Just diagnosed

FormerMember
FormerMember
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I had a sore left boob and low and behold I've a 3cm cancerous lump on my right boob.  All this happened Monday.

Now tomorrow, (Thursday) I have consultant appointment, MRI, CT scan and I'm feeling quite overwhelmed right now.

The consultant said it was early and treatable but aged 46 its come as a massive shock and I'm terrified the MRI and CT scan will come up with more.  

 I have no idea what to expect and am just sitting here trying to breathe - but its hard. 

I don't want to look it up online, as there are too many other non-helpful things to find.

Anyone with any advice?

  • Hi RGra welcome to the forum and so sorry to hear what has happened for you. Little wonder that you are in shock, any of us would be.

    That's good news that they have said it is early and treatable and they can usually get some indications from the biopsy and the ultrasound and mammogram. It is all very overwhelming and the secret is to breathe and take big deep breathes then take one bit of it at a time otherwise you can get very easily overwhelmed and you are not alone in that.

    Do not whatever you do look anything up online unless it is on reputable sites like this one as the info can be scarey but it is often generalised and each of us are very different but the info out there doesn't account for any of that so often leaves us feeling more scared then we often need to be.

    The CT SCan and the MRI will give them a better look at the lump and surrounding tissues and is part of the diagnostic process for most if us. It is always possible and I'm not going to lie to you about that that they see more on these scans but the likelihood of that is small but I'm sure we can all understand why you are thinking like that.

    Please do keep in touch on here and let us know how you get on as we will be thinking of you.

    Sending some huge big hugs your way for  now. xxxxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello RGra - I’m sorry you’re having to go through this it’s all very overwhelming and surreal. I have only recently been diagnosed with Cancer in my left breast as a result of my 3 yearly mammogramConfoundedI had no lumps or bumps to feel but I had been to my Dr a couple months earlier feeling unwell, tired and weird tingling in my breast - but as I have Fibromyalgia I was told that’s what it was  - symptoms of my Fibro!!! Always an easy way out for drs Confounded

    From what I read on here it depends a lot on the area you live in as to how quickly things move forward. I had my mammogram on 29 April and went in for lumpectomy and node biopsy on 30 May - so I’m well into recovery from the operation but still waiting for my post op consultation for pathologist results on where next. My appointment was for yesterday but got cancelled as pathologist report not ready - so now I have to wait another week to find out what’s happening to my body and I like many of us am soooooo scared of the future. I’d be very careful what you read on line - my breast nurses told me to stick to McMillan and Breast Cancer Care. I don’t feel comfortable saying ‘I know how you feel’ because we are all individuals - but I find it’s not the physical side I can’t cope with it’s the emotions and feelings of being out of control the panic and the fear of the unknown.  Even though it’s early days for me I already try and take one day at a time - no planning ahead - for now anyway. 

    Sorry - I seem to be waffling - something I seem to do since being diagnosed - feel really hyper but not in a good way.

    For me the op was pretty easy going and not suffered any pain which was a surprise - I don’t deny the area is sore and stinging but not pain.

    Lets hope they start your journey ASAP - because we know we have to go on this journey so the sooner the better.

    Take care and gentle hugs xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello RGra - I’m sorry you’re having to go through this it’s all very overwhelming and surreal. I have only recently been diagnosed with Cancer in my left breast as a result of my 3 yearly mammogramConfoundedI had no lumps or bumps to feel but I had been to my Dr a couple months earlier feeling unwell, tired and weird tingling in my breast - but as I have Fibromyalgia I was told that’s what it was  - symptoms of my Fibro!!! Always an easy way out for drs Confounded

    From what I read on here it depends a lot on the area you live in as to how quickly things move forward. I had my mammogram on 29 April and went in for lumpectomy and node biopsy on 30 May - so I’m well into recovery from the operation but still waiting for my post op consultation for pathologist results on where next. My appointment was for yesterday but got cancelled as pathologist report not ready - so now I have to wait another week to find out what’s happening to my body and I like many of us am soooooo scared of the future. I’d be very careful what you read on line - my breast nurses told me to stick to McMillan and Breast Cancer Care. I don’t feel comfortable saying ‘I know how you feel’ because we are all individuals - but I find it’s not the physical side I can’t cope with it’s the emotions and feelings of being out of control the panic and the fear of the unknown.  Even though it’s early days for me I already try and take one day at a time - no planning ahead - for now anyway. 

    Sorry - I seem to be waffling - something I seem to do since being diagnosed - feel really hyper but not in a good way.

    For me the op was pretty easy going and not suffered any pain which was a surprise - I don’t deny the area is sore and stinging but not pain.

    Lets hope they start your journey ASAP - because we know we have to go on this journey so the sooner the better.

    Take care and gentle hugs xx

  • Hiya lovely,

    I had my dx aged 43 with a 53cm tumour. No pea sized lump as they often say in the media!!! I have had a ct scan and an mri, but this is good - it is just to double check everywhere else. The treatment that is offered is doable. I am back at work now full time two and a half years after dx. A bonus after chemo is that I have lovely curly hair!!!!

    Cwtches,

    Gay xxx 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Horrible shock for you..  I am so sorry xx

    Like you, I am 46 and was only diagnosed very recently and don't really know the full picture yet.   I am not really feeling in a place to offer much advice, but people have told me to take each bit of news and information, day by day.  Try and just  think on the "early and treatable" bit.  DONT google.  I have done way too much of that and it really does not help.. 

    This is a really good place to get advice from people who are further down the line than us and it really makes you feel less alone. 

    Much love.. 

    Sukki17

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    So my cancer is official, but thankfully its not in my lymph nodes.  Its grade 2 invasive ductal.  Not sure yet what the biology of it its, which will determine the format of the treatment.  All curable and my surgeon says it'll be a roller coaster ride for the next 6 months, but there is no reason why I won't live until I'm 90!.  The relief is just incredible.

    Plus - the surgery entails a boob lift!  which has made both me and my OH smile.  

    On the downside, I'll have to have chemo, so I'll lose my hair and also put me into an early menopause, and I'm struggling with that bit.  But one step at a time and I can get all different varieties of wigs and have a bit of fun with them

    CT and MRI results Monday, plus full cancer diagnostic results and treatment plan.

    I've been overwhelmed by the support and love coming my way.  I'm Irish and I have friends getting on planes from Ireland and America to come and support me.  Messages from family, colleagues and friends - just amazing.  I'd been feeling quite despondent previously about the state of the world (Brexit/Trump etc) but now my world is full of love and that fills my heart with joy.

    So Monday is another big day.  One day at a time