Hi
just had the news yesterday that I have breast cancer. I’m a mess. Cannot stop crying but know I need to get a grip as not told children yet.
Had routine mammogram which picked something up, so got called in for further checks. Had ultrasound and they thought it was a cyst so tried to aspirate fluid. Could not get anything out so did biopsy. Results were not in for 1st call last Tuesday but they called yesterday and asked me to come back in. I asked had they found something and she said she could tell me as much or as little as I liked. I asked to know what they knew so she told me results have come back showing cancer. 13mm, I asked was it due to me taking hrt and she said that was something we would need to discuss but that I would need to stop it at some stage - they got chucked straight into the bin! She said it’s something to do with oestrogen and said something else but that’s completely gone from my head right now. I do remember her saying it’s the good cancer or something along those lines? I
got appointment Friday for ultrasound to check lymph nodes, chat to nurse then meet consultant.
everything’s up in the air and I’m spiralling. Scared to tell daughters as they both got mocks (gcse and levels) coming up. Scared about the future. Got holiday booked for august which we now probably not going to be able to go on. Self employed so worried about income and treatment.
Sorry for such a long rant, I am normally such a strong, level headed person.
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
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007