weve never met but here's a hug over the internet, you are probably going to hear this from others but although this might seem like a living nightmare you are not going to be on your own. I am 9 months past my surgery, I had stage 2 Oestrogen positive HER2 negative which got me a mastectomy (my choice due to my history of a youthful implant for a chest deformity) and a reconstruction at same time. Recovery pretty uneventful until yesterday, and now I have a weird rash my gp doesnt understand so seeing surgeon as an  urgent checkup tomorrow, the breast care nurse thought it may be shingles, frankly, it looks like a bruise, so lets hope thats all.  You have done absolutely the right thing reaching out on here. there will  be others who can cheer you on, cry with you, and punch pillows in frustration and nobody will judge you or accuse you of moaning or complaining if you have a duff day and need to vent. I really hope you get clear answers and a plan of attack for dealing with this, but all I can add is make sure you look after you, your feelings. and get your questions answered instead of fretting.  I so remember the sheer terror i felt almost assuming it was cancer, then being confirmed and knowing it meant surgery and treatment.  I wish you all the answers love and support you will need, you are not going through this alone x

Sending lots of love your way! 
 

I was told I had breast cancer 2 weeks ago, grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, er/pr+ and her2- 

Had my mri and going back in the morning to see what that's showed up- am terrified! 
I was supposed to have had an ultrasound too before doc will give me treatment plan but due to Covid they can't fit me in till 5th October which is so frustrating as everything now will have to wait! 

Hi mrsquincey,

I know exactly what you're going through. The positive thoughts then the negative ones. It's what I was like until a few days ago. Now ?? Well after having support from some very caring people on this site I am approaching the battle ahead fully armed.

Just 6 days ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer. It's very rare and spreads extremely quickly. It's spread throughout the breast and lymph nodes under my arm and to both lungs and liver. 

Shocked and devastated I couldn't understand how skin changes and a lump the size of a 2p in mid July could result in such a terrifying diagnosis. Which was delayed massively by the covid situation.

However after 6 days I've armed myself with information from people on here and from Mr Google himself. I spent an hour on the phone yesterday questioning my oncologist and testing different theories and strategies on. Some he answered and the rest he's going to find the information out for our first meeting tomorrow. I'm lucky compared to some people I've spoken with because I have an onco who is prepared to listen and answer endless questions.

So , tomorrow I meet him and it all becomes real. But I have a battle plan and positivity. Positivity is key. Women are born warriors and cancer will be our most difficult battle. But win, we will.

Give yourself a couple of days. Cry, shout, make deals and prayers. Then look at how you can help yourself. Diet .Supplements. Reducing stress levels. Information....arm yourself with as much as you can. And then ask questions.

You will get through this and as all the lovely people have said before me you're not alone. You have a whole load of cancer buddies who will listen, advise and comfort.

Please stay in touch as we start this journey into the somewhat unknown  and please remember you're a warrior and you can do this.

Barb xx

Thank you all. One thing I've learnt about myself is what a fighter I am. As soon as I got over the initial shock I was ready to fight this. 

Go girl. Glad to hear it cos it'll make a huge difference. Positivity is key in our situation. Good luck and keep us updated with your journey.

Barb xx

wishing you strength on the way forward from here, I wrote the following on my kitchen noticeboard : "I can cervive"  I am  surviving, its not something Id planned on facing, but right now, Im on it, getting on with it, taking the oestrogen blockers, and getting information from h ere and especially from the huge book of information the link nurse at the clinic gave me.  The oncotype dx toest they did on my tumour spent christmas in the USA being put through tests to work out type and risk of recurrence, which then decided my treatment protocol in longer term which is what they call oestrogen blockade (put me on hormone blocking drugs) and repeat mammograms. I get five  years of being able to call in if I have a problem, off to see surgeon today cos Ive come up in a mystery rash on affected side for no obvious reason.  Really hope you get good care, the nurses on here are good, so is Macmillan, especially for advice about finances etc. wishing you all the best.