Hello Everyone
I've taken several deep breaths to calm my nerves because this is the first time I've written the words- I have breast cancer. Last Wednesday, I fell headlong into what feels like a surreal alternate universe, after ignoring a lump in my right breast for weeks I decided to pop into a private GP to get a referral for a mammogram. Deep down I knew something wasn't right and that there was a high possibility the big C had invaded my body yet, I still walked into that appointment with a sense of hope. Ten minutes later I was on my way to a mammogram referral at a Harley Street clinic where after the first mammogram the technician informed me the consultant wanted another mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and a biopsy. Three hours later I stumbled down the steps into Regent St tube station shellshocked and dazed. On Friday, I was sat in a chair in the office of a private breast surgeon hearing the words you have grade 2 breast cancer and you need to have an MRI to confirm what sort of cancer it is. A week on, I know now its Grade 2, isolated in the breast and not aggressive. The treatment plan is surgery, then radiotherapy and hormone pills. All very straightforward until the lovely expensive private consultant told me surgery on self-pay would cost as much £12,500. This would just about wipe out my savings.
All the reports in the media about potential mass cancellations of surgeries in the NHS have scared me silly. I am terrified that waiting to get treatment on the NHS might transform a straightforward BC into a complicated and lengthy case. I live alone, all my family are overseas and my friends don't know about my diagnosis. My GP who was the epitome of gentleness and solicitude said they need the private consultant to email my file to the practice so they can get me an urgent referral. Sounds easy but my calls to the GP to get their email address have gone unanswered so I seem to be stuck in a weird limbo. This probably sounds irrational but I'm so worried that I will be losing time waiting on a response. I would be extremely grateful for any advice on timelines with BC surgery during this lockdown. Would I have to go through all the tests again?
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one ever really plans to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helps a lot.
I had a totally different type of cancer but the Community has various support groups so can I direct you to our Breast cancer group as this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as a patient or family.
Follow the above link then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens.
You can then introduce yourself by a copy and paste of your post and also post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
Its always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support or just a listing ear.
The service is open every day 8am to 8pm and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here for more information.
You can also email them, use the online chat and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
