I've just been to get all my testing done (mammogram, ultrasound, fine needle biopsy of lymph node, core biopsies of 2 lumps and a clip mammogram) and the doctor at the clinich told me I have breast cancer. Both lumps and calcification between the lumps on chest wall and a suspicious lymph node. He told me to book into see a breast surgeon as soon as possible but what I'm finding frustrating is that I don't have the biopsy results so I don't know what kind I have. I'm finding it hard to believe I have anything but I know a doctor would never say I have it if I don't. I'm just scared I guess as I'm only 35 with 3 yoing kids- I get the results either this afternoon or tomorrow.

Try not to look too far ahead at the moment. Easier said than done, I know. Things are overwhelming enough without doing that. And take someone you trust to the appointments with you - someone who can listen and ask questions without having a bias one way or another. I know that having young kids puts another dimension on things as all you can think about is being there for them.

@MaryB83 Good luck today! Take each step at a time & deal with the things you DO know as goal posts constantly change. I had invasive DCIS & had a lumpectomy with clear margins so only had to have 16 doses of rad as a precaution. I worried about things that never eventuated so hopefully you will get a good result too. I am back at work & have recovered completely. Think positive & let us know how you got on. Hugs xx

@Jenny004s I had a tumour deep in my right breast. When it was removed my surgeon did not get clear margins so a week later he did a re-excision. The tissue removed this time had 4cms of what they call "occult" cells, DCIS that had gone undetected in all the mammograms and ultrasounds I'd had by then.My sister died from BC and my mother had it at my age. My breast surgeon said "One is bad luck but not unusual. Two is really bad luck and maybe a coincidence. Three is no coincidence at all." So genetically there is something going on in my family.My breasts are dense. This makes detecting cancers & DCIS more difficult. The jury is still out on whether it predisposes you to developing a breast cancer in the first place, but it looks like it could .I am raising my own two children and my sister's two. And looking after my 85yo father-in-law. Responsibilities!Plus you know, I want to live! My chances of developing a new breast cancer in my other breast were 25%. There were some other reasons on the list, and going with my surgeon's advice, I had the bilateral mastectomy. The histopathology on the right boob discovered another previously unseen 8cms of DCIS, just under the nipple, a skip lesion. I would never ever ever have trusted any mammogram or ultrasound I would have had. For me, two weeks after taking them both off, it was the right decision.It's about the most personal choice you can make. Get some counselling, talk it through with your doctors, you partner, know what you're heading into as best as you can. K xox

Thank you. Not knowing is making me feel so strange- in limbo- and I just want to wake up from this. I just need a game plan so I can get my head around it all

Hi and welcome @MaryB83, I was diagnosed last September with triple negative and still remember that scary and unknown feeling. I am 39 and have a 4 1/2 year old son, I have completed six months chemo and three weeks ago had a bilateral mastectomy. I found getting my friends and family on board really made a difference at a challenging time. I broke my treatments up into parts so that the hill didn't look so steep and I could focus on one step at a time. I wrote everything down and had prepared lots of questions for oncologist, etc. Take one day at a time and like the ladies have said this forum is brilliant - I have gained so much knowledge and advice from reading other people's stories :) xx

Scared! | BCNA Online Network

56 Replies

Jenny004s
Member
8 years ago
Saw the surgeon today. It’s aggressiveand reasonably large but it is contained in the breast tissue and not present on the lymph nodes which is good news. Off to Perth next week for a full mastectomy. It’s a bit frightening but I’m glad I have a plan.
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Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
@Jenny004s. No history for me either but going by the new advertising campaign that appears to be very common. Thinking of u xoxox
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Jenny004s
Member
8 years ago
Thank you Eastmum. That’s great advice. All I can think of is my daughter and staying around for her. I’m so determined to come out the other side. Still can’t believe it tho. No history in the family. Not sure why cancer chose me. Might be a rough nights sleep I think.
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Eastmum
Member
8 years ago
That’s awesome @MaryB83! All the best for Friday! Xxx
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Eastmum
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Jenny004s - this is the most difficult time. The ‘unknown’ is so much worse than anything else.
Everyone said that to me when I was at your stage and they were absolutely right!
Once you’ve seen your dr and you get some information you can start working on a plan to deal with whatever it is that you’ve been diagnosed with.
All the best for your appointment tomorrow and don’t leave until all your questions are answered. If you don’t have anyone going with you, take notes or record the whole conversation on your phone so you can play it back and re-absorb it all when you get home.
Let us know how you go! Xxxx
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Jenny004s
Member
8 years ago
Thank you Kiwi Angel
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Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
@Jenny004s good luck for tomorrow - big hugs xoxoxo
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Jenny004s
Member
8 years ago
Hi. I got my diagnosis today. ☹️ I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I have no idea how bad it is just that I have it. I’m trying to stay positive but it’s hard.
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kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Fantastic @MaryB83! So good to hear. No bridge there! K xox
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Hopes_and_Dream
Member
8 years ago
Wonderful news @MaryB83!! xx

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Scared!

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