Hi there,
I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump along the side of my left breast. Initially felt like bone or muscle, but following a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy it was confirmed as a grade 2 tumour. Been told it hormone receptive which is a good thing? Was shocked a first and couldn’t stop shaking but was told it’s early stage and treatable with a lumpectomy and some radiotherapy and get on with my life (Drs words) so was feeling like this was just a minor blip to get through. However other calcifications were found elsewhere in the same breast, biopsy done and mri. Said they can’t be 100% sure it’s non cancerous from the sample they took so they’re getting a second opinion and I may need an mri led biopsy. If positive I think a mastectomy is needed. I’m so scared now and think I’ve just been in total denial. I couldn’t even say the word cancer at the beginning. Have only told my husband but can’t think about telling family or friends for fear it will just blow up and make it more real. Hoping to learn a bit more about the journey ahead and how others have dealt with diagnosis and treatment.
Hi Hazel1980
I’m sorry you have to be here, but welcome!
This is exactly what happened to me two years ago so I can fully empathise with how you are feeling now. It seems that it’s one thing after another and the uncertainty is just awful so I really am sorry you are going through this. But, and this is a big but, please try and focus on the fact that your team are gathering all the information they need to make sure you have the right treatment. It’s tough, but you will get there and things will feel much better when you have a clear plan in place.
If you have any questions at all please ask. Sending love. x
Of course, I’m happy to share my experience. I had a biopsy on another area, like you, and MDT were not convinced by the clear results so there was talk of possible MRI guided but in the end an expert reviewed the biopsy and all my scans and confirmed it was not cancer.
I had a lumpectomy, 5 days radiotherapy and now taking tamoxifen for five years. I recovered very well from surgery and had no issues from radiotherapy apart from a couple of tired days which soon passed. I don’t have any issues at all with tamoxifen either. I’m grateful for the treatment and realise how fortunate I have been.
It’s great you are trying to go through your days as normal. I kind of slumped for a bit and cancelled a holiday and other things. With hindsight if I could change one thing it would be to have not allowed cancer to take those experiences from me.
I really hope that you get some answers soon. x
Thank you Ebee for sharing your experience, it really put my mind at ease and helped me get through the last couple of weeks.
I’ve since had confirmation from the mri expert that they recommend a further mri led biopsy so having that on Saturday. Staying positive and focusing on keeping well in myself and present for my family. The MacMillan team and the breast nurses have been very supportive and I feel I’m in good hands so just a little more waiting for my treatment plan.
Thanks again xx
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