Suzie, thank you so much - and I am so happy for you that you have passed the one year all clear milestone xx
That must have been such a tough year for you.
If I said having breast cancer was the easy bit, you will probably think I was mad, but in September I got pneumonia, and I was really ill.
Surgery, radiotherapy and tablets for the next 5 years were actually easier as the nurses in all disciplines were amazing. I can only sing their praises.
But at this moment it is you going through the mill, and my heart is with you. I do hope you are given the ‘normal’ on Friday, Suzzie xx
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Thinking of you Sarah @thesherbetpatch Its surprising how many of us go through some kind of upset with our breasts! Several years ago when i was in my 30’s i started getting cysts, the first time i got examined i was petrified! I was told i would get them until i reached that age! I was recalled a few times, but now, they say, they know my breasts well. fingers crossed all will be well. xx
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Really glad you’re feeling calmer and that the results were better than you feared. xx
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Thank you for sharing this Sarah. As Amberlilly said, so many of us have or will go through something similar and every time someone shares their story it makes it less terrifying for others.
Wishing all good things for you.
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Thank you!
It’s surprising how common it actually is,and since getting the call back letter two friends have shared their stories with me of finding lumps a while ago, getting follow up ultasounds but not feeling able to tell anyone at the time.
I’ll be glad when Friday is over, and I have definitive results from the biopsy…whether benign or not, I’m expecting the knowing to be easier to deal with than the not knowing.
xx
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Knowing is much easier. When I finally got my tumour diagnosis it was a relief as that meant there was A Plan, I might not have liked the plan but at least there was a way forward.
Whatever happens we are here for you if you need us.
hugs
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Keeping fingers crossed for positive results…do let us know!
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Good luck tomorrow, hope you manage to get some sleep tonight.
Suzzie xx
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Well, after the longest morning I got the results today.
It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear but the positive is that it was caught early.
Most of the samples came back as pre cancerous and contained within the ducts.
However, one sample came back as invasive and breaking out of the duct.
So now I’m on the rollercoaster no one wants to be on - the next few weeks will pass in a blurr of tests and a lymph node biopsy, followed by an operation next month, radio therapy and medication for the next ten years.
A lot to take in but I will fight it.
Sarah xx
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Sarah,I am really sorry to hear your news, we were all so rooting for you to be clear,
I am thinking of all the + points
Catching it early is such a head start to treating it.
Surgery will come round before you know it, which is the best thing as you dont have time to dwell.
Surgery is just that, and the hole that is extracted fills quite quickly with fluid that you hardly notice that one boob is a different shape, and MAY be purter!!
They offer reconstruction, so if you look at it through rose tinted glasses you kinda get a boob job!!
You get to buy a whole load of new bras.
Radio therapy is like a club, you meet the same people all going through the same thing as you for an intense 3 weeks, good to share.
You get a free tattoo, now I bet they didnt tell you that!! So the radio machine can be lined up in exactly the same place each day they mark the spot with 3 blue dots.
The tablets are easy to swallow.
You join the gang of all the women who have gone through this before you, and there will be some surprises.
We are all here for you if you need to off load again, but so are the Mc Millan nurses, who are amazing.
Prayers and hugs Suzzie x 
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Sorry to hear your news, Sarah, but at least now you know what is ahead of you and you can concentrate on getting through the process. Lots of good advice from Suzzie, so I won’t repeat that, but take one day at a time and don’t forget to really look after yourself and take time out to put yourself first with nice treats to look forward to.
Julia xx
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Oh cr*p.
Sounds strange to say but demand a neat scar, it makes a difference to mental recovery even if it has no effect on the physical one. The tattoos are tiny, I still remember being on the CT scanner bed with a doctor and nurse discussing placement of them behind me, Dr was all for turning me into a dalmatian but the nurse got her way and I ended up with just 2, I wear them with pride.
Look after yourself and we are here for you if you need us.
hugs
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I’m hoping for tiny 
The actual bit that has the rogue cells is only 10mm in diameter, but they say they want to take a bit more for clearance, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too big.
There’s not even a lump, just these cells.
I’m just feeling a bit numb at the moment…
Hey Sarah - been checking back in to see how you’re doing. The news must feel overwhelming right now.
Sending you strength & positivity and hoping you have gentle, loving care at home.
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Oh Sarah, I’m so sorry. Sending you lots and lots of love and hugs. We are all here for you, whatever time of day or night.
Much love xxxx
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So sorry it wasn’t the news you’d hoped for. Good luck with your treatment.
Mel
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Hi Sarah,
I’m so sorry to hear your news. I hope you are ok and dealing with everything you’ve been told in the psst few days - it’s a lot to take in and you’ll probably feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions.
I, like you, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016. After lots of ultrasounds and biopsies I was told I had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) an early stage which they didn’t think had spread but I had to have sentinal lymph surgery to be sure. After this I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using my back muscle. I’m very grateful to say that after this I didn’t need any further treatment (radiotherapy or chemo) but I know other ladies who did.
There have been a few complications along the way but I’m now all clear and now just going through more reconstruction - or what I call putting me back together.
Please don’t ever feel alone, hopefully your Macmillan and breast care nurses will be looking after you and they’re able to answer all your questions. I was 41 when I was diagnosed and thought the world was closing in on me, but with help from the hospital team and my wonderful family and friends I got through it.
I’m here if I can help at all and there are lots of forums including breast cancer care with ladies who have experienced what you are going through who can help.
Please take care and take time for yourself, treat yourself to nice things and spend precious time with family and friends.
Sending love and very best wishes.
Melanie x
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Hi Sarah @thesherbetpatch
There have been so many wise and comforting words sent to you, I just wanted to add my very best wishes and hope that everything goes well for you. x
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Thank you so much, ladies, for the support and kind words. It means a lot.
I don’t feel particularly brave at the moment but think I will feel a bit better once the treatment starts and I have a finish date to work towards.
Sarah xx
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