Breast Cancer Diagnosis

[haggisdoodle]

Hope I am doing this right - my first post on mumsnet. Just been diagnosed with breast cancer and am going for lumpectomy and sentinel node removal in a weeks time. Never had a general before and haven't ever really been seriously ill. Very frightened. Has anyone been down this route? Any helpful hints? Please, no horror stories - can't cope with that at all at the moment!
Hope someone out there can help...

[chegirl]

I am not going to be of any real help because I have not been through this. But I want to tell you about my sister.

She had breast cancer when she was 33. It was very agressive. She had her treatment and got through it.

That was 10 years ago. She has even had a baby since.

I just wanted you to know that.

Good luck with your treatment. I hope that you get all the help and support you need and deserve.

Best wishes.

[Kayteee]

My friend has got through this. Was very scary but she's ok now. Really enjoying life.

[ApplesinmyPocket]

My cousin was diagnosed with this when she was in her 30s with two young DDs. Obviously we were all very worried but... She's 50 now and in very good health

There used to be a support thread on here for people in a similar position, maybe someone from it will point you to it.

Very best of luck. I'm sure you'll find MN a support and a diversion.

[Plonketyplonk]

There are quite a lot of us who have had surgery and treatment. I had a mastectomy nearly 2 years ago, with some lymph nodes removed. I now have a rubber boob and a scar from the lumectomy.

If you are at all worried, Breast Cancer Care can offer phone support for whatever you're going through, and they have nurses to talk to about treatment.

Breast Cancer Haven is a charity that offers psycological support and information, and things to make women feel better.

You may find a support group for younger women. We have one where I live.

It's a shocking diagnosis. I was told not to look things up on the internet, but to listen to the surgeon and the breast care nurse.

I think the worst bit is the not knowing and the sense of isolation. Your team will tell you about you, and you are certainly not alone.

Operations aren't much fun and you will probably be given lots of morphine. If you start taking arnica now, it may help with the bruising afterwards, and if the hosptital food is terrible, get your family and friends to bring you in delicious things!

[Plonketyplonk]

Just bumping for you.

[Cakesandale]

In April I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, plus further lymph removal for more tests (they were clear), and am now halfway through chemo. I am told my prognosis is pretty positive.

With any luck and a good wind you won't need the chemo, but I wanted you to know that I am a few months ahead of you on more or less the same road.

I am quite sure you are very scared, but try not to be. Personally I found the part you are dealing with now the worst part. Once you have started treatment, and got rid of the bloody lump, you will get lots and lots of support, and plonketyplonk is quite right (imho) that you will get all the support you need from the hospital and the organisations she mentions. Do NOT Google. You will be OK, really.

I am not giving you any horror stories because I don't have any. Funny ones, yes, but not horror stories. Try to take one day at a time, and be positive. It makes a big difference to how well you respond to treatment.

personally I was very worried about chemo, would have done anything to avoid it, but so far, I am tolerating it well, people are very understanding and the problems are relatively few. And you get lots of flowers and treats! You can even have wine!!

None of us would ever have wanted to be here, in this siutation. But we are, and it need not be as bad as you think. Try to think positive and believe you will cope fine - and you probably will.

I am not going to link you to the breast cancer support thread - I think it night get you a bit ahead of yourself at this point. Just take it a step at a time for now.

Honestly, it'll be OK.

[lisad123]

I have been there myself but I use macmillian boards alot for support and info. here www.whatnow.org.uk

and there a woman with a wonderful blog here and she has a lot to do with breast cancer kriskancer.squarespace.com

hope this helps

[haggisdoodle]

Thanks to you all for the replies - Cakesandale, glad to hear you are getting on fine. I have deliberately not googled as I know I will focus on the really bad stuff - will have a look at the blogs mentioned above though.

Had a PET/CT scan yesterday as part of a trial which was fascinating but very undignified as I had to post my boobs through a foam mould - very funny! Get my op on Tuesday. I just want to get this damned lump out and move on. Hopefully I will only need radiotherapy but we'll see. So far I have managed everything OK (not bad for someone who can't even watch Casualty without feeling squeamish)so I am just taking it one step at a time. Can't believe how kind friends and workmates have been. I just have the odd wobble when I look at DH and DS (only 5)....

Thanks again for your messages - it really helps to know that others have been there and have come out the other side. I know that most people do but when someone tells you that they have been there or a relative has been there then it seems more real.

[Cakesandale]

Sounds like you are doing really well - keep it up.

I know what you mean about the family bringing a lump to your throat - my dd has just turned 6.

The trial sounds a laugh - that's what I mean about funny stories.

You'll be fine on Tuesday, much better than you think. I was back at work the next day. This is only becuase i work for myself and can just wander into my office, do a bit, then stop, do a bit more, etc. It would not work if you were employed elsewhere, of course - but my point is, you probably will feel pretty OK. I'll make sure to send you a few positive thoughts on Tuesday.

Take it easy.
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