Stage 2 breast cancer & mastectomy

Good morning, everything you are feeling is normal, it’s a huge shock to get the dreaded diagnosis. It’s great that you have your family and friends who are there for you, but nobody can stop or prevent what goes on inside your head.

I was diagnosed last October after a routine mammogram, I had none of the things you are told to look out for. After two biopsies, ultrasound and further mammogram I was told I had 25mm of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ and 15mm of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my right breast.

I have had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, my results were Grade 2, thankfully no spread to lymph nodes. My Oncotype score was low at 15, which meant no chemo. But unfortunately I had to have a second operation as the surgeon didn’t get clear margins. This was only 6 weeks ago and I’m still recovering, there are days when I cannot stop crying and days that are good. My husband, family and friends have been amazing, but like you I feel so lonely and struggle with some of the thoughts and feelings I have.

I am now on hormone therapy, Letrozole, for 5 years and have my planning appointment for Radiotherapy next Friday. I will be having 5 sessions. I feel extremely grateful that my journey is not as bad as some of the ladies have had. But nevertheless, it’s my journey and one I did not ever want to be on. I try to stay positive it’s hard. Hopefully there is light at the end of that very dark tunnel. 

Wishing you all the best on your journey and hopefully things for you will also look much brighter for the future. Don’t forget to come back on here when you feel low or you need advice. Lots of the lovely people on here give very helpful and useful tips, info and advice. 

Hi, I’m so sorry to hear your diagnosis. I’ve also been told I have stage 2 with 5cm lump and need radial mastectomy and probably chemo. I had blood cancer 7 years ago treated with chemo and managed that well but this time is totally different, like you I feel so alone although I have the most loving family and husband. I just don’t think I can do this again although I know I will have to find the strength. I feel like everything is out of my control at the minute and have tried to read about the procedures but that’s not helping. Like you Chick I my head is trying to be sensible but I have never felt this down before,  maybe it will get easier when we start treatment 

Thank you Valleyside for your positive comments and I hope Chick that you have a good day today - I’m meeting my sisters for a lunch time cocktail while I still can!, 

I am similar to you and echo what you said about that intial impact. The rug is well and truly snatched away. Massive shock and fear of the worst but hoping for the best outcome. Learning what and how to do it to keep oneself going.. All the positive vibes from others helped but not so much as they would think. 

Having radiotherapy now, just 5 sessions. The pressure build up with each appt and procedure. I just felt lucky to be in the treatment group, I know some who didn't get it. Others who have survived it twice.I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Prayers and hope all will be well again for you all. Hope is everything, got me through so many difficult times with my son.He is Epileptic and nearly drowned last year. Love love love is all we need, I know people say, even my husband you are so brave. I'm not, what choice to we have, I'm not a coward either just fatalistic. Need to treatment to give me/ you/ we all of us a good outcome.. 

Walking and dancing is my aim beyond this. My brain isn't working as well, I think being so focused on this has stopped some of the functionality temporarily. 

Xxxxxxxxxx 

It's hard not to, such a lot to take in. Many elements not just one op, it's justified at this stage being this scared. We all have it. Hard for family as well, they have to hide their fear and quickly work out how to support you. My husband is good at saying the wrong thing at times and i'm good at telling him. Keep going forward, tick off each achievement as it happens. See what supports are available. Another day closer. It does seem like such a hill to climb at the beginning. 

At least we can go outside now. Dec was a terrible month to be in the middle of all this. You can do this. My friend told me about me about all the famous people who had it when she did. Kylie Minogue and Anastasia. Maggie Smith went back to work 2 wks after chemo I read. I looked at videos on YouTube of positive stories. There are so many. My dance teacher told me, of all the cancers to get this is the best one. It is easier to discover early enough to treat. Hope and prayers as always. Xxxx

i am so sorry to hear this, I am sure you will have the strength to get through it.

I hope the cocktails were good, I’ve been taken out for breakfast for pancakes. So good. So yummy.  

Thank you for your kind comments. I have good days and bad days. I have a 5 year old son who keeps giving me cuddles which is wonderful until he sets me off again.  

I was told by my BC nurse & GP to go with my feelings. If I had a bad day to cry and not suppress it and to do something nice for myself on a good day.

You have a young son and a reason to keep on fighting. Nothing better than a cuddle with your baby. The tough days will get less and less as time goes on. Wishing you all the best for your future, enjoy your time with your son, they grow up so fast and soon fly the nest like my two children have xx

I have had good news today. My genetic test has come back all clear - so celebrating that.  So pleased especially when I thought everything was against me as I worked out I had the following 10 biopsies, 3 Mammograms, 4 ultrasounds, 1 MRI & a CT scan. 

That's great news !, Enjoy life now relax and be good to you x

Hello everyone. 
I had my masectomy on Tuesday 21st March and all went rally well only 2 lymph nodes taken which was good news. 
got a drain which I have named buddy as he comes every where with me which is a little uncomfortable but hopefully he won’t be around too long. 

I’m now back home ready for the next stage of treatment when it comes. 

remember everyone you got this and you are stronger than you think.