OP I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and had a mastectomy in December. There are types, grades and stages of cancer and I think the best way forward is to have a think about anything you’re not clear on and make a list of the things you want to know and take it to your next clinic appointment. Then you can ask away.
The first stages after a diagnosis are always very scary but as impossible as it seems right now, you will get your head around it. The first thing they do is to stage it and type it - hence all the testing, including biopsy and scans - MRI and CT - to assess any spread. Once all of the results are in they will have a clearer picture, they will know what the cancer potentially responds to and will have a treatment plan.
MRI and CT are very straightforward - a bit claustrophobic but you’re never left alone and you’re in contact with radiographers all the time. CT is a bit quicker and more open. I found the biopsies OK. They were done under ultrasound in my case and after local anaesthetic, so not too bad.
You said you’ve already been told that it’s aggressive and in your lungs. I know it’s hard but try not to panic - your mind does go to some very dark places if you let it so try to keep positive. You’ll know more soon and you’ll be kept informed at all stages, and will be given options and input to any treatment as far as possible.
The doctor mentioned chemotherapy for life. This is a form of chemo which although not curative, helps to control symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life. But again, you need to wait for all the test results so they have a clearer picture of things and can advise accordingly.
Have you a Maggies’ centre at your hospital ? If not try googling for your nearest one. They’re a mine of information and they have lots of different support services you can use - especially good if you’re facing this largely on your own. And I’m another who recommends MacMillan. You should have been given some contact phone numbers - I found them really supportive. Also Breast Cancer Now have a really good helpline.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you. The key is to ask questions and engage as much as possible. Knowledge is power and I found that being pro-active in the treatment processes really helped. It must be very difficult dealing with this alone too, so it’s important to know what support services are out there and use them. If you need any more info or just need to chat to someone who’s been through the process, please do feel free to PM me. I hope you’ll keep us updated on the outcome of your tests and the treatment plan.