Looks like I have breast cancer - would appreciate advice and support.

[anorak]

Well guess what, they day I arrived to live in Bermuda found a lump in my breast. Went to the doctor, got rushed to hospital for mammograms and ultrasound. Been told they suspect "extensive DCIS". Went back in for a core biopsy the day before yesterday and have to go for MRI scan this afternoon, should get the results of these next week sometime.

The hospital is lovely, the staff are lovely, DH's job pays private medical insurance so I am very lucky that I will have good treatment. I've been here two weeks and two days, they have certainly been quick and efficient so far and I'm very pleased to have been offered the MRI.

And for anyone who doesn't know what DCIS is (I didn't), it's a non-invasive form of cancer that tends to confine itself to the area of origin.

I hate this F*cking disease. Thinking of you.

I'm so sorry to hear this anorak. DCIS is definitely the best thing to have if you have to have breast cancer. I don't know if this helps at all, but when you look at DCIS down a microscope it is completely enclosed in its own little capsule, not branching out at all into the normal tissue. When you think that the actual danger with cancer is of cells splitting off and getting round your system, I always think that capsule looks rather reassuring. It's being kept well at bay by your body, and once it has been removed then things should look up enormously. Good luck xxx

Wishing you all the best, Anorak. xxx

OH bugger anorak.

Sorry you are having to go through this

sorry to hear this, best wishes.

Oh, Anorak

But at it being as Tamum describes - sounds very positive.

Will be thinking of you - and agree with those who say your DD is only thinking of how this will affect her - because she's 15.

Thinking of you Anorak - sending good vibes your way.

anorak... thinking and praying for you. Much love darling and thank goodness it's non-invasive. I know nothing about cancers but will keep you in my thoughts.

Lots of s and positive thoughts for you anorak. Stay strong x

anorak, having just had a quick read up on DCIS - I didn't know that term, but my mum is having surgery for the same thing on Monday. She is going to be FINE and so are you x

Oh what nasty news. BUT so glad that it's all going ahead so quickly. It does sound like if you're going to get it (and obviously you wouldn't choose to) then this is the kind to get. Lots of positive thoughts for you

I had a sort of non-invasive tumour on my ovary 6 years ago; it was very, very scary indeed even though I didn't end up having to have any sort of radiation etc. Take care of yourself

Oh Anorak, what a pile of steaming crap. So sorry. But glad you are getting good care.

Sorry to hear this!
And so sorry you have to put with your DD's antics at this particular time. Second everything already said about selfishness as a coping mecanism. However, on those occasions where she is being blatantly insensitive, she must be told off.
Just pick your fights and explain when your feelings are hurt and why.
Tamum's post very positive. Wish you the best.

Oh Anorak

I'm sorry to hear that you are having to cope with this just as you have moved. I'll say a prayer for you.

oh ((((((Anorak))))) , Im so sorry to hear this , you are always such a strong person inside. Im sure that will help you through this. I had a small breast cancer scare in the spring and its strange with these things that we end up being the pillar for others reactions to this news.

Thinking of you and also sending my healing your way XXXxxx.

Well thank you all so much for your messages. Being here so far from all my friends it does mean a lot.

So yesterday I went for the MRI scan, felt like I was walking into the set of a sci-fi movie, quite an experience to be slid into the tube thing and told not to move a muscle for 45 minutes - and that was just for one tit, they are going to call me back some time next week for a repeat performance on the other side. I expect the results from this and the core biopsy some time in the middle of next week and so should then have a firm diagnosis as at the moment I only know that they suspect DCIS.

DD was here already when we got back from the hospital, she apologised for earlier and I spent some time explaining to her exactly what is happening, and we both feel better now. Then DH and I went into town and had drinks and dinner, and it turned into a really good night - though poor DH is nursing his head at the moment - he says he did it all for me! So I said well you went well beyond the call of duty then!

ggirl it is a lovely hospital and the staff couldn't be nicer.

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Sorry to hear this Anorak

I'm not going to say that I hope everything will be fine, because I absolutely, 100% insist that it will be. We're all here if you need us.

Oh Anorak Just seen this today. Lots of hugs to you.

Shitty shit anorak. What timing. But then again - what timing - sounds like in a way it is good as the health system sounds good and your can concentrate on looking after yourself.

Pleased to read Tamum's positive scientific post.

Take care and remember we are all here for your whenever.

And your DD sounds like a typical self-centred teen. She will be mortified when she is older.