Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed last Friday with breast cancer, they have said it's small and treatable. I have since then had lymph node biopsy and a breast MRI. Had a call yesterday to say they need an MRI of my liver now as they can see something but don't think it's sinister just that they need a clearer picture! This has now sent me on a very dark path thinking it has spread everywhere and that I'm now not going to see my daughter grow up! How did you all cope with the first lot of tests until a plan was given? Also when did you get told what stage it is?
Thank you in advance for your replies.
Hi Mel1,
Welcome to the forum. The waits and not knowing are horrendous. However they have told you it's small and treatable so try to keep that in your head. The scan of your liver could just be some fatty tissue and unrelated.
After my biopsy it was about 10 days when I got a call go tell me the type and grade. The doctor at this point also informed me of possible treatment plan re chemo and radiotherapy. I think it was a further 2 weeks till I seen the oncologist then commenced my chemo the week after.
Please be kind to yourself. Try to distract yourself with nice treats at this time whilst waiting.
Once you know type and treatment plan in place you will take control again and focus on that.
I wish you well in your treatment and recovery. Happy to answer any questions I can if helpful xx
Hi Mel1
I agree with Missymolly. The waiting is horrible. For me, once I had my full diagnosis and treatment plan I felt in more control and was able to focus on getting through the treatment. I to had a bit of a scare when I had a CTscan and they saw lesions on my liver however a further MRI showed nothing sinister. Stay positive and hope the results are ok for you.
Sending you lots of positive thoughts.
Hi Missymolly,
Thank you for your reply very much appreciated. Hope your treatment is going well.
It's just so hard to get your head around it, isn't it!
Hi there Mel1
I was diagnosed in November after a routine mammogram and had surgery for a 1cm lump and the lymph node too in December. I was angry and resentful that this was yet another life situation to deal with, as my partner had only just recovered from falling downstairs and breaking his arm and foot. All while navigating his own prostate cancer journey. It seemed like the universe just wouldn't give us a break!
With christmas coming and not knowing how well I would be for the festivities, the uncertainty of it all really got to me and I was extra miffed to be told I'd have to come off hrt as I'd just got my symptoms under control..
The way I'm navigating all this is to really concentrate on the moment I am living right now. The more my mind wanders into what if, the more it robs me of being truly present. This takes practice and I've had to prioritise making space for checking in with myself to make sure I'm grounded in here and now. My mind still goes elsewhere but because I've made time each day to just ask myself a few questions about how I'm doing in all of it I catch my mind wandering off into catastrophe.
I was well enough after surgery to enjoy Christmas and family but I still don't know my results of surgery and am still to have radiotherapy. I know I will be on hormone blockers for the next 5 years at least so I will have to manage my meno symptoms another way too!
But I try to do this by doing everything I can to keep my nervous system regulated. And humour...it can never be overestimated. When we are calm, we feel safe and connected enough to find joy and humour in the absurdity and silliness of life. Look up ways to regulate the vagus nerve. Fascinating and useful. Wishing you love light and peace as we go forward x
Hi Mel1
Sorry you have to be here but welcome!
I won’t lie, this first part with diagnosis and tests and waiting for plans is awful. It was the worst part of this whole thing for me by a long way. I had something else come up on MRI which had to be tested and was really scary. But, once that was done, and surgery was finally confirmed, I felt better as I knew something was happening and it would all soon be over.
Things that really helped during that time were a daily journal where I would write down all my fears, worries, anger, whatever I felt and needed to get out. Also exercise which I cannot recommend enough. I’m convinced exercise has helped me to have a quick recovery and no ongoing issues.
I believe lots of hospitals don’t give staging before surgery results now but I was told at my biopsy results appointment I was clinically stage 1. Thankfully this was confirmed by my surgery results.
Best of luck with everything. I know it’s frightening right now, but you’re in safe hands and life for many, many people can be great again after cancer. x
Hello Mel1
I had my diagnosis last September, Her2 + breast cancer, had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed which were clear.
They say they got all the cancer but on Tuesday I start chemo, Herceptin and radiotherapy which will take about a year, for ‘ prevention’.
I don’t remember having a body check which concerns me, perhaps I did, or maybe they looked at blood results?
I feel your anxiety, am off to Oncology today for my blood tests etc .
Good luck and keep in touch xxx
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