Newly diagnosed breast cancer

Hi Shirl.s,

I had a lumpectomy some months ago and lymph nodes removed (stage1-2), I finished my radiotherapy recently and have now been told I am clear. It is a shock when you are told, but it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days is amazing and they can do so much for you. However, there is so much you can do for yourself too.

You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks, help with benefits, bills, open 10-4 Mon-Fri for coffee and chat and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, your head will spin and it will stress you out, listen to your medical team and ask your breast cancer nurse as many questions as you want. Also, you get great support on here.

I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this. You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

Keeping fingers and everything crossed for you.

Take care and big hugs.xxx

I'm no expert but my friend recently got diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer and my understanding is that it is calcification within the ducts so no lump has formed, unlike my cancer which is invasive ductal carcinoma and so I do have a lump (well I had three actually). I would go back and get clarification on this. The news is shocking when you first hear it but rest assured stage 0/1 is very curable x

Thanks for that. They said it was calcification but because the lymph nodes are stage 1 they think there is something more in my breast hence the MRI. can’t wait for my results appt on 5th nov so I can understand better what is going on. Hope you are doing ok x