Breast cancer confirmed

Welcome. Know that we are here if you have any questions or you want to vent. You can be involved with this site as much as you like. All I can say is that it is perfectly understandable to be in an emotional state. I found lots of things (negative and positive) went round my head. I didn't stop crying for about 3 days.  It's a lot to take in. Its a horrid time of waiting whilst they sort out scans etc.

The hospital are being thorough in investigating all areas of concern - it can be worrying but know that this will help them determine the right treatment plan for you. It may be that another scan is needed as you can't see everything  on one scan. There good be lots of reasons for another scan. some are better than others. You can read my tale by clicking on my name. Try and distract yourself with things you enjoy, write down any concerns so that they are out your head. hopefully not too long until you get your scan and a plan is in place. keep going...one day at a time x

Hi there, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Positively. You got your initial results really quickly and it’s also good you have both appointments booked in for next week. I also had to have further biopsies (but under mammogram) for two areas of calcifications. I was told it would be done within two weeks of my first clinic apt when they took biopsies from the lump, but there were various unavoidable delays. I still felt it was good that they were checking out the calcifications though. 

Its such an emotional rollercoaster of a journey, but you’re not alone. Like Tired Minion said you can dip in and out of this support whoever you want. It’s a great source of support and information though that personally I have found invaluable. 

I found that taking a list of questions for my consultant apt helped me focus on what I needed to know to prepare myself for the upcoming treatment plan. It’s easy to get distracted, feel overwhelmed and forget what you wanted to ask. 

I hope that helps a little, you will feel better when you know what your treatment plan is. I try to take things one appointment at a time. I cope better that way - small doses. 

Virtual hugs Mickey x 

Hi Jules022. I'm a few weeks ahead of you as I found my lump 7 weeks ago. Ever since it's been an all consuming whirlwind of hospital appointments and emotions. I totally understand where you're coming from. It's such an awful shock. I was initially told I needed a lumpectomy, but my MRI highlighted further areas of concern and this week it's been confirmed I need a mastectomy. I am absolutely dreading it, but at the same time I feel some level of calm because there is now a real plan in place to get me treated and on the road to recovery. I have been open with all my family and friends right from the start and I feel this has really helped me. Sending positive thoughts your way x

Thank you and it is good to know that being called for further scans is not unusual xx

Hi Mickey, I feel like I have lost control of my life & am struggling to see how I can get it back. Your reply does help to reassure me, thank you x

Hi spangles, so sorry that you are having to have the more radical surgery. At least they are making sure that they get it all. I will be open with my family after this weekend - I just didn’t want to spoil my dad’s party. I have started sharing with friends and they have been really supportive xx

Sometimes they do need to do extra biopsies later on. I had a few much later, after MRI scan. Sometimes the Breast Surgeon wants confirmation of something they can see on a scan so that they can get the operation/margins absolutely as perfect as they can possibly get, or to give 100% confirmation of what they want to achieve to help you. I think this is all part of your particular treatment plan. It's better they know now what's actually there than not. Some people have operations which reveal things they didn't know about before. I think they're being thorough, which is very good.

I had breast calcifications picked up on routine mammogram in 2015.  Two areas biopsied, one area benign.  They know breast calcifications can be totally innocent but like to check them out.   I was signed off last year as 5 years had elapsed but then my first routine scanning October and I was recalled .  Same breast, breast calcifications but they acted to do magnified ones to compare to previous years mammograms.  All good.  

Just try to look upon it as not so much a loss of control, but a medical team coming in specially to take extra care of you, working hard towards giving you back that control. (I've just made that up, but it's true) Hope that idea helps you xx

We need our Medical Team alongside us, even though we may prefer to be in control.

Hi there, 

Im sorry that you feel that you’ve lost control of your life, but rest assured you are not alone in those feeling and they do get easier to cope with. I totally felt I had lost control and at times  if I’m honest, I can still feel that way. I’ve found that having some decisions to make myself, even if the choices have seemed somewhat limited has helped me to get some control back and feel more comfortable with this whole cancer journey.

You will get some control back, rest assured. 

Hapoy Sunday - Mickey xx