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Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 57 ..looking for positive storues

(51 Posts)
Jurrasic Fri 12-Nov-21 17:14:36

Hi
I am approaching 57 and just been diagnosed with early breast cancer picked up through routine screening. I have an 8mm invasive ductal cancer currently thought to be grade 2. Lymph nodes look ok and sentinel node will be checked in my lumpectomy. The care I have had has been superb ..3 weeks from initial screening - secondary screening then consultant appointment yesterday on 11th. Surgery booked for 7th Dec and no other tests needed and no further appointments until consent one on 2nd then day surgery on 7th.
I know I have been picked up very early and consultant overwhelmingly positive and mostly I am too but I would love to hear other positive stories to read when I'm feeling low. I am very healthy generally so this was shock. I am blessed with 4 grandchildren ages 8 to 15 already with more planned and want to feel positive and forward looking. The cancer chat forums are great but don't usually have people who have come through the other side and moved on and that is what I would love to hear about. Thank you in advancesmile

Jurrasic Sat 13-Nov-21 07:13:47

Lovely ladies again a HUGE thank you. These stories are just what I wanted and needed to hear. Reading through them is so affirming and when I'm having a low day I shall come back and re read them. I do feel generally optimistic and the staff I have met have been all been incredible - NHS at its best. I will update you all after my op on 7th. Thank you again ..you have been so kind and it has made a big difference xxxxx

pensionpat Sat 13-Nov-21 07:48:14

I sometimes forget that I had breast cancer 11 years ago, at the age of 63. It was picked up at a mammogram and was diagnosed as Stage 2. I looked once at one of the recommended online support groups, but that scared me. I had a lumpectomy, radiation, and tablets for 5 years. I never had any pain or discomfort, no fatigue from radiotherapy and no side effects from the medication. Lymph nodes were also clear. My sister said at the time “anyone would think you’ve had a cold”. I had a lot of luck! I agree with GaGa. Throughout your journey only worry about the next part. I wish you the same luck as I had.

hulahoop Sat 13-Nov-21 08:18:28

Another here ,I found my lump ,I had mastectomy followed by chemo which at times was gruelling I was told to listen to my body and rest .I was 64 when diagnosed ,it's 6yrs ago now.Wishing you good luck ?

Froglady Sat 13-Nov-21 08:41:50

Where I live there is a breast care support group that meets every month. The ladies love it as it means that they meet other women who have been or are in the same position as they are and it's great for giving support to women who think that whatever they're going through is only happening to them and then they find others that have experience of going through it so they don't feel so alone any more.
Ask at your local breast cancer unit if there is anything like this in your area. Newly diagnosed women in East Lancashire get the information about the support group.
Good luck.

multicolourswapshop Sat 13-Nov-21 08:45:43

My dear neighbour was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 7 yrs ago and now the wonderful news is it’s all cleared up and she’s as healthy as ever.

InnocentBystander Sun 14-Nov-21 12:23:20

My wife was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ in 1997 at age fifty. After several local recurrences and ongoing drug treatment she is still here! I decline to claim she's well because I don't want to tempt fate, but she's here and living a normal life at 74 years of age. Chin up, it's not a death sentence!

DiscoDancer1975 Sun 14-Nov-21 13:08:01

My friend was almost the same age and circumstances as you. She had a tiny lump which could not be felt. It was the mammogram that picked it up.

She had 6 months I think, of radiotherapy, and she’s been clear about 4 years. She has to take anti oestrogen tablets for life, but other than that, you’d never know she was ever ill.

I wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery...and for many more grandchildren?

MissMarpleknows Sun 14-Nov-21 16:27:57

Gardenersdelight2

Both my mother at 78 and a close friend at 39 have been treated for breast cancer in last two years and are well
Your diagnosis sounds similar to my mum she had a lumpectomy followed by 3 weeks radiotherapy and is now on a daily tablet and annual mammogram for 5 years
My friend had a larger tumour (plus maternal family history) required a mastectomy and reconstruction followed by I rounds of chemo now being followed up and on daily tammoxifen
Hope this helps ?

Hi Jurrasic, thanks for posting on my thread ?
It’s true, we seem to be on a similar journey aren’t we? I’m still getting used to the idea ….. I’m sure you are too. After the interminable rounds of waiting, in 3 weeks or so the surgery will be behind us! I’ll send you a private message if I may?
?

MissMarpleknows Sun 14-Nov-21 16:56:08

Oops, sorry Gardenersdelight, I’m not sure how I quoted you on my post to Jurrasic. I’m not too practised at posting yet!

62Granny Sun 14-Nov-21 16:56:51

I worked for many years in a day centre for patients with cancer, I have seen many ladies like you picked up through screening , who came through our doors who went onto make a full recovery and even now 10 years on I still see some around the local area. I am sure with the tremendous care you are already receiving you will be one of these ladies.

Jurrasic Sun 14-Nov-21 19:51:00

Thank you again ladies for all your support and lovely thoughts. It has made all the difference. I will let you know how things go smile

Jurrasic Mon 29-Nov-21 16:14:29

Just reread your lovely inspirational stories as having a bit of low day. Now op date minus 7 days and really want this op done and over with and now what next treatment wise. These stories of those that have come out the other side and living life to the full are lovely and help focus me on looking forward with positivity smile

Marydoll Mon 29-Nov-21 16:19:40

I have no advice to offer, but send you my very best wishes.

Flossiebo Mon 29-Nov-21 16:33:53

Jurassic, I had BC when I was 45.
I had a double mastectomy, lymph removal (24 of 25 were cancerous), chemo, rads hair loss, reconstruction....... then I had metastases- ovarian. I had an oopherectomy and oral chemo.
I was stage 4. Cue doom and gloom.
I am now 60. Have travelled far and wide, bought a campervan and roam the length and breadth of the UK.

Life is good! Take everything you are offered - belt and braces time - and embrace life afterwards ???

Jurrasic Mon 29-Nov-21 18:06:35

Flossiebo..what a fabulous embracing of life! Wonderful and thank you for posting. And thank you too Mary doll
I'm feeling a bit better now. I had a pre planned week off last week and went back to work today which is what triggered it I think as I really enjoy my current job having had a difficult couple of years in my previous job and was feeling a bit sorry for myself about next week.
Anyway the pity party for one is over for now ! Xx

Trisha57 Mon 29-Nov-21 18:43:22

Jurrasic thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and fears on GN. I have just received a second reminder for my mammogram. I threw the first one away, thinking that as I had had regular mammograms before with no problems I was probably OK. Your post has made me re-think. I will be phoning for an appointment tomorrow.

So much positivity from other posters must have reassured you and I wish you well and send my best wishes for a positive outcome. It appears that it has been caught very early so all the signs are very good...

Sending positive vibes to you!

bridie54 Mon 29-Nov-21 19:03:30

Jurassic, sending all best wishes your way and thank you so much for starting this thread. Reading all these positive stories is so good. DH son (50’ish) is just embarking on treatment for Stage 4 lung cancer so I read DH the posts of Stage 4 survivors. W

Jurrasic Tue 30-Nov-21 07:18:17

Yes Trisha57 please do smile My early BC can't be felt because it is so small and deep in the breast so if I hadn't gone for my routine screening I'd be none the wiser and by the time I could have felt it it would have been much more advanced. The screening picked it up very early and I'm told by the consultant is "100% sortable" so I feel grateful for the screening programme
Much love xx

Jurrasic Tue 30-Nov-21 07:20:48

You are very welcome bridie54 . I am glad this thread helped you and rereading it certainly does me when I'm feeling sorry for myself. Sending you and your son much love ..treatment is getting developing and getting better all the time
Sending you both love and best wishes xx

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rainbowqueen Fri 25-Feb-22 18:54:57

I've had breast cancer twice, and apart from the initial shock which is indescribable as you know, I have survived it well. I look on my scars as victory lines (all four of them, two on each side), showing that I've survived and am over it now. Sending you really positive vibes and hope those negative spells become less and less as time goes on.