Just diagnosed today

[beccy_a_james]

Hello everyone. I've just been diagnosed with breast cancer today. I noticed a lump on my breast about five weeks ago and my doctor referred me to the breast clinic. I had an examination, an ultrasound and a biopsy. They were not worried at the time as I am 35, very healthy with no family history. I went for the results today and found out that the lump is cancerous. It's a small lump and has not spread to the lymph nodes. All I know so far is that they are hoping to do a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and 12 month of chemotherapy. I should know more next week and I will be going for a mammogram. It has been a real shock as I was not expecting it at all, thought it would just be a harmless lump. My sister was with me. We have had a very difficult few years as we lost my dad five years ago in a road traffic accident and my mum two years ago to lung cancer. She was diagnose late at stage 4 and only lived for two months after her diagnosis. It had been a very emotional day. I have let work know and told my best friend but it has been hard trying to get the words out. Going to let the rest of my family know this week.

[Jennymary]

So sorry to read of your diagnosis and so soon after losing your parents. My cancer was picked up after first ever mammogram, lumpectomies, 3 weeks radiotherapy, this happened at the end of 2013/ early 2014, no chemo, mammograms since have been clear. Do you have a partner/children to support you, don't worry about finding the right words because right now you're in shock, dazed and confused after being given such a diagnosis, take each day as it comes, any questions please post them here as I'm sure one of the lovely ladies here will have an answer for you, sending love and hugs xxxx

[Jowigs]

So sorry to hear that you've had such a terrible time. I remember that feeling of utter shock when I was first diagnosed. Telling people is hard as you don't know what to say, but I was surprised at how supportive and positive everyone was. The lumpectomy isn't a big op and I recovered very quickly. I dreaded chemo, it was the one thing I didn't want to have, but it was doable. I got through it and here I am, 2 years later, feeling healthier than I have for years. You will get through it. Lean on those who are strong (I had lots of surprises finding out who was there for me), and be kind to yourself. Don't fight the treatment, just go with it and you'll soon be like me, looking back and thinking 'well, I'm glad that's all over' and getting on with life. God bless you. X

[Artemis-angel]

Sorry to hear your news. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and had a mastecomy chemo and radiotherapy. Iuts not the easiest time but hang on in there and remember to enjoy life and have fun as well has having the treatment. I wish you all the best over the next year.

[Debs1962]

Hi sorry to hear your news, I was diagnosed 2 years ago, what type of BC is it? ER+ or Her2 or Triple negative? Was wondering why you are having to have chemo if not spread to nodes, so I assume it is Her2 or TN.

Loads of us have gone through BC on here and will have loads of tips and support for you over this coming treatment time.

There is a brilliant blog from a breast cancer surgeon called Liz who was diagnosed with cancer under 40.

It will take you time to get your head round this, and when treatment is over you are not the same again mentally, life does change and your outlook.

Keep talking to family and friends get loads of support , stay positive and educate yourself on what you are going through, not Dr google though!

hugs to you, keep posting on here xxx

[beccy_a_james in reply to Debs1962]

I'm not sure what the type is yet. Will find more out on Monday and will let you know. They said they are going to treat it aggressively because I'm young, fit and healthy and they want to eradicate it.

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear about your diagnoses. I found telling other people particularly difficult. Is there a person that can help you with that? On the positive side, it sounds like your team have got everything organised for you. Welcome to the club no one wants to join! Good luck with your journey.

[anne-57]

Any cancer diagnosis is a dreadful shock and takes some accepting. Keep in mind that although you need treatment you will be ok. That positivity can help you through. Good luck with your treatment and take each day as it comes. X

[Wildeone1234]

Sorry to hear your diagnosis. Your sister will be your rock don't be proud to ask for help. I got my news 21st August 2015. Had three operations first two to have tumours removed than they found more. has mastectomy last Christmas stage 3. I am now clear just had reconstruction from my belly. I think positive about my future. Talk to people when low. sending big hugs xxx

[mrsorangecat]

Hi Beccy, I remembered how terrified I felt when I had my diagnosis last year. It shocked me to the core and it takes a while to get your head round things. I had a mastectomy 6 months ago followed by radiotherapy and now on Tamoxifen. Things do seem to get easier when there's a plan in place and it starts. It's the ride you just can't get off I'm afraid but your treatment will come and go and i promise you there is life after cancer, I went back to work after Easter and every day im finding things are getting easier. Be kind to yourself, try not to google and ask for help when you need it. Big hugs H xxx

[Loulou669]

Hi Beccy, you will get through it ! Take each day as it comes and be kind to yourself. When you are first told , you just go into a kind of shock . You will have a good prognosis though as it has not spread to the lymph nodes. I learnt meditation at a local class as it helped calm me down instead of feeling panicked all the time. You will get there. All the best and take deep breaths when you feel over -whelmed . Listen to your favourite music, go for walks in the country or parks or a beach . When I was told in 2010 that I had breast cancer , I thought that was the end of me, but I got through the surgery, the chemo and radiotherapy, and I am still here today telling you that you will get through it ! Good luck and keep your chin up !

[haagr]

Sorry you have joined the club that none of us want to belong to. A breast cancer diagnosis is very hard to come to terms with. It is a physical as well as an emotional journey. I too had no family history of breast or any other cancer. Mine was picked up on a routine mammo as a very small area of calcifications. 80% of they time, they are not malignant but I wasn't in that group. I was diagnosed with DCIS which is stage 0. I had a lumpectomy followed by 20 radiation treatments because it was grade 3. No chemo was needed because it had not spread out of the duct. Perhaps after your final pathology report you may not need chemo either.

Reach out for support as you need it. Allow yourself pleasures of life. Those who have been on this journey will be here for you. We truly understand. I wish you an easy journey.

R in NYC

[togetherforever]

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis it's good that you are going somewhere to talk to people about it as the early days can be filled with confusion anger and all other mixed emotions and people in your family may not understand. And it is so good that you have found it and done something about it early. If you like I'm the UK there is an awesome facebook group called Younger Breast Cancer Network (YBCN) it's especially for younger woman who have been diagnosed to support each other and offer useful tips about dealing with the diagnosis and treatment i would recommend looking them up.

I was diagnosed at 26, mine was not caught so early as I was not taken seriously due to my age it had spread to lymph nodes and later discovered in lymph nodes behind my breast bone and along my windpipe and neck and unfortunately it can't be cured now. So i still go on the facebook group if I'm struggling.

Good luck with your surgery and treatment, it will be tough but you will get through it x x

[carolinenailsea]

I was very sad to read your post beccy. Its so so hard. I am now 6 months down the treatment road. Its only now when I look back do I realise how disorientated I was during those first couple of months following diagnosis. Its completely overwhelming. I do feel positive though, optimistic the chemo has worked and glad that bit of the journey is done. I wish you all the luck in the world. As everyone says, be kind to yourself, don't expect too much of yourself and you will get through this. xx Caroline

[mags4]

Hi beccy

Sorry. To hear your news its a big shock and a lot to take in but you can do it we are all here for you.Its not a journey anyone wants to takebut it is doable ,best wishes thinking of you x