Please read if newly diagnosed, or add to if you have had positive outcomes!

   In Nov 2013 I found a lump in my left breast 5 weeks after my mum died of bowel cancer. Her death left me in a state of shock which actually made it easier to cope with the cancer diagnosis of grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, 11mm, ER (oestrogen positve), progesterone and Her2 negative. Treatment In January 2014 was an ultrasound guided wide local excision (lumpectomy/removal of tumour and a wide margin of healthy tissue) and sentinal node (nearest lymph node to tumour) biopsy. The lymph node biopsy came back clear luckily. Then 5 weeks (I think) of radiotherapy and I was meant to take oestrogen suppressant for post menopausal women but it interfered with my anti depressant and I wasn't keen anyway so I stopped taking it relatively quickly. Just realised it was 10 years ago and, so far as I know, there are no signs of the cancer returning.   For those newly diagnosed, take heart in the numbers of people who survive breast cancer and talk to as many people as you feel comfortable with. You will be surprised how many strangers will tell you they had breast cancer 10, 20, 30 years ago and are absolutely fine now. Good luck and draw on the support those amazing Macmillan nurses offer, as well as your NHS team plus  family and friends if you have them. 

Some of us are very much alone through it unfortunately 

Except for msgs with strangers on forums or on phone calls with professionals 

I'm sorry to hear that and realise it was insensitive of me not to take into account people who are alone.

No problem - I was having a low day / feeling sorry for myself. 
These forums do help & thank you for your positive message xx

Hi kitty me to I have depression and aniexty been trying to get a hold of my psychiatrist with no luck.  I agree with you.

Sorry to hear that. I hope you get sorted soon xx

Thanks for sharing x

I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. I was diagnosed last spring with Stage 2 ILC as well. Keeping as active as possible (with long walks, exerising at the gym, volunteering, seeing friends) and staying positive has helped. Remember that you are not alone. x

I'm only just going back to work after 7 weeks but it all depends on what you do for work. My boss has been amazing and told me to take all the time I need. I will be off again soon for radiotherapy. Take whatever you need not what someone else thinks you need. Take care xx

 Hiker 50, The low days are hard, sending hugs