Thought I was okay with technology, but had major issues in trying to set up my profile. my name is Louise, I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive duct carcinoma 3 1/2 weeks ago, and underwent a lumpectomy 8 days ago with the final results of the sentinel node biopsy due this Monday. Although I have the war wounds from surgery & feeling incredibly tired don't think it has really hit home as yet, as I was in the low risk category with only my dads sister having bc in her 50's & not surviving, & my father had a brain tumour which he did not survive when he was 40. i just wondered how other people went with accepting the diagnosis or whether I am just in shock as it was a routine mammogram that found it, although I started at the age of 40, it would be 6 months away when they would have found it when I turned 50. thank you for being able to post. Louise

Hi Lululu, if you weren't so shocked then there would be a problem. It is very confronting to get a diagnosis of cancer, so give yourself time to process all the information that you are given, and take it 1 appointment at a time. Your breast care nurse can give you useful information and support, also this network is very supportive. Take care, Tracey B ??

Thanks Tracey, I seem to be dealing with the family over their concerns maybe that's why it's taking me a while to accept it. I will do as you suggest and take one appointment at a time, and talk to my breast care nurse. Thank you for your suggestions & support. Louise xo

Hi Louise It is a whirlwind in the first few weeks of diagnosis and treatment. I was definitely in shock and could not believe that I was facing this. I think it is fairly common to us all when we are told we have cancer. I took it one day at a time and focused on getting rid of it and getting better. You have caught it early at stage 1 so that's a positive. Try and look after yourself and rest and do things that make you feel good. This really is the time to focus on your needs. Get as much information as you are comfortable with from your treating Drs. I exercise every day and meditate which I have found incredibly helpful. I didn't mediate before so this is new to me but it has really helped me live in the moment. That's just my experience though and you may find other ways to process your situation. It does take time though! I wish you all the best. Don't hesitate to ask more questions on here as there is always someone willing to assist. Lisaxx

Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnosis and welcome to the network. Most people are shocked, that's quite normal. I always expected to get BC because of my family history, I am unlucky No. 7 since my maternal grandmother. So I wasn't shocked, just sad. I get what you mean about dealing with the family, at times I felt like I was the one doing the comforting. All the best with your recovery and don't forget to take time and spoil yourself, keep in touch, Hazel xx

Hi Lululu, I was diagnosed 11 years ago, and I still remember that moment... I felt as though a train had come out of the wall and driven right through me... pushing my guts to the other side of the room behind me... shock I guess. Disbelief, guilt at being ill for the family, etc etc. I agree that if you didn't feel what you do now you would not be normal. One week after my BreastScreen Mammogram my breast was off and I reckon it took 6 months for my brain to catch up with my body. (I had had them every two years since age 40 and they said I was a good patient because they could refer back to all the clear scans, and then at age 52, there were two + in the lymph nodes!) During chemotherapy the illness from the drugs made me go into a state of coping day to day, and again no time for the brain to fully comprehend that diagnosis. those words "I am sorry but you have breast cancer" are a great leveller!! Please be kind to yourself especially emotionally. Do cry.. I didn't for 18 months but boy what a dam wall I broke! Crying is beneficial, being brave when your energy levels are low is not. We are all here for you! x Mandy

Difficulty in acknowledging that I have breast cancer

20 Replies

Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Needspellcheck! Checking not heckling xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Janet, just keep heckling those beautiful sunrises & take each one as a blessing. I am glad that you now have someone special in your life too. Look after yourself, Louise xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
hi everyone, got the results on Monday. Great news the 3 lymph nodes they took were all clear, but they found a 2nd cancer in the margin so they went back in on Tuesday this week & took a bigger margin. We are now waiting till thurs 2/7 for the result again & hopefully we have caught it in its entirety now & hopefully find out what's next. I am having a mirena removed & uterine ablation on the 1st July as its is oestrogen & progesterone fed to sort out other issues directly & indirectly affected by the finding. Just wanted to share my results with you, and to thank you again for your suggestions, advice & to wish you the best in hour journeys. Louise xx
Janet_A
Member
11 years ago
I had a feeling of detachment when my doctor told me i had a infiltrating lobular carcinoma, everyone was so serious around me!

Two surgeries, 12 weeks of chemo and 16 radiotherapy sessions later I'm here! Six weeks out my hair is growing back I'm getting stronger everyday. I found the time between surgery and chemo starting was the worst wanting things to happen, they soon did and what seems like forever actually goes quicker than you think it will!

I suffered a bit of anxiety, recognised it and went to my gp who gave me pristiq to take which took the edge of my anxiety as well as seeing a psychologist at the cancer council, 5 sessions free! Love what you have not what you don't have. For me i just moved 2600 ks from my home into a new relationship, this new man has been wonderful as half of our relationship has been with my treatment. I also was away from my friends, my sister, i don't have my own family from the inability to have children, sucks big time. I did this journey pretty much alone living remotely as well. You draw from strength you didn't know you had.

We still have life some days a fatigued one but the sunrise is beautiful every day.

Keep posting Lululu lots of good advice on this site, take care xxxxx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Lynn, I hope my post has also helped you with your feelings of disbelief what has happened & the whole shock of it. As stated by most of the other members is to take one day at a time. Don't hide your feelings cry if you can and get people around you can talk to. What I am finding also very hard is to accept the help especially after the op as you want to make sure you heal without problems. I'm sending you a huge hug and hope that one day you like me and everyone else can support someone else with this. Big hugs Louise xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Fruit Pigeon, thank you for sharing your story and being so positive. After talking to so many wonderful people on this site I do feel ok, and I think once I have those results on Monday & the treatment plan it will help how I feel. Take care of yourself Louise xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Karen, I'm amazed at your positity and how brave you have been. I was in awe of you watching the surgeon beautiful handwriting & noticing something and noticing something beautiful in something so rotten. All the best for you on Tuesday I will be thinking about you too. Louise xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Karen, I really admire your strength and will power and I think you are a amazing mum to be so concerned about your sons 21st. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, I agree that you never think it will happen to you and that we don't expect the bc and only think that it may only be a cyst. I will just take one day as it comes, especially that it is now Saturday night & Monday is not too far away. Take care Louise xx
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Mandy, that is precisely what I am experiencing, so it's so good to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel which I intend to get to eventually. Thank you for sharing your situation, in situations like this you know you are not alone (not wishing it on anyone else either though). I think it is helping being able to talk about it. Louise xxoo
Lululu
Member
11 years ago
Hi Hazel, am spoiling myself and have allowed myself to polish off a bar of peppermint chocolate my older sister just in case!

i hope you are now on the mend & beaten the scourge.

take care of yourself, Louise xx