Hi, I'm a 44y single mum of 17m (with autism) and 14f. I was referred to the breast clinic because of really intense breast pain that came from nowhere. I wasn't sure if I could feel a lump but the GP felt a 4cm lump on examination. 3 weeks later, I went to the breast clinic with my mum. I had 2 mammograms and an ultrasound. In the ultrasound I was told there was no evidence of what I'd been referred for...but there was an incidental finding of an 18.7mm mass very near my chest wall. He told me it wasn't a cyst so would need to do a biopsy. He did 4. Because I have "full volume" breasts, he kept asking for a longer needle and the pain was excruciating!
We saw the surgeon afterwards who told me I have breast cancer. Obviously I'm waiting for the biopsy results, but he was pretty confident. I got the results appointment through today, and despite being told 2-3weeks, it's actually in 10 days on 13th.
The surgeon said he currently thinks a lumpectomy and then 5 doses of radiotherapy.
I think I'm still reeling. I've told my children, as they knew I was off to the hospital for some scans but am now in what seems like a perpetual state of anxiety and stress.
Already being told to think positive is irritating me - It's only been 24 hours - I'm surely allowed to wallow for a bit.
I don't know what I'm here for, or asking really. I'm worried the results will indicate more invasive treatment/chemotherapy, I'm worried about work and finances. I'm not coping financially anyway, let alone if I need lots of time off work. My parents live 1.5hrs away, one sister in Canada and the other has bi-polar so finds life/stress really hard. I feel very alone.
Hi Sarita81 sorry you find yourself here, the club none of us would choose to join. I hope though that you will feel a bit less alone now that you are here - I have found it a great place for support and shared experiences. People here ‘get it’ in a way that family and friends often just don’t. I think your comment about how maddening the ‘think positive’ remarks are will resonate with all of us here! There have been whole threads about annoying remarks that are made to us, well meaning but just not appropriate or helpful.
My other source of support has been from other cancer organisations - Future Dreams in London is wonderful (for anyone affected by breast cancer), it does in person and online sessions. Maggies Centres, if you have one nearby. I also go to an exercise class locally (Hertfordshire) for anyone who has had cancer.
Sending love and a big virtual hug - yes you are allowed to ‘wallow’ as you’ve said, cancer is a sh*t show and you have more than enough to deal with already. You are at a horrible stage too - waiting for a more detailed diagnosis and a treatment plan. Keep posting here, there will always be someone going through something similar. Love and hugs, HFxx
Also the helpline here at MacMillan can offer all sorts of support, including re work and finance xxx
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