Recent diagnosis

Hi Kazoo,
Well you found the right place to ask all the questions you want.
I am three years post mastectomy now - grin and bear the ride ahead - it is doable and you have all the support from everyone here - you will find people give their all to help everyone on this site -

kind regards
rox

Hi there Kazoo,

Sorry you have had a BC diagnosis, but glad you found this forum and I hope it will be of help to you.

I would guess, because of the size of your tumour, that a mastectomy may be what will be recommended to you. But your surgeon/oncologist may also be able to offer you alternatives. I think it will also depend on where exactly, and what type of BC you have. Did they say if it was Inflammatory? Ductal? Lobular? Do you know if they have tested the lymph nodes under your arm yet?

If you may be having a mastectomy, it would probably be worthwhile to have a think about whether you would like breast reconstruction? And if so, would you like 'immediate' (done at the time of the mastectomy) or 'delayed' (done at a later date). And there are different types of reconstruction available - some use an implant to give a realistic breast shape, others use skin and tissue from another part of your body.

If you haven't found it already, I would check out the information available on this website http://www.cancer.ie/action/treat.php and on the UK website http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinfor ... ancer.aspx

Whereabouts are you? Have you checked out a local support centre at all yet? These can be great for helping you cope with stress. And they give you an outlet for you to talk privately about anything on your mind, without having to worry about how family or friends will react. And they also offer lovely relaxation classes and treatments!

Hugs,
Flo.

Hi girls thanks for your posts. It's great to hear other people's experiences.
Flo, it's lobular, I think (!) - all that was written down for me on diagnosis but my brain has gone to mush since. Consultant said it 'reacted very well to hormone therapy' in the early tests they did from the biopsy, hence the Tamoxifen and Zoladex. What sometimes baffles me is why they didn't just give me a masectomy straight away - if this is the end result, why delay it? I guess they're the experts and we'll know soon enough anyway what the next step is.
They have done a couple of biopsies on the lymph nodes but neither were conclusive. Last time I was in they said they looked okay.
I'm in Cork and have been told about ARC - am planning to pop down there next week when hubby is off work and can mind kids. Quite like the sound of the therapies they have on offer.
Thanks again, these forums are great x

Hi Kazoo

The very best of luck to you in your treatment; you sound in good auld shape and I hope that continues.

I tried to speak to as many people that were able to talk about their experience a great help - every day brings a new story!

If you have any niggly little questions in your head, don't be afraid to ring the Breast Care Nurse at the clinic you are attending - they are more than happy to deal with any of your questions. The Irish Cancer Society helpline is also fantastic & the staff are just lovely to talk to in a normal, pragmatic way.

If you can get to ARC and avail of some of the therapies, it will do the power of good - it clears the head space & just gives you an extra bit of fizz for the the week. Plus they are a great ear to bend and shoulder to cry on if needed.

Take care and mind yourself, and best of luck again

Encee