And here I am

Question

2 weeks ago, having breast cancer was the furthermost thing from my mind.&nbsp; I knew that i had some changes to my right breast but I had no reason to believe it was anything other than Fibrocystic disease as suggested by the midwife i had spoken to previously.&nbsp; When I finally saw my doctor, she immediately knew different and the next day i was a seeing a radiologist who informed me that I needed a biopsy - he suspected Cancer.&nbsp; A week after that (Bloody easter!!) I got the results positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.&nbsp;
My name is Angela and I am 34 years old with two gorgeous kids.&nbsp; A 4 yr old daughter named Sophie, and a 6 month old baby boy Oliver (SophOllie).&nbsp; I have an amazing husband David.&nbsp; Together, we were meant to be just starting to go about the business of living our lives out.&nbsp; I had no idea that i needed to prepare myself for this.
At this stage, I am still waiting for full diagnosis and staging.&nbsp; The radiologist suspected Inflammatory Breast Cancer but I'm not too sure as I dont have all the usual clinical symptoms.&nbsp; I definitely have skin thickening, some peau d'orange and a dense 'mass' without any lesions but beyond that, I do not have the red inflamed look, nor has it progressed in a particularly fast manner.&nbsp; I first noticed changes around 10 months ago, certainly more than the 6 months they talk about on the websites i have found.&nbsp;
My best guess is Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (With possibly multi-focal points according to the pathology report).&nbsp; I have an appointment on Friday with the specialist to get things started.&nbsp; The waiting is awful.&nbsp; I am lucky to have a great support network but really, no one knows what this is like except other people in the same boat.

krooz · Answer

Hi Sophollie- &nbsp;so sorry to hear your news. I was diagnosed at the end of Nov last year and straight into surgery within a week. I agree - the tests start and waiting for results and information is like a cyclone of anxiety. &nbsp;So much change so quickly - and you have limited or no choice. &nbsp;&nbsp;I wish you well over the next few days as you wait it out. &nbsp;Kris

paulan · Answer

Hi SophOllie, sorry to hear about your news.  The waiting is awful, I'm waiting on more results myself.  I was diagnosed late January this year.  You'll find this ladies on this site absolutely fantastic.  They give so much support &amp; advise.  At the moment all you can do is take one day at a time &amp; be kind to yourself.  Sending you HUGE hugs.

Paula XXX

brenda5 · Answer

Good luck with the treatment Angela. Breast cancers not something we can put off and we just have to face it and get on with the treatment although goodness knows I would love to ignore it sometimes. At least you have 2 children to give lots of hugs to and a lovely husband David.

michelle_r · Answer

Hi there,
I am so sorry you are joining us, but welcome - there will always be someone here for you when you need support.
The waiting is terrible - we have all been there and understand.&nbsp; On Friday you will start the fast track - buy a notebook for your purse and take it everywhere as you will have a lot to take in!&nbsp; Once the surgeon removes the mass, you will get pathology and a game plan and things will move very quickly.&nbsp; Your "My Journey" kit from this site will answer so many of your questions - be sure to order one.&nbsp; And remember that treatment is now very advanced.
Just put one foot in front of the other at this stage - one day at a time - you will get through this.&nbsp; Your husband will be your rock and your children your inspiration.&nbsp; We are all knocked flat with shock when we are diagnosed.&nbsp; We do understand how you feel and send you a big hug.
Four years ago I was where you are.&nbsp; There is light at the end of the tunnel.&nbsp; Stay strong when you can.&nbsp; You will get through this. Let us know how you are going.&nbsp; xxx Michelle

georginamary · Answer

Dear Angela,,
Welcome to this group where you will get lots of empathy, information and virtual hugs when you are feeling low. &nbsp;Here we all understand the sheer shock of the diagnosis. &nbsp;I remember sitting by myself in the area&nbsp;outside the surgeon's room on January 27th at Breastscreen Victoria after the bad news had been broken to me, fighting back tears and saying to myself in total disbelief "I have cancer!" &nbsp;
Mine turned out to be multi-focal Invasive ductal carcinoma. &nbsp;After two lumpectomies failed to get it all&nbsp;(as I had large breasts it turned out to be a large lurking underlying single cancer), my surgeon went for a mastectomy and reconstruction. &nbsp;The lymph nodes were clear and they are as sure as they are able to be based on pathology results that I am cancer free. &nbsp;Two weeks after surgery I am home, tired but recovering, and even walked twice on a flat path around a very small suburban park on the weekend.
There were lots of little kids in the central playground with their mums and dads, and everyone was smiling. &nbsp;That will be you again, but for the moment, just deal with one day at a time and accept the love and concern with which your family and friends will surround you as they come to terms with your diagnosis. &nbsp;If you feel like yelling and venting at the u fairness of it all, this is also the place to come, as we have all been there!
Georgina. ??????????

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And here I am

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