I'm in shock

Hi there beautiful,

Welcome to the network.  I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  You've come to the right place for support and advice.  The early days are so hard.  I remember it well. 

I was diagnosed end of April.  My GP sent me off for a mammogram after I found a lump. It was expected to be nothing.  The scan showed increased density, nothing conclusive, so it was recommended to have a FNAB.  I had that biopsy the following week.  While the radiographer was swishing the ultrasound around, she was saying things like "oh it looks like fat cells, nothing to worry about". (I want fatty bits in my boob! Right?)  The radiologist jiggled the needle around also saying it looked like a benign cyst.  Of course, you guessed it, my GP rings me the next day at work, saying I needed to come in to see her.  What a roller coaster! I'll never forget that day.  My whole world collapsed. 

Since then, I've had 3 surgeries, finally resulting in a mastectomy.  What was thought to be a rather small tumour on biopsy turned out to be an irregular mucinous (jelly like) tumour.  Full breast pathology showed a second smaller similar tumour hiding elsewhere.  I'm starting 4 cycles of chemo tomorrow over 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy. 

From the beginning, my doctors (and there is a whole team now) have been really positive.  It's doable, it's curable, I'm not going to die from it.  The early weeks are so difficult though.  There was a lot of tears, trying not to cry too much in front of my teenage kids.  The shower and walks by the river were the best places to cry.  I'm finding I can cope with it all now that I know what the treatment plan is.  The waiting for results, waiting in drs rooms, clinics, is the worst.

Have you ordered your 'my journey kit' from bcna? I found it to be so helpful.  Information helps.  A good support network helps as well.  I have a few friends who are my rock. Made me laugh so much in hospital, I thought my stitches would burst, as well as delivering meals to my family.

Make sure you be kind to yourself in these early days.  It's not easy on the emotions.  This network has been a great help to me.  Reading about some amazing women who have come out the other end, going through treatment or traveling along with me.

Take care,

Karen xx