First meeting since diagnosis

Less than one minute read time.

Today is my first meeting with the surgeon since my diagnosis. I have mixed feelings.

It is over 4 weeks since I was told I had breast cancer. I always thought that as soon as someone said you had cancer that things would move quickly. 

I am hoping to end today's meeting with a plan and some answers, but I'm not sure if that is what happens.

We are in the middle of a new peak of Corona virus cases and I'm worried that any treatment will be postponed or delayed because of the NHS need for dealing with the covid emergency.

The weather is truly awful, we have had two days of snow, this morning there is ice. I hate Winter driving!

I think the not knowing of any treatment plan or the scale of the cancer I have been through every emotion. The not knowing is so mentally draining and damaging.

Here is hoping the future is brighter.

Anonymous
  • Hi it's just short of 2 years since I was diagnosed with grade 3 rapid growing breast cancer behind my left nipple. All I can say is treasure your family and friends you're going to need support to get through this. Don't try and do this on your own. All the NHS and Macmillan staff have been hugely supportive and I'm very grateful. Basically we have to change our priorities. Covid 19 is delaying all our tests and operations but priority is being given to cancer diagnosis and treatment. I sincerely hope all your treatment comes through fast and 2021 turns out to be an excellent year for you.

  • Hi Maria, thank you for the kind words. I turn 40 this year, I was hoping that I could delay it for 12 months but turns out time doesn't work that way! I'm really lucky to have people around me, and I'm really blessed that they listen to me rant and if they don't know what to say they say they don't know what to say, and I like that honesty. I hope that 2021 is good for you and we can all finally control covid! 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi, I just want to reach out to you and let you know that although I am not in your exact shoes, I understand what you are going through because I had a mastectomy on the 11 November 2020 and I have found strength where I thought there was none. Are you going to have immediate reconstruction? I have just written my profile today. I am being honest because I want to be able to reflect back once I will have completely recovered. Please feel free to ask me as many questions as you want. I will start chemo this Friday and this is another leg of the journey. I am feeling ready for it. You can do this xx

  • Good day NorthernFury

    yes it is such a frustrating and trying time, to deal with such a diagnosis and COVID. Thoughts are with you that your procedure goes ahead, as dated and planned. I was in the very same position, and was told we were waiting confirmation for my op to go ahead 11th Jan. My local London hospital was not available to use, and my op went ahead at a private London hospital which has one floor actually completely converted to treat colon cancer patients. The wait for that confirmation was agonising, to say the least. I have been in self-isolation feels like forever. And now, after the op, still continue to hardly step outdoors. Walks in our garden, food delivered etc.

    Taking days off the news helped me immensely. There is really nothing on there to cheer you up, I tried to spend quality time with my 2 young boys and husband instead. Treasure the small and simple things. 

    Thinking of everyone on this scary emotional journey. Dig deep, you will be surprised at the strength you can come up with.

    Take care