Hello

Hi Kybele 

I was in the same position as you earlier this year. I had my routine mammogram and 2 weeks later had been recalled and was having biopsies. 

Since then I've had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and will be starting radiotherapy in the New Year. It's all gone really quickly and I've had excellent care at my hospital.

It may all seem daunting at the moment but you will get through it.

x

Hey Kybele  sorry to hear your diagnosis. That word is so frightening and we all know how you feel. I found a lump and within a week I had had a mammogram and was told it was cancer on the day. I was terrified as had never had a mammogram or had any lumps before. Since then I have had a lumpectomy and I’m half way through chemo. It’s all very daunting but treatment is so good these days there’s such a good chance it is treatable. Once you’re in the system it all moves quite quick although the wait to see the consultant will feel like forever as you just want to know! 
I have everything crossed for you x

dear latchbrook thank you very much. I am sorry to hear but glad all went well. what is lumpectomy is it surgery? are you able to continue daily life as usual like work or need to take time off?

dear Shellbell24 thank you so much. It's exactly as you described. not knowing, fear, anxiety. Just reading your message gives me strength.

Hi Kybele 

Yes, a lumpectomy is a type of surgery. It's also known as breast-conserving surgery and you can read more about it if you click here.

I'm retired so I didn't need to worry about work, but I was told to not do anything around the house that involved lifting for about a week afterwards. 

At the same time as having the lumpectomy they also performed a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) which is when one or two of your sentinel lymph nodes are removed to see if they contain cancer cells. This also then helps to decide what further treatment you might need.

Do you know what your treatment plan is yet?

thank you. no they said they would give me an appointment after the biopsy results.

 Kybele I’m so glad to hear that. The not knowing is definitely the worst but once you know what your diagnosis is and the plan it becomes much clearer. 
Reading latchbrook comments I thought I’d say I do still work and after my lumpectomy I had a few days off but felt well enough to work after that. The surgery is day surgery and I also had lymph node biopsy so you’re in and out in one day. Was a bit sore but the exercises you do really help and I didn’t need any pain killers. 

Hello Kybele, 

I was the same, routine mammogram October and two weeks later call back. Had further mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies. Got the results a week later, DCIS and IDC in right breast. 

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal two weeks ago. I’ve been told I will need radiotherapy and await the results of an Oncotype DX test…. This determines a number, if it is relatively low I won’t need chemo. But I will need to take hormone medication for 5 years. My HER2 result was negative and the lymph node result was also negative. This is very good and as it’s been caught early the prognosis is good.

I cannot fault the NHS, the care and treatment so far has been excellent and you will be well looked after and everything will be explained to you in detail. 

I work but haven’t returned to work yet, this is purely because I have an infection in the area where the lymph nodes were removed and it’s still very sore. I’m on antibiotics and hopefully that will clear it up.

Good luck on your journey and take care xx 

Dear Valleyside, thank you very much. I am sorry you were diagnosed but glad to hear the results are good and that you are happy with the NHS. The women at the breast clinic at Glasgow were fab, I was alone and they held my hand. It really helps to hear from fellow travelers. I hope your valley is beautiful.