Cancer cells around microcalcification - no lumps or other issues

Hello First Time Here

My name is Adele.  I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question.  I can see that you have joined the breast cancer forum.  I hope you have found it helpful and supportive.

I am sorry to hear that you feel scared and alone at this time.  It is completely understandable to be worried and upset when you have cancer investigations.  Being told of a cancer diagnosis, and that you need an operation, can cause a range of different emotions, irrespective of the extent of the cancer, or how early it has been caught.

Many people feel scared about the proposed surgery or may be frightened about what it means for the future.  People can also express a sense that they have lost control of their lives.

Some people find it helpful to find out more about the diagnosis and the proposed treatment.  You may find it useful to look at information on microcalcifications of the breast and to find out more about breast surgery.  If you have any additional questions, about what to expect or any particular concerns, do reach out to your breast care nurse.

There are many strategies for dealing with change and uncertainty.  Finding ways of reducing your stress levels may also be helpful at this time.

A sense of isolation may be related to a feeling that you have little or no support.  Maybe family and friends live far away, or they may be busy, or you may find it hard to talk about health matters, or the impact this is having on you.

Talking about what you are going through and how you feel can be helpful and can reduce the sense of isolation.  Is there someone around you that you usually reach out to when you have important issues or difficult decisions?  This may be a family member or a friend, or work colleague.  It may also be a counsellor or religious leader.  We are all different in who we feel able to talk with about how we feel.

It may be helpful to plan what you will say and consider how to tell people, prior to the conversation.

Some people feel more able to express how they are feeling and don’t feel under pressure to behave a certain way, if they talk to people who they don’t know.

At Macmillan we are always happy to talk about your experiences and the emotional impact of your diagnosis.  You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

You can access one to one support from trained volunteers.  At Macmillan we have Macmillan Buddies and Breast Cancer Now have the ‘Someone like me’ scheme.

Sometimes people find benefit from talking with others who have been through a similar situation.  Many areas also have local support groups.  To find a local group you can use the Macmillan ‘In your Area’ directory, or ask at your local Macmillan Cancer and Information and Support Centre or your local Maggie’s.  Your breast care nurse will also be able to sign post you.

I hope this information is helpful, First Time Here.  It is not nice feeling scared and alone, so please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

Best wishes, Adele

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref AON/SMJ