Hello,
Trying to navigate my way around things since being diagnosed 5 days ago.
I'm 42 and found a lump in my breast on Sunday 12/11/23. Went to the GP at 8am on Monday 13/11/23 convinced I had just pulled something at the gym. Emergency referral to the breast clinic, 9 biopsys (6 with no anesthetic, ouch!) 2 mammograms and an ultrasound later and on Friday 1/12/23 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Completely shocked as no known family history.
I've been told it's in 2 areas of the breast and in one lynphnode. It's oestrogen based and HER2+ (I'm still trying to learn the lingo).
I'm having a CT scan and MRI next week, will start chemo just before or after Christmas and mastectomy and reconstruction in about 5 months. Theuce done a referral to hair clinic and genetics.
It's been a strange few days, getting my head around it all, telling people, making plans. I'm trying to be super positive as I've been told that they are treating me with "curative intent" and recovery should take 1 year so I feel very lucky. But at the moment it's felling verry surreal.
My Macmillan nurse is lovely. Everyone around me is being lovely and supportive.A few weeks ago I was cracking on with my life, thriving in my job, an avid gym goer and enjoyed an active social life. I've never had any health issues never snoked, rsrely drink and follow a Mediterranean pescetarian diet. So now im getting my head around that fact that I'm sick.
I'm coping by being proactive organising the house, cancelling my gym membership, making plans at my work, putting my dressy clothes away, telling everyone that I'm feeling positive about it and treating it as my "year off", but deep down I'm also scared about what the next 12 months is going to bring. But I'm trying not to show this to those around me.
Ninsim I'm glad you managed to have a nap.
Oh I didn't realise you had issues with your original account too? Yes it must be something with the site then?
My day was good thank you. I had an online meeting with a colleague who is our wellness person and she gave me some tips on managing chemo symptoms and anxiety etc which was really helpful. Yesterday I also got the results from my MRI and CT scan and there was no other cancer deposits anywhere else in the body so that was really good news and a huge relief. I should hear from the Clinical oncologist next week to schedule an appointment then chemo will start.
And that's absolutely the right attitude to have. You're family love you no matter how grey your roots are or how what your skin looks like. Focus is on you getting through the here and now and be around those who lift you up. 
xx
Hi MICHELLEM thank you for your message.
I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. It's bound to be a huge shock. It's a lot of sudden changes in not very much time.
But well done for overcoming your fear of Operations and I wish you a speedy recovery. Have they given you the option of having a reconstruction?
I can't imagine how difficult it must be. Of course you're going to feel alsorts of emotions. It's been a huge procedure on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Be kind to yourself.
Have you seen the Look Good Feel Better course around dressing and body shape following surgery? That might be good to have a look at when you feel ready.
Wishing you all the best for your results and your treatment and recovery going forward. And thank you. And likewise, please feel free to reach out and get in touch if you want a chat.
Sending you so much positive energy. You're stronger than you realise and you'll come out of this even stronger. 
xxx
