Morning all,
I'm new here. I found a lump in my right breast at the start of the month and due to a family history, I got straight onto the GP. I was invited to the breast clinic last Thursday where they did an ultrasound and mammogram, and took biopsies. Then I was ushered into the room with comfy chairs and a box of tissues on the table to be told it's highly supicious of cancer.
I'd already come to the conclusion that was going to be the outcome. I've had lumps checked out before and never once felt nervous, but this time as I was walking from the car to the unit, my stomach did a little flip. And after the US was done, there was just something about the nurse and doctor's behaviour that struck me as this being something more serious than a cyst or lipoma.
I'm due in this Thursday (I'm writing this on Monday morning) to get the results and discuss next steps.
I managed to keep busy over the weekend (there is a LOT going on at the moment) so I held it together. But now I'm sitting here alone, supposedly working, and I can feel myself starting to spiral a bit. I'm not sure I can keep it together and just work as normal for the next 3 days.
My boss is understanding but I don't know if I'd be taking the mickey if I were to go off sick now. I know I'm the only one who can decide that. I don't want to let anyone down, myself included.
I don't want to wish my life away (literally no pun intended), but it's going to be a long slog to Thursday when at least I'll get some clarity.
I feel better for just writing that all down.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this.
Hi KarenD Eternity Tootles49 and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear all joining us.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)…………
If you care to have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi KarenD and a second welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2022 so have a good idea how you're feeling right now.
As Thehighlander has mentioned, the online community is divided into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you join the breast cancer group, which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could put something about your symptoms and tests to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Tootles49 and welcome to the online community to you too.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and I thought I'd pop on to give you a direct link to the lung cancer group so that you can connect directly with others who also have the same diagnosis.
To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
If you have any problems finding your way around, as it can be a bit daunting at first, just reply to me and I'll be pleased to help.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
