Forum Discussion
SueD
2 years agoMember
Newly Diagnosed
Hi Everyone,
I was called on Friday afternoon to be told that the lump which I found is actually a high grade invasive ductal carcinoma. Although I did think that it may have been a cancer, I was floored when the doctor spoke those words out loud. I really didn't hear much else after that except that she would make me an appointment for Monday to talk about where we go from here. The biopsy results were rushed back due to the aggressive nature of the cancer they have found. I also had a biopsy taken from two lymph nodes that looked suspicious (these results are not back yet but it is on the same side as the cancer and doesn't look good). My lump is 3cm.
I will say that I am terrified. I am trying to be strong but have waves were I do not feel strong at all. I am normally quite the positive person. My sister keeps telling me to be positive, but it feels difficult with so many variables (what stage will it be, has it metastasized, etc...). The breast surgeon I have been referred to doesn't have appointments until December, although she does triage so based on that diagnosis I may get in earlier.
It is so scary waiting on all the results. I will no doubt now need to get scans to see if it has travelled to other parts of my body.
I had to tell my family on the weekend, including my 15 year old son, that was hard.
Does it get easier? How do you stay positive?
I seem to go to sleep and then I wake with a jolt of realisation.
I hope to talk to many of you on this journey. You are certainly the ones that will understand after having this experience yourself. It certainly sounds like something that you cannot go alone.
Sue.
I was called on Friday afternoon to be told that the lump which I found is actually a high grade invasive ductal carcinoma. Although I did think that it may have been a cancer, I was floored when the doctor spoke those words out loud. I really didn't hear much else after that except that she would make me an appointment for Monday to talk about where we go from here. The biopsy results were rushed back due to the aggressive nature of the cancer they have found. I also had a biopsy taken from two lymph nodes that looked suspicious (these results are not back yet but it is on the same side as the cancer and doesn't look good). My lump is 3cm.
I will say that I am terrified. I am trying to be strong but have waves were I do not feel strong at all. I am normally quite the positive person. My sister keeps telling me to be positive, but it feels difficult with so many variables (what stage will it be, has it metastasized, etc...). The breast surgeon I have been referred to doesn't have appointments until December, although she does triage so based on that diagnosis I may get in earlier.
It is so scary waiting on all the results. I will no doubt now need to get scans to see if it has travelled to other parts of my body.
I had to tell my family on the weekend, including my 15 year old son, that was hard.
Does it get easier? How do you stay positive?
I seem to go to sleep and then I wake with a jolt of realisation.
I hope to talk to many of you on this journey. You are certainly the ones that will understand after having this experience yourself. It certainly sounds like something that you cannot go alone.
Sue.
24 Replies
- CindiMemberHi SueD,
Good luck, fingers crossed for you, today's finally arrived, at least you'll find out results and can plan, and get your mind around whatever the outcome, please let us know.
Also remember this, breast cancer surgery and the different treatments have improved SO MUCH ( my breast cancer team told me) they have come such a long way, so have faith in your team, so much can be done these days, sending you a big hug <3
Cindi xx - SueDMemberThanks Tarma, I appreciate that.
My parents live at Edgeworth. 😊 - TarmaMember@SueD a bit of a belated welcome 😊
I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you Sue, it's a scary time waiting for results to come in .
I noticed you're not too far from me 😃 - arpieMemberThank you xx It's all about hopefully making it a bit easier for you guys - as we've all 'been there, done that' ....
Yep, it is very difficult to stay focussed on what they are saying 100% of the time, as you will often be pondering what they just said - and then you've missed the next bit!! And 2 people will ALWAYS remember 'different bits'! ;) - SueDMemberThanks @arpie, I appreciate your support. You are an inspiration, that you have been through this all yourself and now you are here to support others. My husband will be there. I get now why you said to record. Even with both of us there last time, we seemed to get different things from the appointment.Sue x
- arpieMemberTerrific that you've seen the surgeon & had the scans @SueD .... all the best for your results tomorrow. Do you have a good buddy to go with you (as extra ears & support xx) Good that things are moving along now.
Yep, the waiting really sucks - I am SO sorry that your own surgery was postponed with your surgeon getting crook, @Cindi xx.
take care, both of you xx - SueDMemberHi Cindi,
Thanks for your wishes.
I have managed to get in to see the surgeon. I had my MRI and PET scan this week and receive the result tomorrow. All very scary, but at least I will know either way tomorrow (although at times I just wish I could stick my head in the sand 😂 - I know this wouldn't be helpful). After this I should see the Oncologist and then get my treatment plan.
I hope your surgery goes well for you. All my best and sending hugs back to you (I think we all deserve them 😊)
Sue x - CindiMemberHi SueD,
I just wanted to wish you luck, I'm a little different with Lobular breast cancer,( a different type) but in the "waiting" game too, it's really hard I know, I go into surgery (I hope) Wednesday next week .
My surgeon got sick and had to cancel my surgery yesterday.
I feel for you, but wonder can you ask your GP if there is another good breast cancer surgeon she could recommend who may see you sooner, it doesn't seem fair on you to have to wait SO long?!
The waiting game is the worst.
Sending hugs to you,
Cindi xx - ClancyMemberHi @SueD, good to hear things have progressed with the scans. To your question I had to have a second surgery because after the first one they checked the tissue taken under the microscope to see if there is a sufficient margin of heathy tissue between the edge of the cancer and the outer edge of the removed tissue. In my case two edges didn't have enough margin so they went in via re-excision to take some more. So am waiting to hear if that was successful. I will need radiotheraphy after that provided all is clear. My mum's was more progressed so invasive triple negative which was more serious and she managed really well which is why I have faith. Do rely on the support of your friends and family to help get you through this difficult time and keep telling yourself you can get through this!
- arpieMemberGreat that you're getting all the scans done @SueD - all the best for your results xx ....
That gives you a base line to check against every other scan from here on, which is a good thing xx. I reckon everyone really should have a full body 'something' done at the start of treatment, exactly for that comparison later on (and possibly identifying unknown bits as well ...). But I guess it is just an expense thing ...
Keep eating well & exercising as much as you can, yoga as well .... all these things help keep your body & mind busy .... xx. Yep, try not to get too far ahead of yourself xx
take care