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madamcaptain76's avatar
madamcaptain76
Member
3 months ago

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was just diagnosed last Thursday. I was so shocked when I was told the results: I'm sorry but I'm afraid it's cancer. I cried in the doctor's room when she told me. She was so patient and caring, I'm sure it was hard for her to tell me that. My partner was with me and I'm so glad he has been amazing and very supportive. I felt so overwhelmed that day, I couldn't believe it, I never thought I would ever get cancer. I'm still trying to deal with it and I'm so grateful for a good support network of family and friends. It's hard to talk about but I have found that reaching out to family and friends has helped. I'm feeling a lot of love. 

I'm booked in for surgery next week, a lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed. Then 4 weeks of radiation. Luckily it was caught early, stage 1, grade 2 hormone receptor-positive cancer. Invasive but not aggressive. I only had to wait less than a week to see the surgeon and she booked me in for surgery straight away. At least I won't have much time to stress out too much about it. I'm still scared about having surgery though but glad it's just day surgery. My parents don't live close to us but they we be with me for the surgery and staying close by to help me out. 

For me, I can totally understand hiding emotions and smiling on the outside when I'm actually terrified on the inside. But I'm also finding that talking about it is helping a bit and I hope my diagnosis will prompt more of my family and friends to get a mammogram. I've had a few friends so far telling me they will definitely get one now so I really hope they do!

I agree, cancer does suck and it's **bleep** too. And I also agree that we need to kick ass!

Tri's avatar
Tri
Member
3 months ago

Sending you positive vibesmadamcaptain76​ I’m sorry for your diagnosis- it’s a moment and it sounds like you are a naturally thoughtful person by default (you feeling your GP’s pain) so good job allowing yourself to speak about your fears and feelings. The links below take you to some really helpful resources. 
You might even find these resources helpful to go back to later when your surgery and radiation are behind you. Once treatment is over it can feel a bit surreal. I found the BCNA podcasts really helpful after I completed surgery, radiation and chemo because it was only then that I felt ready to focus on and process the roller coaster I had experienced. 
I certainly appreciated finding the lump I had at “early stage” and salute you encouraging your friends to check and be screened! Wishing you all best for your surgery and radiation.