My breasts : Hi I'm 40 years old with... - My Breast Cancer ...

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My breasts

Morijen profile image
35 Replies

Hi I'm 40 years old with5 wonderful children I've found a lump in my left breast so I went to doctors they found 1in my right so been referd to breast clinic there no family history of breast chance in really scared xx

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Morijen profile image
Morijen
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35 Replies
Mandywilson profile image
Mandywilson

Sorry to hear your news... But at least you have done something about it .. All you can do is go to the clinic and see what the results and possible treatments are .. It is a scary journey .as it's the Unknown .. But be strong , stay positive , we are all here to support you 💖

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Mandywilson

Thank you I'm really scared spent last night cryin feel really scap in myself xx

Lainey66 profile image
Lainey66

Hi Morijen I am 49 I too have three amazing children and a very patient, loving and hard working husband. I found a lump last September and on October the 2nd it was confirmed to be cancer. I am currently midway through treatment. There is absolutely no history of any cancer in my family. Yes it is very scary indeed. It does affect your whole family circle and your friends and colleagues. What I can tell you is, that you do need to first of all wait until you have a diagnosis that it is cancer before you panic, this in itself is very hard. If it is found to be cancer, and here I will add that I will keep you in my prayers that it is not, then you have to do your level best to keep a truly positive attitude. You will get sick to the back teeth of hearing that and will want to body slam those that keep telling you to 'stay positive', however attitude, acceptance and rolling with the treatment will help you tremendously. Also take 'you' time. Whilst going through treatment, should you need to, find things to keep you busy - things you enjoy NOT CHORES. Take up new hobbies, go places you like, try to get up daily and not lie about in bed if you don't need to. On days where you feel sickly or weak and your body says rest - do so. Most of all tell yourself you will beat it. I'm sending you so much positive energy. I hope it's not cancer, but if it is don't be scared - be strong. There are many of us in here to listen if you ever need to rant. Good Luck hon sending hugs. Lainey xx

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Lainey66

Thank you so much for your kind words it means a lot both my breast are very painful as well like I said I didn't know there was 1 in my right 1 the doctor found it but when I checked in shower  I couldn't find it the only other thing I've noticed is under my right arm is swollen .if you don't mind me asking how big was ur lump and did you have anymore symptoms n good look with your tretment xx

Lainey66 profile image
Lainey66 in reply to Morijen

I found a lump in my left breast whilst in the shower. As I reached up to lower the shower head, I felt an odd 'stretching' sensation in my left armpit. I went to feel in my armpit and brushed across my breast, in doing so, I felt a raised lump. I checked further and this lump was definitely there. I was referred to the breast clinic and was booked in for a 'three in one' appointment. That's an appointment where you have a mammogram, ultrasound and if needed a biopsy on the same day. My appointment was the following Monday. The lump was confirmed by mammogram and ultrasound, a biopsy was taken and fluid from the lymph nodes too. I saw the consultant at the end of the appointment who asked me to return to the clinic on the Friday. I asked them if he suspected cancer, but as doctors do, he told me he could not confirm anything until the biopsy had been examined. I returned on the Friday. It was confirmed that I had cancer and that it was present in the lymph nodes. Mentally I had prepared myself for this, but it still takes the breath from you when you get that confirmation. The following three weeks was a series of scans and X-rays where a further two limos were found in the same breast, very deep and too close to my ribs for comfort. Chemo started at the end of the three weeks. I had a round of T&C. Chemo, in January of this year I had a bilateral mastectomy, following surgery residual cancer cells were discovered and so A&C chemo was given to me. I start a third round of chemo in about three weeks and also 25 sessions of radiotherapy. Hopefully that will be the end of the cancer. I am currently writing this from my hospital bed. Due to the fact that chemo does harm your immune system, I have developed what is known as neutropenia which means I currently have no immune system and am in isolation whilst antibiotics are pumped into me to help build me up. I am a fighter and am determined to beat this awful illness. Even though the treatment to cure you causes quite a few hitches, giving in is not an option for me. I still want to do so much more in life. If you want to I have been writing a blog. You might find it helpful. It is elainemurphy66.blogspot.com feel free to browse I hope it gives you some comfort. Do take care and try and not worry, although that is so much easier to say than do. Love Lainey xx

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Lainey66

Thank you so much and hope you feel better soon I'm hoping it's nothing but in my head I'm prepared for them to tell me it's cancer even though there is no family history I had a test for ovarian cancer  about 5 month which is called a ca125 test to show tumour levels in you body and that came back normal I've read upon it and it say it can come back high if  you have breast cancer so hope that's a good sign for me  really hope you feel better soon I will keep you up to date with what happens when I go hospital u take it easy sending big hug xxxxxxxxx

Lainey66 profile image
Lainey66 in reply to Morijen

You take care, try not to worry. I wish you all the luck in the world any will pray for a good outcome for you xxxxx 

Jennymary profile image
Jennymary in reply to Lainey66

Hi Lainey. I'm so sorry to read you're back in hospital, sending you, and everyone else in that situation, please be back home soon love and hugs xxxxx

Lainey66 profile image
Lainey66 in reply to Morijen

Mine were not painful. But years ago I had painful lumps in both breast that turned out to be cysts and were drained. I'm hoping that is what you have and nothing more xxx

wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

Hi Morijen🙂

When I found my lump It wasn't painful.  It felt like a large marble, totally obvious and no swelling.  It was a couple of inches above the nipple in my right breast.

I'd had a shower that morning and never noticed anything but it had been a hot day, so I had a shower later too.   It was unmissable.

My mother had had a scare but it turned out to be a blocked milk duct.

🙂xBeryl

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to wobblybee

Gave you started treatment for your cancer doctor said the 1 in my right is the size of a pea she said she thinks it fatty tissue the 1 in my left is not like a lump if you rub ur fingers ocross it you can feel it it's pretty big but very painful xx

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Morijen

Have 

Janny1306 profile image
Janny1306

I know it's easy to say but please try not to worry until they tell you its something bad, try to keep your mind off it , do fun thingsstay positive hopefully it will turn out to be just cysts and IF it's bad news then you,ll get the best treatment available and you,ll come through it .There are lots of us in here to support you ,some have had worse journeys than others and gone through so much but we're still here and still fighting. Sending you string happy thoughts and big hugs ✊💞xx

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Janny1306

Thank you so much go my appointment threw this morning  only went to doctors yesterday got to go clinic 6th may xx

MJAP profile image
MJAP in reply to Morijen

I can remember how all consuming the fear was.

Like a lot of people I actually did not have any signs at all, no lump's or changes.

So I went for my routine mammogram and after breast feeding three babies for over two years each time ( they do say this protects you from developing breast cancer) and there being absolutely no history of any sort of cancer in my family I went along for my mammogram in an almost light hearted confident manor.

So on the Thursday 19th November (you will find you just never forget the dates,) the re call letter dropped onto my mat.

When I saw it I new immediately what it was and thought it had come very quickly! the moment I read the words "we would like you to come back for futher tests my life changed.

They sent it on the Thursday and they wanted me to go back the following Monday at 9.30.

And so my particular nightmare began.

I was in denial for quite a time, sure when I got there it would all be a big mistake.

I was whisked in for another mammogram and then in for an altra sound when I was told that they could see white dots and this often could be cancer. At this point I felt pure and undiluted fear and would have quite liked to run away. 

I was in the next room having a biopsy before I had time to think too much, the lady that did the biopsy said they put a marker in so that if they needed to do it again they could locate the exact spot. Again I thought this is ridiculous, they won't need to do that. Two worrying weeks later they call me and say they need to do another biopsy !! Another terrible two week wait and the phone rings again and I am asked to go in for the results.

Three days before Christmas I get told I have cancer, they do keep saying they have caught it early and it should be very treatable.

The problem was they have used the "C" word and I just couldn't hear anthing else.

I have just finished radiotherapy, I ended up having two operations but when I read the other stories, particularly Lainey I feel like a fraud..... 

What I am trying to say to you is the way you are feeling is so normal, god willing you won't have cancer but even if you don't the brush with it will never go.

As you move along on the journey you will get braver and you will be able cope whatever the results are we will help you whatever it is. XXX

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to MJAP

Thank you so much xxx

Janny1306 profile image
Janny1306

Strong not string lol xxx

elainemaria profile image
elainemaria

wait until.you get your results. its hard but it may not be cancer. 

if it is prepare for a journey but its not the end. catching it early and seeking immediate treatment gives you a good chance. 

biddenden_sue profile image
biddenden_sue

First of all, well done. You went to the doctor. So many don't. Yes, it is scary, but you will soon know one way or another what it is. It could be nothing major. If it does turn out to be cancerous, you will be in good hands, and we can all guide you through what follows. Far too early to say as yet, but just remember that the people at the breast clinic know what they are doing, and help so many women through this difficult process every day. Please keep us updated. We're rooting for you x

Decomtamination profile image
Decomtamination

Hi, try not to let it rule your life (I know this is very hard) if it's not cancer then great get on with your life but if it is the hospitals are great they do everything to suit you & are very fast no messing about they discuss the best plan for you & then get straight on with it, just be strong 😅. I had no idea I had breast cancer till I went for my 1st mamagrame last February my whole world fell apart I thought I was the only one going through this but your not there are a lot of lovely people on here to chat to. I had surgery in March chemo in May radiotherpy September back to work November, had my 1st mamagrame in March all clear for now. So good luck stay strong X x

Hi,I didn't even find a lump,mine was found with a routine mammogram, I also had no family history,just because you've got a lump,try not to think the worst,it could be fatty tissue,or a cyst,I know how scary it is,I didn't think it would happen to me,make sure you take somebody with you for any appointments,as if it's the worst news,there is lots to take in,if you've got breast cancer,you will get lots of help and support,keep a note book close by,as so many questions will go through your mind,and you'll never remember them all.lve had a mastectomy(it wasn't painful),had reconstruction and a reduction last Sunday, was sent home with the SPECT visiting daily to change the drain,just tired,no pain. My treatment at Medway Martime hospital has been amazing,and my consultant is lovely,so is everybody at the breast care team

Try and stay positive,and good luck.Xxx

Sandy108 profile image
Sandy108

Hi Morijen, I'm sorry to hear you've found a lump, sending you lots of positive vibes and hugs xx 

With mine I didn't find a lump but had some pain and discomfort so I was referred, the consultant felt it straight away and referred me for mammogram and biopsies on same day, when she was telling me to come back the following week for results, she did advise it was unusual to get pain with cancerous lumps so was quite positive (I'm not sure how true this is, as there was cancer present but only found after surgery).!

I know it's hard but try not to worry until you get the results 😊

Love n hugs xxx

Hedgesaw profile image
Hedgesaw

It is important to remember that not all breast lumps are malignant. I had regular scares and visits to the Breast Care Clinics for 18 years before they found the ONE lump that was a breast tumour and important. All the others had been benign cyst like lumps or lumpy fibrous tissue. Each "false alarm" visit was always accompanied by advice to always return and get any new lumps checked out. I felt like a hypochondriac most of the time. To be honest, I got so fed up that some 'minor' lumps I did ignore as I knew I was prone to lumpy breasts but I always attended for regular mammograms, just to be sure. Fortunately, I made the right decision to attend to get the tumour checked out. As it turned out, the tumour did feel different. It grew very fast, seemed to be pressing up against my chest wall when I breathed and I also had what I thought was unrelated pain in my right upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder. I sing in a group and practice diaphragm breathing so I was very aware of my lump when I took a deep breath for singing. The pain in my right upper arm disappeared overnight once my tumour was surgically removed. I think something was pressing on a nerve or two as the tumour was growing. All well now. One year post surgery, and a mammogram on remaining boob later, I feel great. Going in for breast reconstruction surgery tomorrow. Hope you get good results in relation to your lump but my point being, don't ignore any lumps, even if it means several visits to breast care clinics in the future. You cannot risk missing the one lump that turns out to be important. Good Luck! 

Cath31 profile image
Cath31

Hi Morijen, try not to worry. We always fear the worst, human nature I suppose. I'm 49 now with 5 children and 2 grandchildren  and have had 3 visits to the Breast Clinic over the years.  First 2 times they were benign, a fibroadenoma (fibrous lump), second time it was a cyst. Third time unfortunately it was cancer but the positive thing is I'm getting the treatment and it's working. You found the lump and did something about it. That's the first and most important step. 

Girls on here are amazing. So supportive and know exactly what you're going through. 

Xx

Mell profile image
Mell

Hi Morijen, mine was found on a routing mammogram in September last year when I was recalled. When I was told it was cancer the world seemed to stand still and I felt like I was inside a bubble with life carrying on around me. However, I was very lucky just needed a lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed then 15 radio sessions and tamoxifen for next 10 years. It does take over your life completely but you have to embrace it and stay positive- you will hate that phrase in time! Remember it is only a relatively short experience in your life time. 5 months later I was back at work and regaining some normality again but that's because I had a good support network around me. Stay active, rest when your body tells you to and never refuse help. I'm due my oncology review on 27th so the fear has come back again but I will crush that feeling because I am now stronger than ever. So stay strong my dear and you will get through this, let us know how things go, were always here 👍🏼😃

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Mell

The 1 in my left breast is not there no more I've felt today n I carnt find the 1 in my right at all so I'm goin back to doctors is there any family history of breast cancer in your family there's no history on both sides of my family xx

Mell profile image
Mell in reply to Morijen

My mum had BC aged 35 and had a radical mastectomy and a lot of lymph nodes out plus her ovaries removed but that was in the 60s when I was a small child. I do remember clearly going to Christies with her for radiotherapy and playing hopscotch on the corridor so when I was referred to Christies for my radio it was all a bit too weird for me especially as my grown daughter would be waiting outside for me (hopefully not playing hopscotch though) so they referred me to a different hospital who were amazing with me. Sending you lots of positive vibes xx

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to Mell

Thankyouhope all works out for you xxx

Janny1306 profile image
Janny1306 in reply to Mell

Good luck for the 27th Mell✊💞xx

Mell profile image
Mell in reply to Janny1306

Thank you Janny I'm sure everything will be fine but just feel sick with panic and fear as its not been looked at since mid January and it had started to fade into the background. Hope you are well and keeping strong 👍🏼😃xx

Janny1306 profile image
Janny1306 in reply to Mell

You just have to suck it up and get it over with you,ll be in and out before you know it and it will be all over for another year .I,m having trouble sleeping and dropping off on the sofa again but. I,ll snap out of it 😣 stay strong and be well wishing you all the good stuff 😘🙌xx

brianna29 profile image
brianna29

It is to say don't worry.   I found my lump the end of November last year.   I had a pain in my arm and was unable to lift it.   When I had a shower i found a tiny lump.   I went to the Dr's and they told me they thought it was a infection as cancer isn't painful.   They put me on antibiotics.   I went back the following week as it was still there and painful.   They referred me to the breast clinic where I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.   The consultant said it looked like breast disease and said i wouldn't need another appointment.   They said the results should be back in two weeks.   Three weeks later i had a phone call to go back.  I knew then it was bad news.   I had grade one cancer.   Luckily it was early.   Jan 7th i had a lumpectomy and some of the lymph nodes removed.   The result showed that it hadn't spread but they had found another two lumps.  The consultant suggested that for my health a mastectomy was the best option as due to my breast being dense and scans etc wouldn't show any lumps.   I decided to have the mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using my own muscle and fat from my back.   I had the op on 4th March.   I am pleased with the results.   I have a couple more procedures to reconstruct my nipple. I am lucky i didn't need radiotherapy or chemo.   I am trying to say there is a light at the end and try to stay strong.   I still have down days. 

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to brianna29

I'm goin back to doctors so she can check again because I carnt find no lumps no more x

brianna29 profile image
brianna29 in reply to Morijen

I thought I couldn't feel mine some days.   It is best to get it checked for piece of mind x

Morijen profile image
Morijen in reply to brianna29

We have no family history of any cancer in other family so I'm just hoping it's not breast cancer I'm only young as well I'm only 40 so just keepin my fingers crossed it won't be cancer xxx

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