Hi I'm new to this whole thing, up until 21/2 weeks ago I had never considered breast cancer as a possibility.I found a lump in my breast just after coming back from holiday and went to my GP, she sent me off for a mammogram and ultrasound whilst waiting for the appointment i found another lump under my arm. The results came back with suspected breast cancer so not the best news I've ever had, at my appointment the following week with the surgeon I was categorically told it was breast cancer and was referred for biopsy, CT and bone scan. I had the CT and bone scan last week and my biopsy is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, so I have another appointment a week today to find out my results. Can't say I'm looking forward to the biopsy and am worried it will be painful.I thought I was doing OK and trying to be pragmatic about everything, but had a bit of a breakdown at the weekend which my poor husband bore the brunt of.I can now think of little else other than my results and what's going to happen next and I'm struggling to concentrate at work.Only my husband knows what's going on, I haven't managed to tell my family or friends, most of who live in the UK. When I think about telling them my stomach churns and I feel sick. I've promised myself I'll tell people when I get the full picture next week but it's not something I'm looking forward to.Just feel a bit lost at the momentFrom reading the posts online this is a fabulous group of supportive souls, Thanks

Hi @Lezanne75 Keeping quiet about your diagnosis until you have a handle on what is going on has always seemed like a good idea to me. These first few weeks are a bloody nightmare and if a bit of a browse around this site will teach you anything, it is that nobody, and I really mean nobody, will have your precise diagnosis, timeframe and treatment plan. Once you have a bit of an idea exactly what is going on it will be easier to answer all the questions that your friends and family will ask. Telling other people is really difficult. I've been through this twice and it doesn't get any easier, but it does help if you practice. Which may sound a bit mad, but if you develop a little spiel it may prevent you dissolving into sobs and snot sniffing every time you have to talk to someone. Once you have an idea about what sort of treatment you may need you can package it up into a couple of sentences. Then start crying.If you think the whole UK contingent is likely to want to jump on a plane and come over to help, immediately, it may be worth thinking about appointing someone as travel coordinator so you don't get snowed under while you are trying to find your feet. If your surgeon is right you are probably going to be a very busy woman in the next couple of months. Stage the invasion so you have ongoing support. Marg xxx

just want to thank you all for the support & advice. xx

Welcone.My husband knew. I told only my closest sister of the probable diagnosis as at the time there were other big things happening in my family (a funeral 2 days before Xmas) and I felt best to wait until I had seen the specialist and had a plan before telling all my family. My 2 sons at home were told obce I had biopsy confirmation as I needed to travel away for my appointment. It was hard pretending to be positive when really I was absolutely terrified and devastated about the diagnosis.I coped by planning stuff once I sort of knew the plan.I chose a bilateral mastectomy so I had a farewell boobie party.I set up a initally facebook messanger groups so I could update volumes of appropriate people. ..family groups, close friends etc. They were invaluable as my intial support people as there was always somebody awake when I needed to talk.I went and bought some pj's for hospital and appropriate toiletries for frequent travel. (My surgeon was 500k away)I knew I was having chemo (due to pathology ) so I bought some inexpensive scarves (Kmart) and researched wigs and had a look at some.I wear little makeup so bought some as I wanted to look well even on chemo and I googled chemo makeup guide. I swim...so I researched and purchased mastectomy bathers and a fabric swim cap knowing I'd be bald for a bit.I attended a dentist to have a good check up and clean prior having any treatment started knowing dental care was very important.I bought a diary to keep track of appointments, Dr names and nurse contacts etc. Plus a file to keep all the huge quantity of paperwork you accumulate. (But the my care kit helps with some of this )All these things kept me distracted. It didn't help me sleep, it didn't stop my tears and I ended up stopping work as I was a blubbering mess most days. But I got through...and so will you.You are stronger than you realise and we are here to listen and support as needed. Kath x

So I got my results yesterday, bit of a relief as it could have been loads worse. Bone and CT scans were clear so it hasn't spread anywhere, I have grade 3 Oestrogen+ve and HER2+ve, but they're going to retest to confirm how receptive to HER2 it is. My breast cancer nurse is organising the initial meeting with the oncologist as I'll be having chemo before my surgery, which she thinks will start in the next 2 weeks. We were planning to go to the Caulfield Cup so I'm going to go there before I start chemo. Just worried about the chemo, (how long will it go on for / side effects / being able to work) but at least i know what it is and there is a plan in place (albeit a little hazy) for me to work with.Should have probably taken someone other than my husband tho, he has the attention span of a 2 yr old, but he held my hand very well!!

I'm in the same boat and just found out yesterday. I don't want to tell people as I'm still dealing with it myself. My adult daughter said to me " then just don't tell people yet". Sage advice. I'll talk about it when I want to. Could be days, could be weeks but when I'm ready

Waiting for tests and results | BCNA Online Network

30 Replies

lezanne75
Member
8 years ago
Hiya
Thanks to all you ladies, the support from everyone is so fantastic it really has made a difference over the past couple of weeks.
Lesley xx
ShazS
Member
8 years ago
Hi Lezanne, You are in good hands with the lovely , caring people on this site and it's a great place to have a vent with no one judging take care of you good luck Shazx
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Hey @lezanne75, just wishing you all the best. Hope you have a ball at the Caulfield Cup and back a winner!! Xx
Kombigirl
Member
8 years ago
Hello and welcome,
I'm new too. The waiting is a real pain. I also found out that I have breast cancer 2 and 1/2 weeks ago.
Ange x
primek
Member
8 years ago
Most likely. Hope goes well.
lezanne75
Member
8 years ago
Caulfield Cup is on 21st October, my initial appointment with the oncologist is on Monday (16th) so I'm presuming that my chemo won't start until the following week at the earliest. So hoping to have a final fling with my hair before it goes south for the summer..... L xx
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
Sage advice indeed. There isn't much you can control; by keeping questions (and well meaning advice) to a minimum until you have a bit of a handle on things you can cut out a level of stress. There is no 'correct' approach, I think it pays to play it like you would any major interruption to your life. Some of us need space, others want a team hug. Stay true to your own temperament @Thewiseone and you won't go too far wrong. Good luck.
Good news for you @lezanne75. The races sound like a great idea, take pleasure and joy where you can find it. As too working through chemo, only one way to find out... Just don't be too disappointed if you can't. It's a bit of a lucky dip, some cruise through it, some don't. Marg xxx
primek
Member
8 years ago
How soon to Caulfied cup (can't remember)? I did a trip 200k and return about 8 days after chemo...worst over and hair still intact...so you might be able to start earlier and still go. Just saying.
Thewiseone
Member
8 years ago
I'm in the same boat and just found out yesterday. I don't want to tell people as I'm still dealing with it myself. My adult daughter said to me " then just don't tell people yet". Sage advice. I'll talk about it when I want to. Could be days, could be weeks but when I'm ready
Jenv
Member
8 years ago
Hi, the waiting for results etc seems to take forever..i found keeping every bit of info helpful, writing things down, asking questions and better still take someone with you for support and questions you dont ask...another pair of ears if you forget something that was said. It certainly is a journey, we are on this treadmill that we can't get off.....take care, once you get a treatment plan you'll go from there and know whats going on.