Forum Discussion
Devastated and confused
Hi all, I have just been diagnosed with early breast cancer and I am absolutely devastated, confused and just overwhelmed. So much is going through my head and I am just beside myself. I am completel...
Morning. I had a 2.9cm, grade 3 tumour on my right breast, that was hormone receptor positive. I was told after my initial ultrasound that they didn’t think it had spread to my lymph. (That was what I kept reminding myself whilst waiting results after my mastectomy - focus on what I know). Turns out they were correct. I avoided radiation as I opted for the mastectomy. I was recommended 4 rounds of chemo. My oncologist suggested I pay for oncotype testing ($5k) as he believed I may not benefit from chemo. It came back that chemo would have no benefit for me, but I do need to take aromatase inhibitors - mine is Letrozole - for 9 years. So I’m nearly 2 years post diagnosis & still no detectable cancer as of the last check up in April. I’m starting the breast reconstruction journey, so that’s my next focus. There is so much to learn & read about. Be selective. Try not to terrify yourself before you have all your results & information and take one step at a time. Listen to your surgeon, breast nurse & oncologist. Ask questions until you understand. Take someone with you to every appointment as you never remember it all on your own. That’s my best advice. I hope it all goes well for you. Xx
Thank you for your detailed message. I am really pleased to read that no cancer was detected and that you are doing well. I am just lost for words at this point. I am in shock, in denial, and waiting to see a surgeon feels like million years away. Every minute feels like an hour. When I was told of the cancer, I was told they cought it early and no signs of it being spread to lymph nodes. However, I just can't help but feeling beside myself and absolutely devastated. I just turned 50 in December and just told my boys. Waiting is absolutely killing me. I already suffer from depression and panic attacks and few other annoying niggles, and I just think how much more can I take. Surgeon appointment can't come quick enough. My apologies if my reply is all over the place. Thank you again for all your advice and I wish you all the best in your breast reconstruction. Please let us know how it goes 🙏