Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello   I've been avoiding this forum for the last few weeks whilst processing what is ahead of me, and avoiding reality if course too. However with surgery day drawing ever closer I felt it a good time to reach out to others. I am booked in for a mastectomy on 17th May on the left hand side. I am petrified.   I was diagnosed on 9th April and have both DCIS and another mass which is high grade and very "busy" (the consultants words not mine), this along with a random lump that is benign but could become cancerous so that needs to be removed too, and a whole host of calcifcation... Based on this a mastectomy was deemed necessary. I had requested a lumpectomy but not possible in my situation unfortunately. Treatment afterwards is looking likely to be chemo but not certain until the tumour is tested further in USA??? I'm desperately hoping that I get to avoid this but i don't feel luck is on my side at present.   I requested immediate reconstruction but there is a 2 year waiting list for my preferred choice so I have opted for an implant which can easily be removed and other surgery undertaken later down the line, if at all.   I'm not really sure what I need to hear to get me through this, however any stories good and bad will be useful to help navigate this minefield of information and emotions. I'm also looking for practical advice regarding the procedure and recovery.   Thank you; every single one of you on this forum. You are an amazing source of information, encouragement and care.  ... View more

Hello everyone   I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast on Tuesday 9th April, this was confirmed on Friday 12th following the results of my biopsy.   The lump was deemed high grade and I have calcification in other areas of the breast too, my lymph node biopsy came back clear.   I have since had an MRI scan and meet the consultant again on the 24th to find out my treatment plan   Amongst a myriad of feelings including being: distraught, resigned, hysterical, petrified and dissociated I have one consistent feeling of being confused. I am completely unaware of what I face, everything was mentioned in my appointment from mastectomy to lumpectomy to radiotherapy to chemotherapy. My brain is awash with emotions and medical options and feel that this appointment should have been more structured so that I didn't leave believing I was going to be butchered and bald because that is pretty much all I heard!   I still don't know what I am facing. I am struggling to get my head around the fact that I am so well so how can I have cancer?! I feel great and the thought I am going to be made to feel ill so that i don't get ill in the future is so conflicting and confusing.   I am certain I'm not the only one to feel this but needed to share and hear other stories so I can go into the appointment on Wed knowing that I have options and some control over my life.   Much love to all you wonderful beings who are currently wading through this sea of treacle in the search of an answer to a situation none of us wanted to be put in.  ... View more

Hi,   After finding a lump 3 weeks ago I was seen at the breast clinic today. long story short I saw the consultant who said things do not look great.    I am back at the clinic on Friday for the results and encoraged to come armed with questions. I know this sounds silly but I haven't a clue what to ask. It would be great to know what questions any of you asked or wish you had asked so I that can get an idea of what to expect over the next few weeks or months.   I genuinely wasn't expecting this and feel horrendously underprepared and would hate to walk out of that appointment knowing so very little about my fate.   Thanking you all in advace for anything you are able to share or advise me with.  ... View more