Just beginning

Hi Kazzi

Very rude of me to not have replied. Think I just lost the plot there for a bit - like over a month. It's pretty huge isn't it this whole breast cancer thing, chemo, radiation then being hormone pos for both, those aromatose inhibitors afterwards..  Trying still to just take it a step at a time. But easy to become overwhelmed.  It is important to have confidence in your team for sure. Otherwise we would never be able to make a decision for fear of making the wrong one. 

I am so sorry Blondiee I didn't reply to this. I kind of lost the plot a bit I think at the time.  Thank gooodness for Mammograms. However they think mine may have been there last year and ignored as just an irregularity, however this time I had enlarged lymph nodes as well so they put the two and two together.. A worry for you when your Mum had it as well.Have you had the Her2 tests back

Hi Andij,

Sorry to hear your news. It's not the best of times the first few weeks, and really is a roller coaster ride.  I found this network to be invaluable to just vent, ask questions or read about other women who have had something similar.  From what I've read, everyone's breast cancer is different, with different recommendations to suit your type. 

I'm officially 4 weeks post diagnosis and 3 surgeries down.  I was offered a choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy of which I opted for the lumpectomy.  In my situation, the tumour was bigger and more irregular than was expected with unclear margins.  I still feel fortunate that I was offered the choice.  In the end I had to have a mastectomy as I really didn't have much boob to start with!  I've delayed my reconstruction because I didn't want any further complications to delay chemo (which I'll need) plus the prospect of radiation to my underarm still was a possibility.

I feel confident with the team approach, my surgeon has had review meetings and taken recommendations from pathologists, other surgeons and radiation oncologists.

Take someone with you for your appointments and write down possible questions for different scenarios.  I remember being so nervous just thinking about the general anaesthetic.

All the best for Monday.  Thinking of you and keep thinking one thing at a time.

Karen xx 

Hi Andij

I too have been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the right breast. It was diagnosed ina routine mammogram but they sent me away from my return visit to breast screen telling me it was just a cyst only to ring me the following week when results came back to tell me it was in fact cancer. Having watched my mum die of breast cancer when I was 13 I was naturally terrified but as you say it is a roller coaster ride and my cancer was detected early. I have now had a lumpectomy and sentinel nodes taken out and all scan results are back as no cancer detected. I am now waiting on final results of Her2 tests but as more results come back I am now armed with more knowledge and therefore ready for the next stage hopefully......

Thank you so much Chris:)

Oh wow. I am so sorry to hear about yours as well Kazza. Not the best day of our lives hey. I am in private hospital which accounts for it being quicker i guess. Yes it is not nice when you think of the cancer being there.  Prayers for you to and all the VERY best. I hope you get a surgery date really soon:)

Thank you so much:)

Thank you so much Hazel:)

Hi Andi. It certainly is a roller coaster ride of emotions. As the girls have said: one step at a time. It is the horrible waiting and fear of the unknown..but once you have a plan in place you will feel much better...knowing what is ahead. Come on here for support and understanding...you will get it in bucket loads!! All best wishes on Monday. Chris.x

Hello and welcome:) I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in Sep 2013. I had never been sick in my life,and never been in hospital.I am 60 years old.To say I was scared would be an understatement!! I have had a mastectomy,chemo,and now take Tamoxifen.I have never felt healthier in my life:) You WILL get through this,and if you stay connected on here,you will find that it really makes things a whole lot easier.There is always someone here,day or night,and always someone who has been where ever you are!!!! Take care.Cheers Robyn xox