Hi Rosie82 and welcome to the Cancer Chat forum.

I think many of our members, especially our breast cancer ladies, will be able to reassure you that the thoughts and feelings you're having are completely natural and now that I've replied I'm sure some of them will be along soon to offer their support and advice.

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is tough, even more so when having to contend with health anxiety as well, but you are strong and you will get through this. Our community are here for you and will do all they can to help you at this time.

Kind regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Rosie,

I am so sorry to hear about your breast worries.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer - 8 and 7 years ago respectively. Like you, there was some dispute whether or not I had a clear enough margin after my lumpectomy. Do you know what type of breast cancer you have or what stage it is? It is good news that none of your lymph nodes are affected. I had a double mastectomy second time around. This was fortunately another primary cancer. Have you made any decision about reconstruction after your surgery? I was unable to have one due to scars from previous non-cancerous operations.

I was advised by my surgeon to have radiotherapy after my lumpectomy, but never had this due to procedural errors. After my double mastectomy I was advised that there was no need for radiotherapy or chemo. I had Tamoxifen after my first op and Letroxole for 6 years after my second. I stopped taking this in July 2017.Your surgeon and nurse will have some idea about what treatment you will need after your mastectomy, but cannot be certain until they see the pathology report.

We can all convince ourselves that the cancer is spreading, but this would be found in some of the tests that will be done. I must confess that I worry more about spread since I finished taking Letrozole, but there is nothing tha can be done about that. I still have annual check-ups and just have to rely on them and think positively. There have been occasions when I suspected untoward changes and have contacted my care team and, they have been good enough to see me, test me and reassure me that all was ok. Have you got a date for your mastectomy yet?

Don't look too far to the future yet. Take things one day at a time. If you have worries about spread, ask your surgeon if all is ok in these other regions.Once you have had your mastectomy, you will find life gets a little easier as you progress to treatment and moving forward. Treatments for breast cancer have moved forward dramatically in recent years. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer 21 years ago and, the treatment I have received has been streets ahead of what she had then.

It sounds as if you have caught your cancer early and that is always a good thing. If I can be of any help in answering questions about your mastectomy, I am always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hey Rosie. I myself had same op as you and once they've tested the cells, that is only when they can get the real picture and best way to treat you. I was a grade 2 before op and a stage 2 after they went in. It was caught early for which i am extremely thankful and that no nodes were affected. It takes a very long time to get thru the emotions we have to deal with as it's such a rollercoaster. Speak to a counsellor about your anxieties and deal with the emotions.

You're going to be treated and most cancers are treatable nowadays. Listen to your body and rest as well as go for walks. Do things that help you relax. It's alot to take on at any stage but you'll find that strength. Everyone reacts differently so go with the flow. You can do this. You're on the radar and being treated which is the most important and best thing. Keep going coz you got this!

We're all on here to support one another and we get it. It's difficult for those that haven't been thru it so you're not alone. We are there every step of the way and we send you strength and a big virtual hug. It's going to be ok - you can do this. Keep us posted.x