New Diagnosis

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Shaylls
Shaylls Member Posts: 36
edited November 2016 in Newly diagnosed
Hi Everyone, 
Just wanted to say hello. I have been diagnosed this week with early stage breast cancer - invasive lobular carcinoma. It's been a scary week going from a slightly inverted nipple to rushed tests here and there to having cancer. Going in for surgery for removal on Monday and then will be looking at radiation and hormone therapy from there. My head is still spinning and my emotions are all over the place. At 44 with no family history this was the last thing I would have ever expected.
feeling positive but have moments of complete fear also. 
Shaylee
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  • primek
    primek Member Posts: 5,392
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    Welcome Shaylee and sorry you have to  join our group. Yes we are all so shocked at the beginning and the barrage of tests and appointments are overwhelming but I must admit I was much happier when I went in for  that surgery and hot my resukts of nodes etc. Your final treatment plan  will come  after surgery as sometimes the pathology is different to the initial biopsy results  (mine a diff grade and larger ). Are you having a sentinal  node biopsy also? Hope all goes well with surgery and ask anything...no question is dumb. Take care. Kath
  • jadziatoo
    jadziatoo Member Posts: 38
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    Hi Shaylee,
    It can be a bit overwhelming with how quickly things move and it can leave your head spinning. I found once I started treatment I felt better because at least I had a plan. Having moments of fear is pretty normal. Good luck with your surgery on Monday.
    Angela
  • Shaylls
    Shaylls Member Posts: 36
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    Thanks ladies. Yes having sentinel node biopsy also. After seeing the surgeon Wednesday I felt a little better even just having a bit of a plan. Will have to see what results bring after the surgery but at least my path is paved a little at this stage making it a little less daunting. 
    I'm sure I'll have lots of questions along the way and glad that I have found this site to talk to others that are and have gone through this same experience. 
  • jussylee
    jussylee Member Posts: 20
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    Hi Shaylee so sorry to hear that you will be going on this journey. I know exactly how you feel, firstly its the shock of hearing the "C"word and then all the tests and words you probably have never heard of . My Breast Care Nurse explained it the best to me she said its like boarding a train that is going 100 miles an hour and you just want to say stop let me off ! I promise I'll get back on, just let me get my thoughts together. I was blessed to have a wonderful Breast Care nurse and relied on her  a lot. Great that your feeling positive but almost know its ok to be scared, jump up and down, stamp your feet and say its not fair! I felt everybody expected me to be positive all the time and a didn't have the right to feel angry. Its now 18 months since I finished my treatment (Chemo, Bilateral Mastectomy, Radiation & Breast Reconstruction) and it wasn't always smooth sailing but i got through it and am feeling like my old self again,
    Sending you happy thoughts, Take care
    Justine xx
  • deh
    deh Member Posts: 79
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    Hi Shaylee
    All the best for Monday surgery.
    It's a surreal time with so many unknowns when first diagnosed with bc.
    For me, it was the most vulnerable time.
    So glad you've found some support here already.
    Please keep sharing your feelings and asking questions.
    Keep focusing on one step at a time, too.
    Di

  • rowdy
    rowdy Member Posts: 1,165
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    Welcome and good luck with surgery, one day at a time it can become very overwhelming.
    Sending you a hug xx
  • Hopes_and_Dreams
    Hopes_and_Dreams Member Posts: 760
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    Hello Shaylee, welcome - you are not alone on this forum.  We have all been where you are and have felt the disbelief of diagnosis.  The early days are such a whirlwind of information and appointments - it all feels out of our control.  But once you have had surgery and have a treatment plan you will feel better.  Don't be afraid to question your specialists if something isn't clear.  I kept a notebook and jotted down all the questions I thought of as I knew I would forget half of them once in the appointment.  Remember that no question is stupid. Wishing you all the best on Monday, it is the start of your healing and being cancer free :)  Please let us know how you go and remember we are all here if you have questions or need to talk.   take care, Jane x
  • ScorpionQueen
    ScorpionQueen Member Posts: 768
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    A big hug and welcome to you Shaylee...Sorry you have had to join us, but you have joined the most amazing community!
    It's all very surreal in the beginning....your mind places you into what I call a protective fog....you go about the appointments etc aware but in a daze.....One step at a time, one day at a time......I know it may not seem like it now, but before you know it, it will all be over!.You've got this!... and we've got your back!

    Wising you all the very best for your surgery.... <3
    Tracy
  • Jess_BCNA
    Jess_BCNA Member Posts: 475
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    Hi there @Shaylls - Just wanted to jump in to welcome you to the online network as well :smile: - If you need any help working your way around the network, connecting with other members and accessing additional support, please just let me know - jess x
  • LITHGOW1950
    LITHGOW1950 Member Posts: 314
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    Hi Shaylee, my thoughts will be with you on Monday. I hope all goes well and it will. We are so lucky to have such amazing Drs, surgeons, specialist and especially the BC nurses.  The ladies here are such special people, I honestly could not have got through this terrible time without them.
    Anne-Marie 
  • Shaylls
    Shaylls Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2016
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    Thanks everyone for all your comments. It's nice to know as horrible and scary as all this is, I'm not alone. Surgery tomorrow and then map out a full plan after all the results. 
    It's exactly as some of you have said, it's like I'm in a daze yet on this very fast train. I feel I just need to get off and have a moment to breathe. 
    Hopefully soon xxx
  • onemargie
    onemargie Member Posts: 1,264
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    Hi there shaylee, good luck with your surgery heres my story for you if it helps. I was  diagnosed in may with triple neg had a L mastectomy by choice instead of lumpectomy and radiation then chemo) no lymph node involvement and scans all clear. I have finished my 8 fortnightly rounds of chemo ( 4 AC 4 taxsol) 5 weeks ago  got through it fairly well, better than I thought I would the biggest thing was the fatigue for me for the first week then improved from there also had some issues with reflux which I've never had before. and some back muscle soreness post Add to dictionary injections for a day but relieved with baths and body shop bath milk... that stuff is the best!!. some mild tingling in my fingers and toes and my finger nails got a beating but improved since I put the hard core polish on them and of course the hair loss, mind you I shaved my head after my first round of chemo and was left with stubble which I still have but still no regrowth in sight yet. Ive heard it can take months. I still managed to function though with daily stuff like housework, dinner etc just got it all out the way in the mornings when I was feeling half human. I started back at work a couple weeks ago just 4 hours per week which is keeping me busy, will go back properly in the new year as per specialists I  have booked to have my other boob off end of nov as a preventative although surgeon and oncologist said it wasn't necessary I was adamant I wanted if off as Ive heard of women getting it in the other side but am still thinking it through. Ive decided not to have the reconstruction as I am happy with te prosthesis and feel I have had enough surgery already!! I also qualified for the genetic test as I also have no family history and am aged under 50 but will have to wait 8 weeks for the results. This site is great for advice and support. Best of luck to you. Margie :)
  • Ne
    Ne Member Posts: 336
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    Welcome Shaylee and I hope you are on your way to recovery after your surgery today.  Keep us posted how you are traveling.  I often say this is a marathon not a sprint.  One day at a time, one issue at a time.  Don't try to take it all in in one day or week even.  You will soon find your mojo amongst all the crazy.  We are all here for you xxx
  • Michelle_R
    Michelle_R Member Posts: 901
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    Hope you are feeling all right after your surgery today - it's all a bit vague until the anaesthetic wears off!  Take advantage of the rest you will have in hospital - you will be tired when you get home..  The physio will give you an exercise sheet - do them all as it makes a huge difference later on.  You have taken the biggest step already - the cancer is gone with the surgery!  All the rest is clean-up!   Big hug. xx  Michelle
  • DMaree
    DMaree Member Posts: 26
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    Hi Shaylee, I hope the op went all to plan, I hope you are feeling better today.  Best Wishes Donna