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Hi all I was diagnosed on 8 may. Had mastectomy and axial clearance 13 jun. I'm to start chemo on 18 jul. 4 x AC then 4 x T every 2 weeks. I never heard of anyone on a 2 weekly schedule. Anyone I spoke to was on 3 week schedules of different chemo and all said by the 3rd week you are feeling ok. I'm really terrified and tears are only a blink away at all times. I am 45 with 3 kids 16,14,11.

Hi everyone. Like most people I'm amazed to be here. 3weeks ago I found a lump, had the tests done super fast and now have been told last Friday that I will be facing into a double mastectomy within 2wks approx. followed by chemo/radiation therapies. In hindsight I've had a niggling irritating sensation under my armpit for a little while, fidgeting with bras/clothes that felt not right on that left side. But at least now I know...and that in itself is so empowering to me. The week I had of 'waiting' on biopsy results was hell on earth. The 'relief' of knowing this news is so much better than that week. So I have 2 malignant lumps and its in the nodes too under my arm. Wow.....how much my image of myself has changed in a week. I now look at my breasts and can feel one lump. They are slowly but surely becoming alien to me. A friend asked me how I felt about them going and I said it was different than I thought. When you think of this you have healthy breasts doing what they are meant to do and looking (reasonably) okay But when you have breast cancer I feel my breasts are not a healthy part of me and like anything unhealthy I will be nearly 'glad' to see them go. I found out on the Friday and was so lucky to be able to get 'the haircut' that day going from long to short in one day, the same day I went from not knowing to knowing I had cancer. Again, I felt it was me saying 'I'm in control of some of this'. I've been told I will definately loose my hair with this treatment and I feel its coming at me so fast. So my way was to decide today I cut my hair and give me the most time I have to get used to it changing bit by bit. Its strange but its not as bad as I thought it would be. It's now part of me and will be for a while to come. But I am embracing 'my cancer' as mine and not anyone elses. It will be with me on my journey for the next while and hopefully given time it will be part of my life story and not something I think of everyday. So this is my 5th day 'knowing' and so far so good (so to speak).

Hi all Am 10 weeks out from mastectomy and diep flap reconstruction.Although i am happy with result and lucky it worked im now wondering whether or not to finish it off!!!!Im back with PS soon and have been told that the good breast will need a lift which can be done at same time as nipple reconstruction along with a few other tweeks!!! Anyone else have good breast lifted and if so did it make much difference?Am very hesitant about messing with the good one.I am truley tired of having to make choices. Also one other question anyone have any hastle with ovarian cysts while on tamoxifen?started 6 weeks ago and so far have been doubled over twice 3 weeks apart.Have ultrasound on fri morn. Grateful for any advice xxx

Hi, I am also new to all this. I am 50 and had a mammogram on 13 Jan 2012 , which was normal, then on 18th May I had a mammogram from work. (they offer free mammogram when you reach 40 )Should not have had one but something made me go.this mammogram showed up something.Had to have ultrasound and biopsy on 12th June in the CUH breast cancer unit, (they all are the nicest Dr. and nurses I have ever met) and the result was cancer. I am so so lucky they found it early, it is early, stage 1, grade 2. Had lumpectomy and lymph nodes 5 removed last Mon 9th July.Waiting for results on 20th July. It is the waiting that gets to me. Have great support from my husband, children and family. Feel very very lucky but also scared, Radiotherapy and hormone treatment definite, the rest ? till results. Either I am a very calm and strong person or it has not really sank in yet cos I have not cried but feel good and very positive even if very very scared.Would like to hear from others with early breast cancer , what was their treatment and outcome. Thinking of you all G xx

Hi Have pain and slight swelling in my hand starting between my thumb and index finger for a couple of days. Pain is now starting to travel up my arm now. I have not injured it in any way there is no cuts or anything on my arm. Am wondering is this sign of lymphoedema or am I just being paranoid. Also planning on flying next week are there any precautions I should make for flight? Would appreciate any advise. Thanks Madge x

So I had the first AC chemo today. Very stressed going in. I tried drinking loads of water but I was in such a knot that I must have shrivelled my veins cos couldn't get one! Had to go for crook of my arm which is apparently not best choice. It all went fine but have been feeling a lot of nausea since I got home. Took the tablets but still feel seasick. Ate crackers but still feel same. Any ideas?

Hi , I had a lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed on 9th July. My questions are : when can you begin to shave your underarm, and should you use an electric or regular razor. Also when can you start to use deodorant and talc. Is it better to use deodorant spray or a roll on. I know these questions seem silly , but as a newbie to breast cancer I just don't know the answers. Would be greatful for replies.Thanks G

Here i am 11 weeks post surgery,3 months post chemo and the realisation that i had breast cancer has hit me!!!!even writeing this and looking at the words,i cant quite take it in.Everything happened so fast after diagnoses that i dont think i ever allowed myself to take in what was happening. I spent most of my time worrying about my husband kids and family and their reactions than myself.Then all thru chemo felt so guilty that i had this and was inconviencing everybodies lives and taking up their time.Then once i finished chemo it was into surgery which im still recovering from slowly.My son made his communion in may main thing that got me through chemo and i turned 40 in june. I think having those 2 events to focus on helped at the time along with the positive head.Unfortuneatly i have too much time to think now and although i know i have been lucky in many ways i just cant help but feel cheated and angry.I dont know who i am anymore i only know that who i was is gone and she went the day i was diagnosed!!! Please tell me this is normal feeling.I know that i can ring the breast care nurse but to be honest since all the main fun ended i felt cast off i cant even get app with oncologist(who i have only met once pre chemo) xxxx

Hi all I have a mop of brown tight spirally curly hair and it's turning out difficult to find anything like it. Ive already started the chemo so maybe only a week left with own hair! Has anyone seen anything like I'm describing anywhere.? Thanks J

Hi my mind in such a whirl even sent this first to the wrong topic, sent to treatments instead of breast cancer. Every thing happened so fast mammograme, 18th May 2012, call back 24th May, ultrasound and biopsy 12th June results 26th June, invasive ductal cancer, stage 1, grade 2, lumpectomy and 5 lymph node removed on 9th July. Got the results on 20th July. Invasive ductal, stage 1 grade 2, margins and lymph nodes negative, er and pr positive. They were able to REMOVE ALL OF THE CANCER. I am so lucky. The treatments wil be hormone and radiotherapy, ( will know Friday if chemo needed, but they don't think so) all to prevent the cancer returning. I know I still have a long road ahead but it feels lighter with the past results.I feel so mixed up, delighted the cancer is gone but also guilty cos I am the lucky one. The nurse said it will all hit me one of these days as my mind and body had so much to go through so quickly. From getting the news that I have cancer to getting the news the cancer has been removed 3 weeks and 3 days. What a whirlwind. Would love to hear from anyone who also got the cancer removed and had treatments, Thinking of you all. Ps I still have one hairless underarm and one hairy one, on stronger painkillers and antibiotis now as also got an infection. Love G xx