Hi new here :-)
I am 38 and I was diagnosed with a malignant phyllodes tumour in april this year, these are rare tumours and only account for less than 1% of breast cancer cases. Therfore a not alot of information for me which had been scary.
This diagnosis was a shock as I had a biopsy done before and all was fine and just a benign lump which I was to keep and eye on for any change. To a tumour the size of a mango which lead to me having extensive surgery where a large part of my left thigh was removed to reconstruct my breast.
Thankfully due to the extensive surgery I have not needed radiotherapy just trying to rebuild my body as I was in hospital for 8 days and came home with drains and a vacuum machine on my leg.
I have to have 6 monthly scans which are already worrying me already....how do people manage the anxiety of regular check ups?
I am also struggling with how my body has changed as before this i was very active and outgoing and now no idea what to wear as the scars are very obvious.
Sorry that sounds like a negative rant....I am just looking for some positive advise people might have on how to get your mind back into a happier place :-) also if anyone has had this diagnosis aswell as there doesn't seem to be alot of information
Thanks
Hi there and welcome to the forum. I'm one of the champions here in this group and I hope you find it a friendly and supportive place. Getting your head around the “what if” can be very difficult and I find that the 3-4 weeks before my check ups are hard. I ray to distract myself and keep busy and I find a bit of mindfulness is helpful at bedtime.
You can also connect the lovely folks at the Macmillan helpline, on 0800 808 0000. They are great to provide a listening ear and some extra support. Best wishes
