Just Diagnosed

Wow Karen, all happening so fast with you. Thank you so much for yourc reply.  I will pray for good op and continued healing for you x. I'm bit confused about the node biopsy. The breast care nurse has said I will have to get in down the day before or day if surgery. I keep hearing about cut etc. Is this a bigger procedure than the normal core biopsy. Cheers, Karen. 

Hi Nicole. Thanks for your reply. I had a lump for quiet a while. Then had a cold virus and pain in my breast for few weeks. But was so ill with my asthma, had to wait to get a scan. The scan showed the lump, then they did mammogram which showed same. They told me straight away I would need a biopsy. I have had approximately 20 scans so knew it wasn't just a normal cysts. Results back next day. Needed biopsy. So from scan on Wednesday, to biopsy Friday to Results Monday. Was a hard few days. I see the specialist Friday and will know a lot more then hopefully. ??

Hi, yeah, one thing I did find troubling was every conversation ultimately ended up being about cancer. Some of my friends and family kept their problems from me because they thought they were insignificant up against my cancer. I always used to say their problems were were important too. It does pass and conversations return to normal, thankfully

Hazel xx

The ladies have said it all, my only advice is have someone with you at every appointment I honestly believe half of it does not sink in, I was diagnosed in 2012, at the beginning I thought how do you get through this but here I am nearly 3 years later. It's hard but it's do able. Regards adean

I was given a choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy,but the surgeon also pointed out that my lump was directly behind the nipple and very deep.When I said mastectomy,he said,' I think you have made the right decision'. I had never been in hospital before,not for anything!! I am 60 years of age.I was so scared,but I can tell you that a mastectomy is relatively pain free!! Just Panadol after the first day,and as long as you do your exercises( VERY IMPORTANT) you should avoid stiffness in your arm,and get back to normal pretty quickly.That was how it was for me anyway:):)Cheers Robyn

Well hi karen.  Sorry for your diagnosis. I agree with all the comments about the wonderful caring souls on this site but... I would recommend you find a backup support, like a decent bc nurse, just in case this site goes down in your hour of need, as it did for me. I would like to ask how did you get your diagnosis.  It doesn't appear that you've had any surgery yet?  Nicole x

Hi Karen,

I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and can relate to your feelings. Especially the up and down rollercoaster ride of emotions.  I was offered a choice between mastectomy or lumpectomy and have had two excisions to my breast and a sentinel node biopsy. I have had a larger tumour than was expected (irregular mucinous) with DCIS in tissue margins.  Because margins still aren't clear and (I really didn't have much boob to start with), I'm having a mastectomy next Tuesday.  Reconstruction for me would have to be later because just need to get this out, will need chemo and they haven't confirmed yet whether I'll need radiotherapy.

I've found this site to be invaluable for its support and info from some truly inspirational women. 

All the best with your discussions over surgery this week.  Do something nice for yourself this weekend.

From fellow traveller and another Karen xx

Hi,

I'm glad you mentioned the laughter.  My warped sense of humour has got me through all of this, but I was starting to think I must be weird or the only one who laughed.  Thank goodness its not just me!

Mira

Hi there 

I responded but got interrupted and then the boxes to respond got tiny! My husband was telling me just yesterday that he heard a radio interview with bc researchers saying a lumpectomy and hormone treatment was as effective as a mascetomies : I knew this as I did quite a bit of online searching: I think it's just our world now: however last time I stumblled on an American site that women were calling their ovaries ' cancer catchers' and advocating removal : so you have to shift through for what feels right.  best wishes!

(20mm grade 2 lymph node .8mm hormone er pos, pr pos., her2 neg infilit breast cancer : lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxafen)

Oops using growth instead of cancer was helpful as a way of adjusting : this took several weeks initially and then useful as I had a clear diagnosis and treatment plan