Recent Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Hi, I have also had a recently diagnosed, dcis in left breast 6cm and idc 3cm lump in right breast, possible lymph node involvement. Have to have chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. Only found out 2 weeks ago and I’ve gone from shock, anger and now just crying. This is so hard, I’m 45 and whilst I have never taken my health for granted I just thought I’d be a bit older when this happened. Glad your lump was found early x

I never thought I could cry this much, I totally get the shock, anger and crying, every time I’ve spoken to someone about it I found I’m unable to finish the sentence without crying.  I hope things turn out ok for you, and I wish you all the best with everything xx

I know it is just so overwhelming and unfortunately I’ve found out who really cares about me and who doesn’t. It’s amazing how unkind people can be when things are so serious. It just makes it even harder. I totally understand why you can’t finish a sentence without crying, it’s just so distressing on so many levels. I start chemo next Friday and I think that scares me more than anything. I hope your treatment goes well and reach out if you need to rant, even if it takes a while I will respond, it’s nice to have a place to vent xx

 CF58 Lucky penny 

I completely understand the feelings you are experiencing. I feel the same. I have stopped crying mostly now. I found out 29th May (consultant told me it was cancer in his professional opinion) and a week later confirmed. 

I have had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal 26th June and I get results tomorrow.  Whether its in lymph nodes or not I have been told I have to have chemo due to age 45, grade 3 and size of IDC 3.8cm. 

The surgery has been fine...nowhere near as bad as I expected...I'd gladly do it again if same results. However I am terrified of chemo....just the thought of it...I also need dental work before chemo and I am terrified of dentist. 

I am trying to be strong and brave for family and friends but I am terrified of having that chemo picc line or port put in cos my veins aren't great

Glad I can moan and rant on here and nobody judges me. Haha

Yeah it is just so life altering, so quickly. Glad to hear you’ve been crying less but dont bottle it up, you are entitled to have a cry! I have everything crossed re your lymph node but the treatments will take of it.

We’re nearly twinning with our diagnosis, I have to have my chemo first because it’s her2 positive, then surgery, then radiotherapy and then inhibitors as it’s er positive. I find it reassuring your surgery went ok, so let me reassure you about chemo. I had my pre treatment call with the nurse today and after feeling incredibly daunted about chemo just like you, she’s put my mind at ease. Really fantastic anti sickness meds, an emergency line 24 hours a day for any questions, tissues and big hugs waiting and I was worried about the picc line too but it’s not that big, they are absolute pros getting it in, she told me all about people with difficult veins and the magic tricks they use including a heated blanket. They clean it every week and change the protective dressings. You will be absolutely fine lovely. 

Can’t believe we’re the same age! Sending you a massive hug, always here if you need a rant. We’ve got this xx

Hi All,

Welcome to the forum. I was where you all are this time last year.

Cry scream do what you need to get through it. Its the fear of the unknown. The anxiety is awful.

I was her2neg, erpostitve, prpositive. I had tumor removed with sentinels. Luckily it hadn't travelled to lymph nodes. However due to size of tumour and being grade 3 I was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It wasn't pleasant but doable. We are stronger than we think.

I am now back at work and feeling more like myself again. I'm posting to let you see there is light at the end of the tunnel and happy to answer any questions about my journey and recovery if you think that might help.

Wishing you all a speedy recovery and sending hugs xx

Hi, glad to hear your doing well, I’ve had my dates to start the treatment, end of July for heart checks in preparation for the Herceptin injection and then early August for Pic line and the Chemo starting around 8th August.  I am also dreading the thought of the Chemotherapy, I will give the cold cap a try, but I don’t hold out much hope as I struggle with brain freeze when eating an ice cream too quickly xxx

It's nice to find someone same age and similar diagnosis. 

Yes don't worry about the op. If you have no complications it's not really painful. I coped with paracetamol for a few days and then weaned off it. 

Have you had your picc line put in already? Yes mine was her2 neg bit I an ER positive.  I have been looking into foods that reduce oestrogen and started eating them. 

Fingers crossed I don't need more surgery as it just adds time to the overall treatment. But if I do, hey ho...I'm not so worried. 

 Missymolly how big was your tumor with no lymph nodes involved.  Mine was 3.8cm. 

It's really great to hear you have come out the other side and it's really nice of you to post to help us.  

Are you still feeling fatigue etc from all the treatment or are you feeling good now? 

I am going to try the cold cap too....they say take paracetamol 20 mins before and if you can get through first 10 mins your head goes a bit numb. People say make sure it fits properly too...otherwise it won't work. X

Thank you so much for posting Missmolly, it’s always reassuring to hear about that light at the end of the tunnel. I am finding the anxiety the worst part, from waiting to hear the diagnosis, the treatment plan, all the information they give you. I’ve had a geonomic test and have to wait for that and have an mri in at the beginning of august and then I have to wait for the results of that. I’m just grateful I’m having the chemo first so I can feel the stuff in both sides shrinking! 

Getting the full works, chemo, surgery, then radiotherapy, followed by inhibitors. I’m trying to take it one bit at a time but I’m worried about the side effects of the inhibitors and if my life is ever going to be the same again. And what the mri will show, the surgeon said it will be lumpectomy both breasts but the anxiety of having something else come out the blue is awful. Then there’s worrying about if my hair will grow back well if I’m on inhibitors and what my breasts will look like. 4 weeks ago everything was normal and I was looking forward to 2 weeks in north wales with my partner Ryan, then this came along life upside down, holiday cancelled, not insured so lost all the money as the owner wouldn’t do a compassionate refund, which is just adding to money worries not knowing how long I will get paid full from work. And apart from a few close people, everyone else hasn’t been in touch or shown any care at all which has made me really sad. Maybe people don’t know what to say! 

Very grateful for the people who do care, the incredible team at the hospital, and now this forum.