Breast cancer diagnosis

I’m so sorry to hear this Parksey, I can’t offer you any guidance but just wanted to send hugs.
I’m currently waiting for a second biopsy to determine whether a lump found on a routine screening is cancerous.
Similar age to you, late 60’s.
Life does throw curve balls at us doesn’t it. Thinking of you x

Parksey, I'm so very sorry to hear this , I have not had this diagnosis personally, but my niece,not long after she was married,found a lump which was was found quickly, although it was grade 4, she chose to have the breast removed instead of a lumpectomy, she was always so positive she had chemo and now 15 years later she's still cancer free, wishing you all the very best...

Im sorry you have had this shock.

I dont have any personal experience to offer you but I did want to respond to you.

I can only say that I have several friends who gave had that diagnosis. One just two weeks ago and one thirty years ago and then all those in between those two figures. And they are all still here and enjoying life.

I hope the treatment won’t affect you too badly and that you recover speedily..

It’s the absolute unexpectedness of it that blows you away. Once you have had all the tests and have a treatment plan in place, you will have become more adjusted to the situation and will be in a much better place. It’s the not knowing that is the worst bit. Some people like to keep it all private, but for myself, I just told everyone as soon as I knew exactly what I was dealing with. The huge outpouring of love and support I got from family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues was such a morale booster. However, everyone is different. You will find your own way. Lovely that your husband is supportive. Your sons will be too, I know mine were. You are at the beginning of a journey and you will get through it. I am now eight years down the line from a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Your travel plans will just be postponed, not cancelled. Since my recovery, we have been to Bermuda and also on a transatlantic cruise. The breast cancer nurses and doctors are amazing. Ask them anything, they’ve heard it all before. My very best wishes to you and please keep us updated (if you want to) on your treatment and how you are getting on. ❤️

So sorry to hear this - I have had one or two scares, but I have 4 friends who have had breast cancer. One was diagnosed 25 years ago , had treatment and still here with us. A second had a double mastectomy at 60 and lived till 83 . The other two are young women , in their early 50s about 5 years ago and are doing very well.
I’m sure you are in shock, but I hope these success will give you some positive feelings.
Good luck Parksey

I was diagnosed at 62 and now I’m 89.
I can say that while there will never be a good time to be diagnosed ,with all the advances in treatment 2026 is better than years ago, even 1999 when I was diagnosed.
Be positive, take heart that everything will be done to ensure that you will get the latest treatment and your chances of success are better than they have ever been.
I wish you good luck on your journey.

I'm sorry you're going through this Parksey. I was diagnosed nearly 15 years ago at age 56. You're at what's probably the most difficult time right now, dealing with the initial shock and emotions while still waiting for additional tests. Though it's difficult to keep your mind from thinking ahead, try to take things one step at a time. Lean into the love and support of your husband. I was lucky to have mine and he's continued to be a source of strength through the years. It was hard to tell our grown sons but they and their wives were supportive and caring. I wish you the best.

I am so sorry to hear your news and it is the least expected. I am also in your position, was diagnosed in June and operated on in August. I am now going through the treatment planning stage. My advice is to lean on your breast nurses, Macmillan, any local breast cancer charities and above all look after yourself. You are the most important person here. Remove yourself from any demands of any kind and focus on getting through the a day at a time. People will come up with well meaning positive toxicity like 'chin up'. Feel what you feel, talk to Macmillan, and make sure you get enough rest, sleep, and a steady diet. You've got this but this is about you and your journey. I send all my very best wishes to you and wish you a stable, safe, and above all kind few weeks ahead.

I’m sorry to hear your news.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer back in 2017. I told my three children when the diagnosis was confirmed. Otherwise I didn’t really tell many people at all. Because of my age - early 60s - I was put on a trial where I had no chemotherapy or radiotherapy. I had a lumpectomy, took hormone therapy (anastrozole) for 5 years and annual mammograms.

I was treated very well by all the nursing and medical staff. It was a difficult time and sometimes it feels like it had all been a dream. Of course it wasn’t.

Just remember that there are new discoveries and treatments all the time.

Thank you for your kind words and good wishes. All good advice. I wi

My phone does not want to work today! I will try to take each day as it comes. I have a lot to be grateful for with good family and friends. Will update as my journey progresses. So many questions going round in my head .

I was in your position in 2024. I was surprised at how calmly I took the news. I knew that the success rate these days is amazing so breezed through it. My main worry was who would look after my cats when I had my op. It was all done in a day so wasn't a problem
I understand how shocked you are feeling, but you will be dealt with speedily and efficiently. You will be assigned your own nurse to discuss any concerns you have. The NHS is wonderful in these circumstances. You will hopefully be off on your travels before you know it.

I was diagnosed with follicular cancer (thyroid) when I was 37.

My youngest child was 6.

It was an awful time, I didn’t want the children to know and my husband was in denial, I frequently cried myself to sleep.

I didn’t want people saying “it will be alright” I wanted someone to help me deal with whatever eventuality I was to face.
My mother was useless and my in-laws not much better.

The period between diagnosis and treatment was awful as I could imagine the tumour growing and growing.

Once I had surgery and started on a pathway of treatment everything was so much better, I was in really good care and had excellent support.

I recovered quickly and went through a kind of renaissance, I ditched a few so called friends, got a new job and valued myself and my life a great deal more.

Having a supportive husband is a great start, I understand your emotions are all over the place, I was planning funerals and buying wigs and then as the days went by I became calmer as I had accepted my diagnosis.
I didn’t have Dr Google thank goodness so that made it easier.
I had a holiday before I went in for surgery and actually had a decent week .

Perhaps tell your sons, the more love and support you have the better.

I wish you all the best.💐

@Parksey I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I've had breast cancer and I often say it's the one to get! Meaning the treatments are excellent and the services largely efficient. Managing emotions can be hard but if you're the sort of person who likes online forums (you're here, after all) you could try the Macmillan community. They have boards for every cancer, lots of good advice and places to moan, which can be useful if you don't feel like moaning at your friends/family. Best of luck.

Treatments are improving all the time, which is a good reason try to remain positive. Also, the cancer has been found and you are in the system for treatment. The situation could have been much worse if your diagnosis had come later (which is what we said about DH - see below).

Having said that, a friend was diagnosed some 25 years ago and is still with us. Another friend had treatment about 10 years ago and is still working at 74. DH's sister is still on treatment but travelling to places she wants to visit.

DH was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer a year ago and we were shocked and upset, of course. Initially we felt much as you do. Treatment started promptly and we had flurries of appointments at hospitals all over the region. DH decided to take an interest in everything that was being done, which made it less scarey. He won't be "cured" but is responding to the treatment, appointments have reduced to 6 monthly or yearly at the moment. We've given up the things we were obliged to do and are enjoying doing the things we want to do. In many ways, life is more enjoyable and less stressful at the moment.

It's not a death sentence but an opportunity to re-evaluate and make your life better. So... there are many reasons to be positive and every reason to go ahead and enjoy travel as much as you can around your treatment.

I have no advice, but wish you well