Just had diagnosis

Hi Sue

Sorry to hear you have joined us but glad you have as the group is amazing. You will find lots of support here. I know how you feel , this year my breast cancer was picked up from routine mammogram,  you can see more on my profile. I was initially told lumpectomy and radiotherapy but more tests revealed 2 other areas in my left breast. I kind of made my mind up early on to have a mastectomy, as it was the decision was taken out of my hands when the other 2 areas were found. I was lucky I didn't need radiotherapy or chemotherapy following the mastectomy. Write the questions you would like to ask  down before you go to the consultant , its a lot to take in and my mind would go blank on times. Taking someone with you helps as my husband came with me and he asked a few questions that I had not thought of. The waiting is the worse to be honest, I had my mastectomy in June, I have to take medication but that's ok. You will have a treatment plan and this will give you a focus. Its hard to take it all in initially as you are in shock.  

Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Rita x              

I had DCIS 2 years ago found on mammogram. Because the area was smaller than they thought although I was expecting radiotherapy I didn't  need  it after all.

I was told again because it was a smallish area I could have wide local excision  although if I wanted mastectomy I could have one. I followed the advice given.

There is usually a breast care nurse in the consultation with you and she will explain anything you don't  understand. They will only offer you choices that have equally successful outcomes and sometimes it's  down to how you feel personally.

Your head is a shed when you first hear the news but in spite of the shock, DCIS is  a good sort of breast cancer to get.

Ask as much as you like or just pop in for a natter.

Welcome I had WLE for DCIS in 2015 followed by radiotherapy.  I’m 4 years clear.  It’s a shock but it is early stage cancer.   

Hi SBee

I'm new to the group too (first time posting!) but sort of had a similar experience (without the choice). Initially I was told it would be a lumpectomy as it was in one area but they wanted to do another biopsy just to make sure. When I went for the results of that, I was told that it was too large an area (5.5cm) and I'd need a mastectomy. To be honest I was pretty horrified.

Anyway, they said that they couldn't 'save' my breast - taking away too much plus the margin. I think they said that if it's more than a quarter or your breast it just doesn't work out.

So, I'm about 7 months down the line having had the mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. 

After the op I felt like I'd been in a car crash but that it was over and I just had to recover (no worry of cancer since they'd removed all the tissue, no radiotherapy). 

I think it maybe depends how much they need to remove and what your breast will be like after. I'd probably like to have kept mine if I could, but be clear about what the outcome will be. How much will they need to remove, will they need to/be able to do cosmetic improvements to improve the appearance? Will that be impacted by the radiotherapy? When might that happen? Will you lose sensation?

Good luck x

Hi geebers

Thanks so much for your helpful reply. I've been trying to think of questions to ask and you have really helped.

I see the consultant on Thursday and am dreading it but also want to know what my treatment will be and just get on with it.

I will let you know how I get on. I am hoping it wont be too long a wait after my consultation until having the surgery. X 

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie. I had masectomy and immediate construction (using my back muscle) of the left breast in August for invasive ductal carcinoma. I also have a pacemaker which I had to have replaced as the tumour had dislodged it. 

How long does it feel like you've been in a car crash. I've had 5 seromas drained, slow wound healing (had 5 operations since August), necrotic tissue ..had a nightmare. Then i had sepsis 3 weeks ago. I'm so tired and fatigued. My range of movement is limited. Lots of numb areas from left side of back, and some from my I cry almost everyday. My partner said he thinks I should be more positive, and get out and about. He actually got angry at me saying I enjoy being ill. Feel so lonely and lost. So I've turned to Macmillan. 

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie. I had masectomy and immediate construction (using my back muscle) of the left breast in August for invasive ductal carcinoma. I also have a pacemaker which I had to have replaced as the tumour had dislodged it. 

How long does it feel like you've been in a car crash. I've had 5 seromas drained, slow wound healing (had 5 operations since August), necrotic tissue ..had a nightmare. Then i had sepsis 3 weeks ago. I'm so tired and fatigued. My range of movement is limited. Lots of numb areas from left side of back, and some from my I cry almost everyday. My partner said he thinks I should be more positive, and get out and about. He actually got angry at me saying I enjoy being ill. Feel so lonely and lost. So I've turned to Macmillan. 

I'm  so sorry you have had to endure so much Snowfairy. Gosh sepsis can flatten you on it's  own without all that went before.

Our men do seem to struggle with how best to support us. You will find cyber friends here who know how it feels. Have you rung the Macmillan help line, they will listen to your concerns and offer support.

I don't  know why you have a pacemaker  but I  have a mild heart condition and even that can make me unsettled occasionally so I appreciate just how much you are dealing with.

Thank you for replying. I havnt rung the helpline, i feel like I'm bothering people. I'm a typical nurse too. (Cardiac nursing). I don't make a very good patient. It's not easy relinquishing all things that make you who you are. Maybe I over think because I know too much. Who knows!

Got my pacemaker when I was 43. I have 2nd degree Heart Block Type 2. Im 49 now. Then this cancer happens out of the blue. I've been in shock the last 3 months. 

I don't think some people understand unless you walk a mile in their shoes. 

Xxx

Snowfairy ha! we nurses are rubbish patients. Saw a nice meme "never mind a mile in my shoes, try a few minutes in my head"

I got b****ocked by the Breast Care Nurse when I said sorry to be a pain. Was told in no uncertain terms to get in touch if ANYTHING was bothering me. Think we are so used to supporting others we forget we deserve support.

I'm  guessing your OH is used to you being the strong one and just can't  cope with you not being as normal!