Hi All,
New to your platform. I am 53, female and have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
My cancer was found by MRI scan done by another department and I was referred to the breast clinic. It was not visible to mammograms. Five weeks ago I was told that the cancer was caught early and curable. Surgery was planned three weeks later with follow-up treatment of radiotherapy.
The lump turned out to be much much larger than my doctors or myself would ever think. Over the past weeks it has moved from a curable 1cm tumour (assumption when seen on scan) to 2.5cm (via hospital letter), 3.5cm (assumption of surgeon when he took it out) and today the 17th March 2022 a whopping 9cm tumour (pathology results)r. Further, my surgeon wasn't able to get enough healthy margins. Four lymph nodes out of the 31 taken was infected by the cancer.
No one saw this coming, apparently. The scan revealed nothing but a tiny dot at the bottom left side of my right breast. There was no palpable lumps nor was the extent of the size visible to the naked eyes from mammograms. The uninvited occupant was way much larger than expected and also had a child with it. I am looking loosely at stage 3-4 depending on the PET results. PET schedule in another 2 weeks. What a torture the wait is
On Monday I return to see oncologists to discuss chemo treatment and PET to see whether it has spread.
I am numb.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about Breast Cancer diagnosis.
As cancer diagnosis and journey can be a very stressful and challenging time for but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where you can be signpost to our various cancer support groups and other services.
I see that you have joined our supportive Breast cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens you can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
It’s a pleasure to help out.
