Hi Everyone, I am 48 years old and have been diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. I am scheduled to have a bilateral mastectomy this Tuesday 24/7/18. Any further treatment to be determined after surgery. I am at the beginning of my breast cancer journey, and somewhat aware of the difficulties ahead for me. My mother had breast cancer 10 years ago and I had investigations for a lump that turned out to be a cyst about 14 years ago, so I was having bi annual mammograms. My cancer was picked up in a mammogram on 8/6/18 and confirmed on 13/6/18. My surgeon was going away on annual leave, so put me on Tamoxifen for a about a month, stopping this about 1.5 weeks ago ready for surgery this week. Unfortunately the downside of having this time means that now it's so close, I'm in full panic mode! - clear

Hi @FionaJ the next few days will be a bit of a blur, it's a tough time in your life and noone volunteers for this ride. I've had two bouts of BC, ten years apart, so I'd have been having my first treatment about the same time as your mum. Things have changed quite a bit since then. It's difficult when you have watched someone else's experience to not have a preconceived idea about how things will go and how you will manage your own treatment. The hard lesson is taking every day as it comes until you get a better idea about what your own personal situation is. Hang in there, if you haven't already connected with a breast care nurse, the time spent in hospital is a good opportunity to do that. There is no point telling you not to be frightened, but if you are having straight mastectomy with no reconstruction, there is every chance the emotional trauma is worse than the physical and you may be surprised at how little pain there is and how quickly you recover. Best wishes. Mxx

All the best for your upcoming surgery. Little hint is hang your bathroom towel down low as reaching up will be difficult for a while and use a smaller lighter towel as well. When you go home, if it was like me and only overnight stay, make sure you have some painkillers like Targin at home.I do miss my missing breast but I did get angry with it for failing me and almost killing me so I have come to terms with it all now. Hugz <3

Aw hun..its such a scary time..i had lumps removed but no mastectomy at this stage. Going through chemo. Breathe and know we are all here for you. XxxTrikki2

@FionaJ I'm actually taking a break from the Forum but I saw your post and I didnt want you to feel isolated right now. Firstly Welcome to you! Your panic and fear is very understandable and it is overwhelming. I've been on the Forum for a few years and it really was such a great place to come for support and know that people do care and understand completely every step you are going through. I've been through the works LOL over the past 7yrs and I know last year facing my single mastectomy was the scariest part of the whole thing.The emotional drain and panic I had was debilitating and so raw, I found talking with a Psychologist that I had seen a few years prior was of enormous help. It helped me get into a mindset and I walked into the surgery and the week leading in, full of tears. Afterwards I cried once when home and that was all. I had an immediate diep flap recon as it was a year after treatment and due to a recurrence at the 4yr mark. Whatever stage you are at, know with a surety there are many here been down this road and who can help enormously.Please dont feel alone in the midst of this, its normal and natural, so deep breath and one thing at a time, I found when I pulled myself back to one thing at a time it lessened. I recommend talking to someone if you can manage prior to the surgery I honestly do. I do remember the fear was worse than the actual surgery but emotionally it is alot to deal with so please be extra kind to yourself. Melinda x

@FionaJ I completely get it. I was diagnosed with ILC on 5 December from a screening mammogram. I went in for partial and then back in for a mastectomy and clearance when it was found to be twice the size originally thought. All I can say, in addition to what @melclarity has said, is to try to breathe and take it a step at a time. Your path will become clearer once the path report comes back after surgery. I found that the surgery itself is not so bad. Yes, there is pain and you do need some help with things when you come home but it is manageable. How you feel about the surgery is a different matter. Take care and ask any questions you want to.

Panic Mode | BCNA Online Network

melclarity
Member
7 years ago
@FionaJ I'm actually taking a break from the Forum but I saw your post and I didnt want you to feel isolated right now.

Firstly Welcome to you! Your panic and fear is very understandable and it is overwhelming. I've been on the Forum for a few years and it really was such a great place to come for support and know that people do care and understand completely every step you are going through. I've been through the works LOL over the past 7yrs and I know last year facing my single mastectomy was the scariest part of the whole thing.The emotional drain and panic I had was debilitating and so raw, I found talking with a Psychologist that I had seen a few years prior was of enormous help. It helped me get into a mindset and I walked into the surgery and the week leading in, full of tears. Afterwards I cried once when home and that was all. I had an immediate diep flap recon as it was a year after treatment and due to a recurrence at the 4yr mark. Whatever stage you are at, know with a surety there are many here been down this road and who can help enormously.

Please dont feel alone in the midst of this, its normal and natural, so deep breath and one thing at a time, I found when I pulled myself back to one thing at a time it lessened. I recommend talking to someone if you can manage prior to the surgery I honestly do. I do remember the fear was worse than the actual surgery but emotionally it is alot to deal with so please be extra kind to yourself. Melinda x
Trikki2
Member
7 years ago
Aw hun..its such a scary time..i had lumps removed but no mastectomy at this stage. Going through chemo. Breathe and know we are all here for you. Xxx
Trikki2

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