Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

[Lovewine1975]

I still can't believe this has happened, I had my first ever mammogram a few weeks ago, then a letter asking me to go to the breast screening clinic where they found something on my right breast only small 6mm. I had a biopsy and last Wednesday confirmed it was cancer. I was told it will mean an operation to remove it and possibly some radiotherapy though they couldn't say for certain.

I know its only 6mm so small and the doctor told me that it had been caught early that I will be fine, but I still feel like my world has been turned upside down, keep feeling anxious and panicky and bursting into tears.

Also waiting for the hospital to get in contact is making me more anxious, I was told within two weeks, that seems so long to wait, I just want to know what is going to happen next and when.

Sorry this has turned into a bit of a rant

My wife has it, so I wanted to offer you a virtual hug. The diagnosis changes everything and nothing. Everything as it turns your world upside down, and nothing as all the rest still needs to be done. Still have to go to work, pay bills etc.

I wish you successful treatment, and my advice would be to not Google anything as you will get wildly differing and often inaccurate information. Ask lots of questions, and write down as much as you can, or take someone with you to as many appointments as you can. It is a struggle to take it all in.

Lastly, try not to make any assumptions. There are many possible outcomes, some of which are better than others. Try not to worry about things that you do not yet know. That way lies madness.

If you are able, try to eat as healthily as possible, and exercise as much as you can. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are easier to handle if you are as fit as you can be. In the event that you need chemotherapy, the cold cap will help you keep your hair and is worth the discomfort.

Best of luck to you.

I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m a year down the line since my diagnosis which was also such a shock. Come and chat to the lovely group of women on this thread who are a very supportive bunch:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/cancer/5311885-likely-breast-cancer-after-ultrasound-thread-2

I know someone who was diagnosed almost 30 years ago and is still going strong in her 80s

More recently, several 30/40 years old who are doing really well and in remission after treatment

There are many positive stories of recovery now, good luck

Thank you everyone for your lovely messages. It’s all so overwhelming my mum died from cancer in 2018 and my gran has had bowel cancer, so unfortunately seen what it can do. Think this is why I’m so scared even though I’ve been told it’s been caught early.

@HappiestSleepingI hope your wife makes a full recovery and sorry she is going through this as well