Newly diagnosed, just would like to say hi!

If you do have to cancel I hope you already have insurance in place.

For the future Macmillan has a very helpful list of insurance providers to contact once you have your diagnosis and treatment plan. There’s also an amazing telephone helpline for finance and insurance queries. 

good luck. 

Hi Elizabeth71 

Sorry you have to be here, but welcome!

I was in the same position as you this time last year complete with a son about to take his GCSEs so can understand many of your worries. I was diagnosed with a 17mm oestrogen positive cancer and, like you, I was scared and really tearful. This was the worst part by far, the fear and uncertainty of what lay ahead was awful. But, although it’s tough right now I guarantee you will feel better once you have all your results back and your treatment plan and know what is happening and when. I had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and now taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. None of this treatment has been anywhere near as bad as I imagined it would be. Many people get through this and back to their normal lives, it’s just hard to imagine that while coming to terms with the shock of a diagnosis.

You are still strong and level headed. It just takes a bit of time to sink in. Feel free to ask any questions and I am sure the lovely people here will be happy to support. x 

PS Don’t go cancelling anything just yet! 

Hi Elizabeth71 , sorry that you find yourself here but definitely a great place for support and shared experiences. Your case sounds very similar to mine, apart from the fact that I was 59 at diagnosis. My beast was also 13mm (originally thought to be 15 so actually slightly smaller once evicted and measured), and I was told that as it was hormone positive, that it was ‘very treatable’. I had lumpectomy, radiotherapy and have been on Anastrozole (as post menopausal) for just over 6 years. It’s horrible to get a cancer diagnosis, nothing can sugar coat that or diminish it, but you’ll get lots of support here along the way. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFss

And just to add, regarding work and finances, the helpline here at MacMillan can provide advice. Xx

Hi Elizabeth71 , sorry to read your post. It is overwhelming when you get your diagnosis. I was diagnosed in Oct last year just before my son went on a school trip to France - he is GCSE year and I have felt guilty all year. We held off saying anything until I knew exactly what I was telling him. (Type of cancer, treatment plan etc). I then told him what he ‘needed’ to know and let him ask questions when he was ready. To be honest, we have sort of ‘parked’ it for him and suggested we chat about it once he is through his exams. Although there have been difficult times, we have worked through them. 
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow - hopefully you will have a clearer idea about everything then. I am also normally strong and level headed but this is a curve ball that knocks you sideways so don’t be too hard on yourself. 
This forum is amazing both for information and support. Let us know how you get on X 

Hi.  I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with invasive ductal carcinoma, 15mm, ER0 and Pro but HER2 borderline.  Ive since had a further biopsy on lymph nodes.  I told my children despite my youngest beginning her GCSE's.  The only thing keeping her positive is the holiday we have booked for two weeks in Greece on 5th July.  I am now thinking we will probably need to cancel it.  I have an appointment on Friday to discuss my management plan.  Everything is so up in the air, I just want to scream.  

Hi FurryJen

Welcome to the forum, I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I'm sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I suggest that you mention your holiday plans in your meeting on Friday and they may agree to put off the start of your treatment until you come back.

Wishing you the best of luck with your appointment on Friday.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hello again.

well since posting this I have found out more about the squatter. It was an invasive ductal carcinoma. 13mm. Oestrogen positive, Her2 negative and grade 3. Sample was sent off for Oncotype testing. I recently got results for this and it came back low at 13.

Had lumpectomy yesterday, so the squatter has been evicted! Also had sentinel node and couple other nodes removed, just to test, although ultrasound showed no abnormalities. Fingers crossed, unless we get any surprises once everything checked, it will mean I will get away with radiotherapy.

Holiday still on - for now, anyway. I have 8 weeks until we are due to go.

Just got to wait for results now and after speaking to my breast care nurse, due to backlogs where I live, these can take anything up to 8 weeks. Ah well, at least the squatter is gone.

Hi Elizabeth71 , glad to hear that the beast has been evicted!! I felt so glad to be rid of it. Also good to hear that you are still planning to go on holiday. It’s horrible waiting for results but great to tick off the operation. Hope you’re being waited on, remember that you can’t boil a kettle for 24 hours! (I think that’s the case anyway?!). Love and hugs, HFxx

Hi happyfeet1.

Only 24 hours????? Comeon, a week at least! Well that’s what I have told my teenagers and hubby anyway lol.

Yes, the waiting is the hardest bit, but another tick and then taking one day at a time. I have done my crying and now reaching forward xx