My story
You think it will never happen to you, until it does.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 20 July 2016.
I'm 35 and married for less than 2 years. My husband and I had only recently started try...
Forum Discussion
Hi, this is my first post. I was also diagnosed on July 20. YLY and ccasper - I know what a shock I got so I can't imagine how difficult and unexpected it must be to have a diagnosis at such a young age. My thoughts are with you both.
I had my 55th birthday on July 11 and had a lovely dinner out with my husband. On July 12 I got a call back from a routine mammogram and the roller-coaster started. I think my birthday will be my last ever day of living in happy oblivion!
Like YLY I thought I was healthy and had no idea there was anything wrong. Sneaky disease.
On July 13 Breast screen did another mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and 3 core biopsies. By this time this was over I had a gut feeling I had cancer. I think I went straight into acceptance mode and was ready for the cancer confirmation on July 20. Everything moves so fast - it is like your life is taken out of your hands and you are passed from person to person.
In reading the stories of so many of you amazing, strong women I know I have been one of the lucky ones. My IDC was small and only grade one and there was no cancer in the 3 sentinel lymph nodes. I chose to have a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate impact reconstruction. I shed my first tears when my surgeon gave me the good histology result.
I'm only a small B cup (actually that's being generous!) so not enough of me to cope with a lumpectomy. So almost 6 weeks on I have healed well but total breast numbness is taking some getting used to. In the last week nerve pain in my left arm has reduced and physio exercises are improving flexibility.
So no chemo and radiation for me but I am 9 days into taking Arimidex. I've read so much information about this drug and was very anxious about taking it due to all the negative feedback. My oncologist made it very clear that if I want the best chance of a cancer free future there is no option. My GP is working with me with complementary medicine and diet suggestions to counter balance any side effects. So far so good!
I don't know when to expect side effects to kick in? I'd be really interested to hear from anyone taking Arimidex who has some positive feedback or hints and tips to overcome and negatives. I have another 3 weeks off before heading back to full time work and just want to get back to (new) normal.
Wishing all of you all the best with your treatment. Be kind to yourselves.
Jane x
I had my 55th birthday on July 11 and had a lovely dinner out with my husband. On July 12 I got a call back from a routine mammogram and the roller-coaster started. I think my birthday will be my last ever day of living in happy oblivion!
Like YLY I thought I was healthy and had no idea there was anything wrong. Sneaky disease.
On July 13 Breast screen did another mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and 3 core biopsies. By this time this was over I had a gut feeling I had cancer. I think I went straight into acceptance mode and was ready for the cancer confirmation on July 20. Everything moves so fast - it is like your life is taken out of your hands and you are passed from person to person.
In reading the stories of so many of you amazing, strong women I know I have been one of the lucky ones. My IDC was small and only grade one and there was no cancer in the 3 sentinel lymph nodes. I chose to have a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate impact reconstruction. I shed my first tears when my surgeon gave me the good histology result.
I'm only a small B cup (actually that's being generous!) so not enough of me to cope with a lumpectomy. So almost 6 weeks on I have healed well but total breast numbness is taking some getting used to. In the last week nerve pain in my left arm has reduced and physio exercises are improving flexibility.
So no chemo and radiation for me but I am 9 days into taking Arimidex. I've read so much information about this drug and was very anxious about taking it due to all the negative feedback. My oncologist made it very clear that if I want the best chance of a cancer free future there is no option. My GP is working with me with complementary medicine and diet suggestions to counter balance any side effects. So far so good!
I don't know when to expect side effects to kick in? I'd be really interested to hear from anyone taking Arimidex who has some positive feedback or hints and tips to overcome and negatives. I have another 3 weeks off before heading back to full time work and just want to get back to (new) normal.
Wishing all of you all the best with your treatment. Be kind to yourselves.
Jane x