Sister diagnosis’s

I’m so sorry to hear about your sisters situation and can imagine how distraught you are feeling as I too have a sister who is worried to death about me right now with my recent Breast cancer diagnosis last month.  I can’t advise on medical advice given but can say the treatments/ biopsies start more or less immediately. I was diagnosed with breast cancer via mammogram and informed by consultant on 25th June at the breast clinic and had biopsy from breasts taken same day.  The following week had meeting with consultant who explained I needed surgery to remove the cancers. I was then introduced to my named cancer specialist nurse same day. And was given my pre op date for 3rd July. I met with my nurse on 4th July who fitted me with my mastectomy bras and had further info on my biopsies so spoke with the consultant same day informing me that I need chemo following surgery and given dates for my surgeries. Firstly the Senitel lymph gland biopsy on 10 July and mastectomy procedure to follow on 31st July which allows time for them to receive results from the lymph node biopsy to determine if more lumph nodes need to be removed during mastectomy if the cancer has spread to them. This is all happening less than 6 weeks since my mammogram. My chemo is likely to start approx 4-6 weeks after the mastectomy op to give me time to heal properly. I will have more information. Regarding this  prob following my mastectomy. Treatment is individual for everyone so time scales will vary. My treatment will prob take me to December at the earliest. You are best discussing this with the consultant who. An fully answer your questions. What I found it as findings were identified from biopsies the treatment plan would change so be prepared for this. It is very scary when first diagnosed but it does become more positive and less anxious once you process this diagnosis and with everything happening so fast you don’t really have time to ponder on it much I found, as got so many appointments to attend it can become quite busy. please know that treatments are much improved from even a few years ago and there are so many positive outcomes now. There is a lot of support here and also from other cancer charities. Please avoid googling as lots of this information is out of date which I found out the hard way. So glad your a huge support for your sister as she will need it, but also know there is support networks for loved ones too. Wishing your sister well x massive hugs x

I am sorry your going through this,  I am sending you lots of prayers your way ️.. my sister is struggling she had her appointment 6th July and was confirmed there and then had mammogram, scan biopsies followed by a CTscan with contrast the next day. Today they followed her up explained what I stated above. She has an appointment on 4th August for the breast measuring etc, then mastectomy 16th August. It’s all happening very quickly which I am truly grateful of. But equally it hard to take in. I dread to think how my sister must be feeling god love her.

I know your not ok,  but I hope this time next year we can both be ok and my sister x

Good to see that your sister now has a definite plan and dates. The treatment sounds very comprehensive and similar to most people. The mastectomy will remove the tumour and the chemo will help prevent any cells that might still be developing doing so. Gradually you will feel less shocked and more in control. 

The next few months won't be easy but they will pass. 

Don't worry on your own....chat whenever you want. 

Take care. Karen

Hi, treatment plans are definitely different from others, the day I had my breast clinic appointment had mammogram, ultrasound and as there was 3 lumps they done biopsy straight away, 10 days later results confirmed breast cancer 3 days after had ct scan, then everything else appointment wise clicked into place quite quickly. I am having chemo 1st then surgery then radiotherapy. So from day of diagnosis until 1st chemo cycle I had last week was 2 days off from being 3 weeks.

So glad things are moving, yes you will worry as I see you and your sister are very close. But rest assured that bc treatment these days is generally carefully tailored to the individuals needs. 

as a carer myself (daughter, husband and now son) as well as a patient I know both roles, and the carer role is sometimes harder, you really wish it could be you! But being there for her will be all she would want and wish. 

Hugs xxx

Hi Sav - sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis but glad she’s now got a treatment plan now sorted. I was diagnosed late May and 5 days ago had my mx with lymph removal - I will get my results back on 1st Aug with the view to taking hormone therapy with radiotherapy. My sister has been similar to you and been very anxious about my situation- I know it’s only because she loves me & wants me to get better.  Keep up your good work with your support, keep her busy and keep smiling, Jules x

I am sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis, it must be a difficult and scary time for you, and I wish you well. As many people have said on here, treatments are targeted to the individual cancer and everyone is different. So don't be anxious if your sister's treatment is different. It will depend on the results after they remove the tumour as it is only when they take it out they can fully determine size,  grade, stage and hormone receptor status. Your sister's team will decide the best treatment and discuss it with you. Never be afraid to ask questions. I remember in one of my early appointments I didnt actually hear anything that was said as I was numb! I asked for another meeting and went through the information so I understood.

I was diagnosed in September 2022,  started taking Letrozole and had 2 surgeries one in December and full axillary node clearance in February and I have my final radiotherapy session tomorrow! Modern treatments are amazing and all the staff I have met have been brilliant. I hope this helps.

So sorry about your sister’s diagnosis. I think it can be as hard, or even harder sometimes for loved ones looking on rather than the one receiving the diagnosis.

You are quite justifiably overwhelmed. It’s a lot to take in so you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. Your sister will understand. Once the initial shell shock subsides, you will become stronger and be able to support her through the rollercoaster journey she is commencing.

My experience of how timely my appointments for biopsies, scans, surgery, chemo and radiotherapy were is just as satisfactory as those who have already commented.

The approach that I found helpful was to just deal with one appointment at a time and not look too far ahead. Even the most robust of characters would likely find that completely overwhelming. 

I too have a brilliant, supportive and loving sis and know that the value you will bring to your sister’s journey cannot be overestimated. She is very lucky to have you.

Good luck to you both ️