Just been diagnosed with early breast cancer feeling overwhelmed

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My route to diagnosis has been pretty quick. I had my breast scan on the 27th April, My letter to go for further test on the 2nd of May and then a second scan and biopsy on the 14th of May. And then earlier this week on the 27th of May had an MRI scan. Yesterday I was told that I will need to have another biopsy as they think the breast cancer area is slightly bigger. and until this can be determined, the correct approach to my recovery cannot be confirmed. I know that I am getting the best treatment but feel very overwhelmed as I have gone from 0-100. I would love to know how people have coped as I feel like I am in a dream

Macallan 8 days ago

I’m in a very similar position. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having CT scan and MRI to see if it’s spread. They can’t see anything in the breast tissue hence why I’m having mri. Told me 93% it hasn’t spread but of course I’m focused on 7% that it could. Either way got to have operation to remove tumour and lymph nodes then 6 months of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As you say it’s so overwhelming, hard to process and you just feel like you’re in a terrible dream

OneBlackLady 8 days ago in reply to Macallan

It looks like we are almost identical. What I have been told is that it is curable which is what I am hanging onto. I get cold chills thinking that if I had not attended that breast scan what could possibly have happened. I have been spreading the word ever since to make sure all of my friends attend their appointments! Because it is so early I am still trying to get used to my new reality but timing is terrible I was made redundant in March and I am 55. I am in limbo as to whether I keep on applying for jobs as once they know my diagnosis there is a chance that they will lose interest Before May 14th, I was just trying to navigate getting a job, now I don't know what to do and let's not even mention my financial situation

Macallan 8 days ago in reply to OneBlackLady

I only found out due to checking myself regularly and found lump at base of armpit and noticed bit of swelling. I too am no advocating to everyone around me to check regularly. I also hadn’t appreciated you should check by putting arms in the air as only when I did that did I see dimples.
im sure on here you can get advice on employment? You’re probably entitled to benefits if you’re out of work with a cancer diagnosis too. I’d ask a nurse or maybe citizen advice?

OneBlackLady 8 days ago in reply to Macallan

Yes, I did that today and have been given some advice from Macmillan.. I am still having to navigate how and what I need to do. I still feel lost but there is support out there. I am still going to look for work as I cannot imagine not having a job and money tbh, but I am also realistic about what the future holds. I hope that you are in the best place as you can be at this stage in your prognosis too.as we both know that it is daunting. I can only say be prepared everyone as I like to write A LOT so I will be using this platform to its full potential..!

Macallan 8 days ago in reply to OneBlackLady

Ditto!

latchbrook 8 days ago

Hi OneBlackLady and a very warm 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 know how hard waiting to find out what treatment you'll be having can be.

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 diagnosis 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"