I imagine everyone is). I’ve finished my treatment now but my mental health isn’t great, and my memory is totally shot - it’s like the trauma of it all has clouded my brain and I struggle to remember things pre-diagnosis. Really strange. I’m still not working and thinking of going back after Xmas as I don’t want to jump in too soon. Love and hugs, here anytime if you’ve got any questions ♥️♥️♥️ Em xxx 

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Jellybaby 😀 Oncology we’re fine about me stopping the Tamoxifen. Apparently, it only gave me a 1.6% higer life expectancy by taking it 😳 literally no difference so I’m happy I’m not taking it. Still tired but had a few hopeful good days where I’ve almost felt back to my old self ♥️ I can’t wait to feel normal again, hope you are doing ok. Where are you up to in your treatment now? ♥️ Love and hugs, Em xx

[dodgybap]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am 39 and was diagnosed mid August - I'm er- her+ though. I go through moments of being fine about it,  then other times of being frustrated, but overall I'm just really sad 😥 sending hugs xx

[dodgybap]

Hi Liswa,

I'm 39 and had the same diagnosis as you (except mine is 5cm). I have started chemo - going for my 3rd round next week. Then it's lumpectomy/masectomy and radiotherapy xx

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

Just checking in on you 

How did it go with oncology

I hope your doing ok 

Lot of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Jellybaby I’ve stopped the Tamoxifen now 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 The side effects were to much and I’m sick of being messed around with. I did 8 weeks on it which I think is a good go. I’m nearly 3 weeks off it and starting to actually feel a bit like my old self now! I had days where I couldn’t stop crying and was having intrusive thoughts and manic episodes before my period - not good. So I’m going for it without it! Oncology are ringing me on Tuesday but no one is going to change my mind I don’t care what they say xx 

ive just had a couple of pretty good days 6 weeks after my treatment now. Quite a lot of energy and back to normal until about 4pm which has been fab. Pain levels are decreasing too and I do feel like I’m finally getting back to normal ♥️♥️ Much love and thanks so much for the message xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

sorry I haven’t messaged you sooner I’ve been having issues with the tamoxifen 

I started on the tablet form on the 1st of September and had problems swallowing the bloody thing it kept getting stuck then I choked on it 😩

so I called my doctors and asked if they could prescribe the tamoxifen in liquid form

so I’m currently taking that and it’s not a bad taste either it’s like  a aniseed  flavour 

but I’ve noticed since taking it I feel sick daily and the top of my tummy hurts just after taking it . I was sick last night I have pain in my ribs too
im getting headaches ,light headed,joint pain ,hot flushes,night sweats,and I’m irritable 

but I’m guessing or hoping this will all get better with time .

im still having naps in the day  like you and not sleeping to well at night 4 to 5 hours max

it’s good when you feel like your kinda  of yout normal self it’s been a long road and it’s good to start to feel a bit of normality back

That’s really good that your pretty much healed the swelling takes a while to go down do you still have pain? im still using the polymer dress as it’s still quit tender  and painful 

drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated I have that metal taste to plus a dry mouth i must be sleeping with my mouth open 😂

how are you getting on and feeling I hope all is well

talk soon toots of love ❤️ xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey Jellybaby thanks for you message 😀 

it’s so true, I’ve been drinking loads and I definitely think it’s helped. Every time I have had a metal taste in my mouth, I’ve been drinking until it goes away. 

i can slowly feel myself improving, I have had a couple of really good days recently where I felt like my old self. I’m the same - still sleep for 2 hours during the day and 6 at night. I’m going quite well with the Tamoxifen, it’s the week before before my period that I’ve struggled on it. In between seems to be fine!

My skin is all pretty much healed (yay!) and the swelling is slowly going down (my nipple is white now, and was so painful and itchy before the skin had come away). I wish I had done what you’ve done with the dressing. Keep me posted on how you get on when you start the Tamoxifen 👍🏻 I found it rough at the beginning with a foggy head, memory,concentration etc.  Always here for a chat ♥️ It does get better in time.

speak soon and take care

Em xx  

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

I'm glad you have finished all your sessions ❤️

I'm just checking in on you ,aww that's really good that your getting out with the  dogs ,I was told  to make sure to drink plenty too, why is it that we are still feeling tired I have been going for a nap during the day  as I'm not sleeping to well at night and I know it's gonna get worse when I start the Tamoxifen next week ,I hope this cream works better for you

My skin has been very tender  and sensitive near the scar and nipple area so the Radiotherapy department has given  me a dressing called PolyMem its a bit of extra padding in your bra which is ready helping  me 

Lots of love  xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Jellybaby, yes I’ve done all mine too - It’s been just over a week since my last one. I’m resting at home as much as possible and I’m managing short walks with the dogs which is great.

Sometimes the fatigue seems to hit me all at once. I’ve been drinking 5litres of water a day and I think that’s definitely helping with the side effects. 

My skin became very irritated so I stopped using the Aveeno and changed to a different product - it has calmed down a lot now. 

hope you are doing ok as well and great news that you have finished your sessions too

much love, Em x 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily thank you ❤️

My last session was yesterday 

I had 10 in total

And the last 5 being  booster 

Sessions 

Still copying will the side effects 

Do you still have some 

How are you feeling ?

I'm here if you need me 

Take care  lots of love 

Xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Here anytime if you want to chat ♥️

good luck with your next radiotherapy sessions ♥️ How many did you say you were having in total? 

Em xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

 How are you 
Thank you I think my emotions are all over the place at the moment  and sometimes you can’t control how you feel. Thank you so much for the that ❤️
im glad you have finished  your sessions know and I’m sure you must have found that pretty hard to deal with  juggling both at the same time And that your getting on better with the tamoxifen 

it’s good to hear your doing  much better and you persevered through it all

your a strong lady

thank you Emily I really do appreciate all the help and and chat that would be nice to do sometime soon 
take care 

lots of love xx

lots of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey JellyBaby 😀 thanks for the message 🙂 

you are absolutely right - everyone deals with things in different ways and each person’s journey is totally individual. Don’t worry about being tearful at your first session it’s totally normal ♥️ If you feel upset, give yourself time and allow yourself to feel that way ♥️ I’ve learnt that from my old councillors. 

I’ve finished the 19 sessions now, and for me the hardest part was starting both the radiotherapy and tamoxifen at the same time, after about a week - the Tamoxifen side effects lifted and I was pretty ok again. 

now I’ve finished I’m quite sore but I’m managing it ok with the cream - and touch wood I seem to be ok on the Tamoxifen! Which I’m really pleased about. I did persevere through some really horrid side effects though. 

Honestly, I’m here any time if you want to chat, we could do a FaceTime if you are feeling up to it, it’s totally up to you. 

lots of love, thinking of you,  Em xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

How are you

I’ve completed my first 5 sessions  of radiotherapy and started the new phase booster treatment yesterday I didn’t realise I would get side effects with the first treatment plus all the other side effects that come with it x

And it didn’t kind of hit me till I started the treatment I’ve been try to keep strong for my daughters , but on the first day of treatment I was very tearful and I don’t know if this is normal x

my  radiotherapy review went  ok I was given something called polymem it’s a dressing as I’ts still very tender  and painful even though my surgery was in early June but  I know that everyone’s recovery is different x

Hope your ok

lots of love xx

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

I'm glad to hear your doing much better and the diazapan is doing it's magic yeah that's must be a relief hope you get on ok with them 

Wow 12 already that seems to have flown by and I bet it's taken its toll I hope your taking it easy and resting when your body is telling you too, that's really good I did manage to by aveeno cream it's really nice and soothing 

Aww that's your mum sounds  a amazing lady 

There must be some sort of help our there for you 

Aww thank you so much I can't wait for it to be all done with 

❤️❤️❤️ Take care  xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey there Trouble74 ♥️ I replied to you this morning but for some reason it didn’t come through! It’s so so tough and the beginning, and bless you for getting yourself away in holiday whilst all that is going on - you are a very strong woman! It doesn’t seem like it now, but as things sink in it does get slightly easier. I’ve accepted it now and accepted that my life path has changed a bit. 

at the time I was confused, angry upset and all those things - telling my daughter was so hard but she’s understood it fully which is great. 

I had a real tough time on the Tamoxifen at first! I’m 10 days in now and each day it seems to settle down a bit more - I’m wiped out by the radiotherapy so it will be interesting to see how I am once the RT has finished.

take care and here to chat anytime 

em xx 

[Trouble74]

Hi, Emily! I was just diagnosed with Stage 1, grade 2 idc, 1.8mm. I’m 47, so a decade ahead of you. My youngest is 18.  I received dx on a Monday, saw surgeon for info on Wednesday, then left for family road trip on Thursday. My kids don’t know, yet. I’ve had anxiety the last two days, and been angry. I ran around the hotel for 45 minutes one morning to tamp the feelings down. I really just wanted to run away. My worst fear these last 12 days has been hormone suppression, probably like you. Only it’s worse for you to face menopause at 37! It’s really unfair! I wonder how many additional concerns you have being a special needs parent! I hope this forum helps you feel less alone, as it has for me. 

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey JellyBaby ☺️ Ok so here’s my Tamoxifen update - I spoke to the doctor and they’ve prescribed me 5mg diazepam 3 x per day. It’s helped immensely and my brain has stopped flying at 100 miles per hour which is a huge relief! I will take them all, come off them and then see how I am 👍🏻 Otherwise I’ve told them - I’ve will not take it so they are being very helpful over it.

Radiotherapy is all back to normal - I’ve done 12 sessions now and it’s just started to make me feel really tired (but it’s up and down, it seems to just hit me all at once at times) but apart from that all good. I’m looking after my skin really well and the radiographers are impressed with how it’s looking 👍🏻 

mum still has my daughter so that’s brilliant, worried about her coming back but I will definitely reach out to social services if it gets to that point.

Good luck for your radiotherapy on the 4th - you will smash it it’s so quick and then you are out of there ♥️♥️♥️

em xx

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 
im glad you you were able to overcome holding your breath im sorry your not doing to well on the tamoxifen 

how did you get on talking  to your doctor I  hope  they can help you sort something out and like your mum said try it again once you have finished radiotherapy as that’s what I was advised I have been teary  and very emotional lately  and that can come out of no where I just think our hormones  are all over the place anyway with what we’re currently going through 

your going through a lot at the moment  and don’t need any added pressure on yourself ❤️
could you apply for help from the government to help you with your daughter 

take it easy and be kind to yourself 

I start radiotherapy on 4 th august 

lots of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi JellyBaby, I managed to get over a situation I had the other day with my breath hold - I’ve increased my inhalers and that seems to have done the trick so that’s a big weight off my mind. Normal service there has resumed.

Tamoxifen - basically it’s turned me into an angry teenager. That’s the only way I can describe it. And floods of tears every day too over the slightest of things or over nothing. I’m going to ring the doctors on Monday but to be honest I don’t think I’m going to continue with it - my mental health has been a problem for me for as long as I can remember. At 15 I was put onto antidepressants and they kept me on them for 8 years - that’s not something I want to go back too. I’m sick of being messed around with now and want to finish the radiotherapy and move on from this. 

my daughter will have to come back here once my treatment has finished and as a single parent I won’t be able to cope - and because of her Autism she will end up in care. Absolute nightmare. Feeling absolutely rubbish. Mum suggested leaving it and then maybe having another go with it once I’m ready after the radiotherapy has finished. 
Have you had a start date for your radiotherapy?

em xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

I always keep some on standby as you never know when you will need them I have two daughters 23 & 27 and the youngest one broke her ankle last year so they were so handy.

that’s good I will give Aveeno a go see how I get on, aww bless you ❤️ do you have a USB port in the car if so maybe you could get usb fan I’m sure you can pick one up quiet cheap if you shop around this weather is to much and I haven’t even started the tamoxifen yet 😂 I hope sooo

aww bless them how are they coping in the hot weather my friend has 2 British bull dog puppies she puts a cooling blanket on them they love it ,you must get so hot sharing your bed with them I’m guessing there just protectiong that’s really nice 😊

thank you yes I do have to hold my breath  30 seconds x2 to it’s no annoying all the time your thinking ok I need to breathe know ,

that must make it harder  for you ,I hope that today’s   Session  goes better for you 

im praying that your be ok today 

sending healing hugs xx

[Emilyblake2468]

That’s a really good idea about the cooking packs - I actually have some good ones that I used for my knees when they were bad. 

yes the Aveeno cream is good - I’ve used it on my skin before and it works well for dryness. Omg absolutely melting doing these car journeys with no air con! I think the weather is going cooler soon though 👍🏻👍🏻 

I have 2 dogs and they sleep in bed with me - it’s those little buggers waking me up at times too I’m not sure why though 😂 sometimes the little one is just standing over me 🤣 

glad your planning scan went well - do you have to hold your breath for your radiotherapy? I have asthma and have to hold my breath for 30 seconds x 2 for my session. It was a problem yesterday as the hot weather is giving me a tight chest. I’ve put my inhaler doses up and I’m praying it doesn’t happen again today! Xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

Thank you so much ❤️

CT went ok but the lady doing my tattoos had to do it twice on my left boob I didn't mind as I couldn't feel the area she done 😊

And with everything going on it's good your staying home and staying safe apart from your hospital appointments ,

I'm doing the same to be  honest  

I'm sorry that your still in pain and sore  from radiotherapy  have you tried using cooling packs as a short term use 

That must be  so uncomfortable  

How are you finding the aveeno cream as I did as the Radiotherapy lady she said what ever suits you 

Hope your taking it easy and staying cool with this current temperature

Oh I haven't herd of them aww bless you  I will have a look online thank you 

Try and have enough pillows around you that may help you sleep I got a long pillow it's really comfortable but there are the v shaped ones too  

Take care xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Good luck with your planning scan today JellyBaby 🌟💫 I’ll be thinking of you ❤️ No I’m not allowed to have the second vaccine, and I have asthma so that’s a bit of a worry in itself. Apart from going to the hospital I’m not going anywhere else at all. 

The radiotherapy is still going ok 👍🏻 my boob is pretty sore but it was before so it’s increased the pain a bit. I have to be a bit careful how I lie at night. I’m using the Aveeno cream at least 2 x per day as I have very sun damaged sensitised skin so I’m keeping a really close eye on it. 

Also I’m wearing one of those factor 50 tshirts (it’s making me really hot but worth it to know the sun can’t get through). It’s a Roxy one.

Em xx 

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily

It's funny you mention about water retention I think I have it back but can't seem to get a gp appointment I will try again tomorrow 

I try n drink up to 2 litres of water daily , maybe I should try raising my legs ,my ankles and legs have been swollen over the weekend and been quiet painful band really tight does that mean you won't have the second jab because the effect of the first one 

The pain in my arm and breast hurts more at night is this normal

I'm glad the coil is working well for you ❤️

That's good plus using a hot water bottle  is a good comfort too I use mine daily with my under arm/ and arm pain x

I'm glad your first radiotherapy session went really well 

Thank for letting me know how you got on I really appreciate it ❤️❤️❤️

I'm sorry that  you have such a trek to the hospital and back 

Thank you so much for the reasurance my appointment is tomorrow for my planning scan 

I will definitely ask you if I have any questions thanks 

Lot of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Our stories are really similar ❤️ I have problems with fluid retention too and I drink lots of water to stop myself being dehydrated, that helps ☺️ Also, lying down with legs raised. 

Yes I had the Astrazenica as well - I’ve only had one dose as they won’t let me have another one as it caused lymphodema. I’m still very tender even after 10 weeks and I think that’s normal too. Yes I have the copper coil without hormones and I’ve had it in for 3 years so that’s good! Yes I use a hot water bottle every day - I will be doing even more so with travelling to the hospital every day.

my first radiotherapy session went really well - once you’ve had your planning scan under the CT machine…the actual radiotherapy session is shorter and easier than the planning scan. 

I was in and out quite quickly so please don’t worry about it, you will be absolutely fine ❤️❤️❤️ It’s an 80 mile round trip for me and I’m driving myself there 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 So as you can imagine I was totally fine ❤️ Did you say you’ve had your planning scan? If you have any questions about it please 

[Jellybaby]

Morning Emily 

It is strange how much our stories are so similar I was worried it could be lymphoedema but my ankle swell at times too I was given pain killers and told to rest 

I had only 1 physiotherapy appointment for my arm and was told were referr you back to your GP as physio isn't working

That's why you had asked me about the jab ? I had to have both jabs in my right arm I was ok after both jabs I had the astra zenika

I had the sentinel node biopsy during surgery too  

It's been nearly 5 weeks since I had surgery I thought the blue would have disappeared by know I was thinking am I washing properly as that area is so tender anyway but know I know it will stay like that for a while it's not so bad 

Is that the only coil that doesn't release hormones ?

 I will pray that your periods will be ok ❤️

I'm sorry to hear that  I fully understand why you haven't I did manage without meds for quite a while  and managed it myself a hot water bottle is a great help to me have you tried using one ?

Wishing you the best of luck today 

Yes please let me know how you get on 

Thank you for putting my mind a ease 

Take care sending hugs xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Lou, 

im sorry to hear you are having a bad time during the night, broken sleep is the last thing you need at the moment!

my mum was on HRT (she’s stopped it since my cancer) and she had so many benefits from it. Also my dr (who has had exactly the same cancer as me) had had a hard time going onto a drug similar to Tamoxifen and coming off HRT - I think that’s a bit of a double whammy you’ve got there. 

i have no idea how my body will react so I’m keeping my fingers crossed - I do know at ER+ 7 it’s very important for me to get going with it. 

I don’t sleep too well at the moment anyway, and I do go back to sleep in the afternoons most days

thinking of you 

em xx 

[Emilyblake2468]

Morning JellyBaby,

It’s funny you should say that you’ve had swelling of the arm - I’ve got lymphadenitis and lymphoedema in my left arm…not because of the cancer but because of the vaccine (well I don’t think it was because of the cancer but our stories are very similar!) I’ve only had my first jab - they won’t let me have another one. On both sides my lymph nodes were extremely reactive - so much so that they couldn’t do a biopsy on the left side where I’d had the jab - so I had to have a sentinel node biopsy during surgery.

its been 10 week for me now - I also have the smurf boob and pain too so I think that must be normal. I know the blue can stay for quite a while. I have a copper coil that makes my periods quite heavy anyway so pray for me that hopefully they won’t be too bad ❤️ 

I had been on antidepressants for a long time from the age of 15 so I didn’t want to take anything for the pmt, I’ve just tried to manage it myself as best I can. 

today is my first day of radiotherapy so I’ll let you know how I get on, I’m not worried about it just very glad to get started 👍🏻 I have to start the Tamoxifen today too - it’s in the draw ready to go for tonight! 😬😬

Yes you’ll have a CT scan first - it’s really easy and everyone at the hospital was lovely ❤️

Em x

[louby_lou69]

I too am suffering with night sweats and waking up 3/4 times a night feeling like my body is on fire.

Ive been on HRT for nearly 4 years and of course stopped when I found the lump. I miss my HRT, it worked really well for me. 
Im ER+ so I know I’m having Herceptin at some point.

Im getting about 3 hours sleep at the moment and then struggling through the day. But I feel like that’s the least of my problems 

Lou x

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

I'm ok thank you it is a shock and it something  you never think is gonna happen to you x

Aww bless you I'm so glad you found it early  X

I had both jabs before my lump was found ,it's been 4 weeks yesterday since my surgery I'm still in pain and discomfort and a smurfet boob, I thought I'd be ok by know I hope the Tamoxifen starts to do it's magic quick for you I did suffer a bit with my periods they were so heavy and painful  I had to have a endermitrol ablation 2 years ago thank God it worked 

Did they not offer you meds for your  pmt ?x

I saw a really lovely oncologist today I've picked up the Tamoxifen but I won't start it till after the Radiotherapy know as my hot flushes and night sweats are just to much right know so waiting for an appointment hopefully the wait is not to long plus I think I have to have a CT first  sending lots of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Lou, it definitely is very surreal at first I totally understand where you are coming from ❤️ It’s a whole bag of different emotions and they seem to change from day to day as you go along. I found mine in March and one thing I didn’t realise is how much of a long time any of the treatments go on for. I have a 17 year old daughter who has autism and I’m on my own here - we struggled before but things are even harder now…the hospital have suggested maybe putting her in to respite but I’m not sure if I a can do that. It’s so hard when you tell them - I’ll never forget telling my mum I could hardly bare to make the phone call but I’m so lucky that they are giving me a lot of support. I’m here anytime if you want to chat ❤️ Em xx 

[louby_lou69]

Hi Emily

Im a bit older than you too (52) and was diagnosed with stage 2 lobular cancer ER+ and HER2 borderline two weeks ago. I'm currently waiting to meet with my consultant again after an MRI on Wednesday.

My emotions are all over the place. Anger, sadness, fear, acceptance, it's all very surreal at this point. 

I have two boys who are 18 & 21 so telling them was hard.

Keep posting & take care x

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey JellyBaby, I hope you are doing ok…it’s a big shock isn’t it? At the time I hardly had any breast tissue as I was so thin (my back pain was so bad that I wasn’t eating much) and that’s how I found it so early. Just out of interest - had you had the covid jab before you found it? I’m in exactly the same position as you - it’s been 9 weeks since my surgery and I start radiotherapy and tamoxifen on Thursday. Hoping tamoxifen actually helps me as I suffer really badly with pmt symptoms half way through my cycle and just before my period.  Have you had any surgery yet?

love and hugs,

emily xx

[Jellybaby]

Hi Emily 

I'm so sorry to find you on here 

I was diagnosed in may with invasive ductal breast Cancer grade 1 (ER & PR + 8/8 and HER2 Negative

In my left breast I am pissed that I didn't find my lump even though I had been checking 

My left arm was swollen so that prompted my doctor to referr to the breast clinc

I've since had surgery with a good border I'm currently waiting to start radiotherapy  and to be put on Tamoxifen

I'm glad it was picked up in the early stages 

When the surgeon told me it could be cancer I was like  ok I teared up and then I was ok it was just the initial shock of it all  

But I have recently discovered it is ok to cry it's  a lot for any of us  deal with 

Hopefully you have started radiotherapy 

Lots of love xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey @Stayzen 😀 thanks for the reply…that’s good news to hear how you’ve got on with Tamoxifen. My cancer was ER+ 7/8 an the same for PR+. I’ve always struggled immensely twice a month with my mental health, around when I ovulate and about a week before my period. I’ve been even worse when taking the pill and now have a copper coil in as things were so bad. So part of me hopes and thinks  that Tamoxifen will have a positive result on me - if not the benefits outweigh the side effects for me no matter what as my cancer was so estrogen receptive. It went from the size of a pea to about 20mm and back down during my cycle, and the covid vaccine made it extremely painful - I think that may have been one of the reasons I found it as I only had 2 cycles where I could feel it! Yes my breast care nurse has recommended that course and I think it’s a really good idea that I do it - I have been asking how I move on from this once I’ve finished my treatment and I think that group will really help me. Emily x 

[Stayzen]

Hi @Emilyblake2468 

I had the same diagnosis as you (also grade 1, 15mm, hormone positive, nodes clear), and looks like the same treatment plan - surgery, radiotherapy and tamoxifen. Similarly pre menapausal, although older than yourself.

I’ve been on the tamoxifen a year now and have tolerated it well. The main symptom is night sweats, which seems to be cyclical. I tend to have three weeks of night sweats and then a couple of weeks symptom free. At first I was waking up dripping wet (although it wasn’t waking me) and over the year this has eased and it’s mainly that during the night I am extremely hot. Luckily no other symptoms. I realise this isn’t everybody’s experience but i think there are a lot of people out there for whom tamoxifen is manageable.

I would recommend signing up for the moving forward course with Breast Cancer Now. As part of this they run sessions were you can talk to others who are going through the same experience, I found it really helped to know that others had very similar feelings and worries. 

[Emilyblake2468]

Hey Lizwa ☺️ Thanks for the reply, I hope you are doing ok (well as ok as we can in these situations) ❤️ how long ago were you diagnosed? It’s such a shock isn’t it, i think I’m only just starting to get my head round it now. Yes I’d love to chat that would be great 😊 Em x 

[Emilyblake2468]

Hi Bookish, and thanks for the reply ☺️ I’d experienced a couple of hormonal cysts over the years that had become larger around the time of my period, so I really did think it was one of those! I got a little bit more information yesterday, my ER+ and PR+ were 7/8 on both so the benefits of tamoxifen will be quite high for me I think. I’m sorry to hear you had a bad time on them, my doctor (who has had the same breast cancer as me) is on those ones I think and she’s found them much better too, Em x  

[Liswa]

Hi Emily

I'm 37 and recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma too grade 3 measuring 3cm her2+ that has spread to one lymph node 😞

I have to have chemo first and then treatment for the her2+ and then either a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Am here to chat if you want to xxx

[bookish]

Hi Emily,

I'm a few years older than you, but my first breast cancer diagnosis was at 22 so... yeah. It's never a fun thing, but I think we generally think of it as an 'older' thing, so it can feel really isolating when you're that much younger.

Not going to sugar coat it, tamoxifen was so awful for me that they swapped me over to zoladex. Five years ago, with another diagnosis, they put me back on it and it was absolutely fine. Yes, a few hot flushes, but otherwise not really aware of any side effects. So, it could go either way.

Hope everything goes well for you xx

[Emilyblake2468]

Thanks for the reply Joemic 🙂 I’ll have a look in the younger women and families section 👍🏻 It would be really lovely to make some friends on here if I can ♥️ Em x 

[Joemic]

Hi Emily

Welcome to the forum even though none of us want to be here. I'm a fair bit older than you but if you look on the section for going through breast cancer treatment, you will find a heading for younger women and families. You may find some people to connect with on there. If not don't worry there are plenty of people on here to share your concerns and answer questions etc.

Joemic x 🙂