Starting out

I'm also 61, recently single and breast cancer and lymph nodes cancer diagnosed.  On Letrozole and Palbociclib to shrink tumours and saw Oncologist Tuesday and doing very well. I've been on tablets 8 weeks so far. In July I'm having CT scan and Mammogram to see where I go next. My daughters all have their own lives and although they are lovely I am invariably alone every night and yes, it's very lonely and scary. I'm just like you, but what can we do? All we can do is take it a day at a time and enjoy the moment, sounds crass but it's true xx Everyone on here is in the same boat, just join in and chat, it really will help x

Hi Thank you for that lovely reply. I think I'm really worried about possible surgery down the line but there are lots of things to negotiate yet. I'm not sure exactly what they'll do at this first appointment if it will be the mammogram and ultrasound or whether I will get to speak to a Dr at this stage. Its all a worry. I hope you're doing well, thank you again.

When I was recalled to BC I had mammogram then saw doctor and then had biopsy with appointment for a week later for results.   Good luck xx

Hi, I think everywhere does things slightly differently, and depending on whether you are recalled from a mammogram or found a lump? I found a lump(had never had a mammogram) and saw a doctor, then mammogram, then ultrasound/biopsy then back to the doctor. They told me there and then it was cancer which was a shock - not that it was cancer but that they told me then, it must have been how it looked that they knew, so when I went back the following week it was for my treatment plan. As you say there is a way to go yet, and I think 80%+ of referrals are not cancer , however if it is treatments have come on such a long way since your mum sadly passed away- my diagnosis was just under 5 years and treatments have improved since then, things are constantly being tweaked to give the best possible outcome for everyone. I can see you have mentioned surgery, that is a given with a primary diagnosis, but the operations are very quick and generally everyone recovers really well - breasts aren’t attached to any organs or tricky parts of the body so highly unlikely that there are any complications. 

These next weeks will be the worst, wondering what if all the time, hopefully you will be seen quickly.

Best wishes

Jo x