New here, breast cancer diagnosis

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 

1. Thanks Ebee, agree about the uncertainty at this stage. I’m fine for a while and then have bouts of panic and worry but really trying to focus on keeping busy and going about my days as normal while the team do their job. 
   Do you mind me asking what your treatment plan was like? I hope you're doing ok now 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

I understand what you're saying because I've gone through a similar situation. I waited almost two months for a diagnosis, and during that time, I felt physically well enough to continue my normal life. I had tests done and waited for results, but everything moved slowly. I wasn't too bothered by the wait since I felt good. I only discussed my situation with my daughter, my partner, and my best friend. I remained optimistic, thinking it was a common type of tumour that would be easy to treat, so I didn't want to alarm my family.

However, after almost two months of waiting for results, my best friend scolded me. He urged me to stop tempting fate, take my situation seriously, and see a private doctor. I followed his advice, and to my surprise, the private doctor had my results very quickly. The type of tumour turned out to be frightening. That's when the reality of the situation hit me, and I finally took it seriously, thanks to my friend's insistence.

I had been reluctant to share the news with my family, but given the seriousness of the diagnosis, I had no choice. In total, only two of my friends know about my situation. I haven't had the courage or desire to share it with anyone else, and that's how it will stay.

Hi, I wanted to provide an update if useful for others given a similar diagnosis. 
I had the MRI led biopsy in the other area of concern and that came back benign. I went on to have a lumpectomy two weeks ago to remove the tumour found and am recovering well. 

Had my results back today, tumour removed was 10mm, clear margins confirmed and no lymph node involvement. I’ll need radiotherapy and possibly Tamoxifen but waiting to see the oncologist to confirm fully. 
Feeling very lucky and relieved.