Hi
I had my diagnosis of Breast cancer on the 29th April, its been a very stressful few days, lots of low times to be honest. When you are told you have cancer it seems unreal. I am waiting for a MRI scan which will hopefully be next week and if the scan shows no different than the mammogram and ultra sound scan I have had the plan is to have either a lumpectomy/mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. The surgeon said a lumpectomy but has given me the choice . Anyone else had to make this decision? Dreading the MRI as I am very claustrophobic so feeling very anxious with what it seems like a long wait. I know we have to wait for the tests but wish I could just get the treatment as soon as possible. Would love to hear from anyone in the same position as me and happy to support anyone.
Rita 59
Hi and welcome to the community, although sorry to hear of the reason you find us. Hopefully, you will get help and support here from others who understand. I see you have found the friendly Breast Group and have become involved there. There is a lot of experience in the group to help you through this. Wishing you well going forward. Best wishes.
Hi
I thought I'd add to this as I had the same as you. Grade 1, 15mm IDC and then 2 separate areas of DCIS measuring 54mm in total. Mine was a bit random as my IDC was ER+ (the tablets and radiotherapy), but my DCIS was ER negative. However, they always take the treatment plan from the tumour and therefore I didn't need chemotherapy. I am (was) a 38D and even with a whopping 80+mm (to get clear margins) taken from my left breast they still managed to do a lumpectomy. The only time I felt really horrified by it all was when the surgeon said "I will just have a look and see if you are large enough to avoid a mastectomy". I would have been absolutely devastated to have lost my breast. I know a lot of ladies do and my heart goes out to them, but I am really not sure how I would have coped. It is also a much larger operation, so if you have the choice and they suggest the WLE (wide local excision) / lumpectomy then it's worth thinking long and hard before you opt for the mastectomy.
I do have a large dent in my left breast now because so much was taken out (and looking back now, it surprises me that they didn't suggest an implant of some sort at the time especially as I was only aged 51), but when I'm in my bra/ dressed they both look the same size - the huge dent and 5cm scar is on the left hand side.
I had my first year clear June 2018 and sailed through all my treatment. I had the operation day off work (Wednesday) and a day to recover and then was back at work on Friday. The weekend I took it easy and by Monday, I was back driving to work - hoping I didn't need to break hard as the seat belt would have hurt! I managed to drive myself the 60 miles there and back to radiotherapy and went after work each day without any ill effects. (drink loads and use loads of creams).
A friend was diagnosed a month after me with HER2, 10mm tumour and because she needed chemotherapy (due to the type) she HAD to go back to work after one year (due to her pay stopping at that point) and was still undergoing treatment. It just amazed me that I had it 'so easy' for a much larger area, so it definitely is the nicer type of cancer to have. My friend was HER2 and ER+, so bless her she's on the tablets as well and whether it's due to the chemo. she is suffering aching joints. I've had very little in the way of side effects for my tablets (Anastrozole), but one brand I tried I got side effects within 2 days so I stick to the Accord brand now. However, that's a bit later on when you start radio for those, it's best to take one stage at a time and deal with it as it comes along. The stress of waiting and worrying how you will react to the operation, the results, radio, tablets and so on is far, far worse than the actual. So my best advice would be to take it as it comes and hope that, like me, you are one of the 'lucky ones'.
Kindest wishes,
