Forum Discussion

Emma1113's avatar
Emma1113
Member
3 months ago

16 Weeks Pregnant and diagnosed with aggressive hormonal breast cancer

As the title says, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first child, I turn 32 in Feb and have no family history of breast cancer.
My surgeon has said I will need a mastectomy in the next week or 2.
To say overwhelmed and unsure about my future is a complete understatement. I have found limited people in the same position as me and really don't feel confident as much as everyone has told me to stay strong and positive.

I know I'm very lucky to have the support I do have around me, but obviously it's such a different situation that no one knows how to approach.
anxiety
mastectomy
new-diagnosis
support
young-women
  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    3 months ago
    Hi @Emma1113, what a shock for you. I am not young like you so can't imagine what it's like being pregnant too. It is overwhelming for sure and there is so much to process for you and your baby too. 

    When i was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2020, I had surgery, chemo and radium. I did see pregnant women in the chemo ward. I felt so much for them. It's a terrible club to join but it is good you are reaching out here.

    You could call BCNAs hotline. They may have information that is particular for your situation.  

    It's great you have support as you will need that. Your surgeon will work with other medical professionals to work out the best treatment plan for you. When there is a plan it will be better.

    For now it is very deep breaths and take one day at a time. Take good care of yourself. 
  • Emma1113's avatar
    Emma1113
    Member
    3 months ago
    Hi @Cath62, thank you. I do think a plan will help. 
    It's very overwhelming to think about and wake everyday hoping its a dream 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    3 months ago
    Hi @Emma1113 - as @Cath62 has already said - what a shock for you.  It is great that you've 'found us', for added support (as well as from your family & friends xx.) 

    Have you had a biopsy yet & been advised of the 'type' of BC?

    BCNA Moderators have put up a couple of posts re pregnant women diagnosed with cancer .... so definitely consider ringing the helpline on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a chat.

    There was an article in 2023 in 'My Journey' that you might like to read - it relates to pregnant women with 'early' BC ... As the article says .... Your obstetric and oncology team should include health professionals with experience in caring for women diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. They can help you to make the best choices for you and your baby.

    https://myjourney.org.au/article/3013

    Take care, take one day at a time, one hour if needs be ... try not to get ahead of yourself with the 'what ifs' ... as they may never happen xx. (And stay away from Dr Google! A lot of the info may be out of date or not relevant to your own diagnosis.  Put your trust in your medical team - they will be planning the best possible outcome for you and your baby xx)
  • Emma1113's avatar
    Emma1113
    Member
    3 months ago
    Hey @arpie,

    Thank you, my surgeon just said aggressive hormonal breast cancer but to be honest the appointment was pretty much a blur.
    I have had the biopsy's, just had another one the other day as she wasn't happy with the one on my lymph node but apparently I have 2 solid 'decent lumps' 2.7cm and 1.7cm and 3 smaller ones all in the one breast. 

    I will definitely give the article a read, I have tried to stay off google but of course we'd by lying if anyone said they didn't google :')  

    Hopefully I'll have more info with everything once she gets her medical team and my obstetrician together for a conference, fingers crossed anyway.

    Thanks for the help and advise <3


  • ruralmum2's avatar
    ruralmum2
    Member
    3 months ago
    Oh @Emma1113 I wish I could give you the biggest hug. I’m so sorry this is happening to you at what should be an exciting time for you. I have nothing much to offer you in the way of comforting words, but I did meet someone going through a similar situation to you. I am 44 & have 2 older children & was feeling very hard done by when I was in the ward recovering from my second surgery to remove lymph nodes. Across from me was a lovely younger lady who was diagnosed during her pregnancy, she had a safer? chemo up till 36 weeks, then Bub was delivered. She had her husband & her Mum caring for Bub back at home & she was now having more aggressive chemo. I felt like I had nothing to complain about. All I can offer is to reach out to your support network & ask for the help & caring you need right now. The BCNA hotline is amazing, if you don’t have a McGrath nurse, look up the website & access one - public or private they will support you. Rest & be selfish. 
    Thinking of you xo
  • Emma1113's avatar
    Emma1113
    Member
    3 months ago
    Thank you @ruralmum2, someone had mentioned the McGrath nurses, I will look them up <3
  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    3 months ago

    Hi @Emma1113

    Glad to hear you have a good support network and also now a new community in the Online Network. I hope you don't mind me sharing additional BCNA and external resources that may be helpful during this time.

    BCNA’s My Journey is a great tool to start with and is accessible online. This resource provides high quality, evidence-based information which can be tailored to your diagnosis and provides insights from others with breast cancer (It also has a symptom tracker).

    I have handpicked some articles you might find useful:

    Diagnosed with early breast cancer during pregnancy
    Support for you when diagnosed with early breast cancer

    Stories and Podcasts
    I wanted to share stories of women in our BCNA community who have also had breast cancer during their pregnancy. We hope you find these stories helpful , however we also recommend that listeners exercises self-care when listening, as some may find the content upsetting.

    Protecting my unborn child (Renee's story)
    Sally Obermeder on her breast cancer journey
    In conversation with Shananne and Kate: Under 40 and experiencing breast cancer

    Cancer Council 13 11 20
    Call to speak to one of Cancer Council's experienced and compassionate cancer nurses. They can provide information, emotional support and connections to a range of services to help you manage your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and possible side effects while pregnant. Cancer and Pregnancy booklet developed by Macmillan Cancer Support (UK).

    The US-based Hope For Two website provides information and support to women diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant.

    Please reach out to our Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist you further.