Shock diagnosis. Feel dreadful.

[peaceanddove]

I am struggling to type can't stop shaking. My biopsy shows I have invasive ductal cancer. It is very small, too small to even feel and it's either stage 2 or grade 2, I can't remember. They have caught it very early apparently. I need to have a lumpectomy followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy. They don't think it's in my lymph nodes. It is oestrogen sensitive, so have to stop HRT immediately. I am so upset and feel sick, and don't know what to think. It feels like my world is ending.

Has anyone been in the same position, is there any light at the end of the tunnel.

[ranoutofquinoaandprosecco]

Bless you. I'm assuming your talking breast cancer? I was also stage 1 but a large lump, diagnosed in July 2018.

You can come out the other end. This is the worst part when you've just been diagnosed and there is no plan in place. Once you have your plan it does get easier.

I was 42, with a 4 and 7 year old. I had 6 rounds of chemo and then opted for a single mastectomy.

I'm now back at work, we've moved house, been back on holiday and apart from my six monthly check ups I've managed to put it behind me as much as I can.

There is a cancer group on Mumsnet and I found is very supportive.

[Cbwick]

Hi, it is such a shock, I can sympathise with you. I was diagnosed with invasive ducal cancer last year and had to have a mastectomy. Now on 10 years of hormone therapy. The initial weeks after diagnose can be difficult to cope with, I cried for days with fear. but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just take one day at a time and try to process what you can , but it is okay to be upset too. Your breast care team will be do everything they can to help and see you through the treatment.

[ragged]

Is that same as ductal cancer in situ? I'm sure it's a shock.

[peaceanddove]

Thank you so much for being so kind. There isn't a lump, the surgeon says it's too small yet, there's nothing to feel. He's also recommending a lumpectomy, with a bit of restorative work, like a mini lift. Then a course of radiology.

[peaceanddove]

ragged no it's not in situ. It's invasive which I think means it has moved outside the duct or will move outside if left. But there's no lump, it's too small to feel yet apparently.

[AlexaAmbidextra]

peaceanddove. Just read your other thread. You have a good prognosis and really don’t need to be posting in the Life Limiting Illness section. 💐

[PatricksRum]

@AlexaAmbidextra I could only see one thread before the results?

Sorry OP such a shock. Handhold

[peaceanddove]

I'm sorry ambiambudextra my head was just all over the place when I posted here and I just wasn't thinking properly. It was thoughtless of me.

[peaceanddove]

Thank you for the handhold patricksmum

[AlexaAmbidextra]

peaceanddove No, don’t apologise. I was just trying to tell you that you’re not going to die! I’m so sorry if it came across as something else. You weren’t thoughtless, just terrified. You have a really good prognosis but I’m aware that no matter what the outlook, just being told you have cancer is so frightening. I hope your treatment goes well and you’re soon feeling much better. 💐

[AnnaMagnani]

It isn't thoughtless, but there really is light at the end of the tunnel.

You have a highly, highly curable cancer - even though you aren't totally sure of the stage just from the information you have posted, it is clear you are having curative treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers out there.

You are going to have your treatment and then get on with your life - look at someone like Kylie for example.

[KD99]

I have a relative who had Breast cancer 3 times with no symptoms like you - that was over 25 years ago and she’s fit as a fiddle. Breast cancer for the vast Vast majority is not a death sentence. Caught early prognosis is excellent- it will b a long road but you have been caught very early. It is very curable. Take a deep breath and take one day at time. You WILL get through this.

[peaceanddove]

Thank you alexaambidextra. I just want this all done and dusted and a distant memory. I'm probably being naive I know. But I'm really grateful for you kind words

[peaceanddove]

annamagnani your post has really given me so much comfort. I keep re reading it. Thank you so much. I think I was just in total shock .

[peaceanddove]

Thank you KD99, that is so reassuring to read. I just completely flipped out, and just assumed I wouldn't be here in ten years time. Illogical I know especially as my MIL was diagnosed over 30 years ago and is still going strong. But the panic overrides logic doesn't it?

[Minxmumma]

@peaceanddove, there is light at the end of this. Your diagnosis is very early and from your surgeons advice something treatable. If your tumour is hormone sensitive (which they can grade after surgery) they may offer you a type of targeted therapy as well. The majority of breast cancers are
curable if caught early.

Your world is not ending, just a bit skewed for a while.

I am 44 and have had breast cancer twice, still here, still a royal pain to my dh. In between diagnosis I had a surprise naturally conceived baby (she's now 3).

Allow yourself time to process what you do know, and stay away from Dr Google at all costs.
Sending gentle hugs, feel free to message any time