Being diagnosed with breast cancer – stories from real people
Everyone’s experiences are different and individual. But it can be helpful to hear from others who have been through a similar thing. There is also further information
Two strangers, one diagnosis of breast cancer: Nellie and Phil
In this video, Phil and Nellie share their unique experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer and discuss some of the common misconceptions around breast cancer.
What was your experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer?
“I had a routine mammogram through the NHS Breast Screening Service. I had no concerns with my health. They asked me to attend a further mammogram – it was then that it was revealed abnormality had been detected in my left breast. As well as a mammogram, I also had a biopsy. A week later, the results came back as infiltrating ductual carcinoma (DCIS).”
- Lurline, diagnosed with DCIS
“I had started to feel extremely tired all the time and lost my appetite. I started to have stomach problems so I went to the doctor and was told everything was ok. A few months later, I found a lump. Went to the doctor and once again was told it was nothing. 3 weeks after that I started to experience pain in my left breast and when I checked it again the lump had become bigger and harder. This time when I went to the doctor, I was told I needed to go to hospital.”
- Nina, diagnosed with breast cancer
“I went to the GP after finding a lump in my breast. My family and friends all reassured me it would just be a cyst and nothing serious, but my mum said I should go in thinking the worst, just in case. After seeing a consultant at the hospital, I was sent for a scan and six biopsies as well as two mammograms.”
- Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
What's next?
As part of our work to transform Macmillan, we have set up teams of colleagues to tackle the big questions about cancer.We are now putting this work into practice and looking at the answers our teams have come up with alongside other evidence to make the best possible decisions about how Macmillan should evolve.
By doing this, we will ensure we are providing the best most equitable and inclusive support for people with cancer now and in years to come.
Visit Transforming Macmillan Together for the latest updates.
How did you feel after your diagnosis?
Jenny
“When I was given the diagnosis, I just remember feeling tense and numb, like everything was suddenly moving in slow-motion. When I get upset I tend to hold my breath, and that’s what I was doing then.”
- Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
Nina
“I felt an immense sense of sadness and my only concern was my daughter.”
- Nina, diagnosed with breast cancer
"I speak regularly to my Macmillan breast cancer nurse Emma, who’s really good at breaking down what’s happening" - Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
What was treatment like for you?
Jenny
“I’m really conscious of my body and how I look, but I always have been. It’s only been two months since I had a mastectomy and getting used to my body now is a process, but I’m getting there. Everything happened so quickly once I was referred and diagnosed, but now that things have slowed down I can start to come to terms with it.”
- Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
Lurline
“The treatment plan was to have surgery (lumpectomy) and then radiotherapy. During the surgery, another routine biopsy was taken in which the results revealed a more invasive carcinoma Grade 2 and HER2 positive. Thus, the treatment plan had to change to include cycles of chemotherapy and target therapy. In just a few weeks my life changed.”
- Lurline, diagnosed with DCIS
Nina
“I had 6 months of chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. The treatment is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I did my research and asked as many questions as I needed from my breast care team. I always felt well informed and able to make my own decisions if I didn’t agree with any part of my treatment.“
- Nina, diagnosed with breast cancer
More information about breast cancer
We have a range of information about breast cancer on our website.
Where did you find support?
“The service provided by Macmillan at the hospitals I attended has been superb. The vast resources of free information, advice and supportive activities have helped me not only to cope but to feel positive about myself while at my most challenging times.”
- Lurline, diagnosed with DCIS
“I’ve been having some therapy provided through Macmillan which is really helpful as they get the whole cancer side of things and the ensuing trauma that comes from going through a cancer diagnosis and tough treatment. I was referred to Macmillan for treatment through the nurses at my hospital.”
- Nina, diagnosed with breast cancer
“I speak regularly to my Macmillan breast cancer nurse Emma, who’s really good at breaking down what’s happening and explaining what I can expect at each stage of my care.”
- Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
“Leaflets, consulting Macmillan’s website and talking to a Macmillan adviser were some of the best things that happened for me. The leaflets, which I kept with me for quite a while, helped me realise I could get disability benefits.”
- Anoushe, diagnosed with breast cancer
Support during diagnosis
Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:
- call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00
- chat to our specialists online
- visit our breast cancer forum to talk with people who have been affected by breast cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.
More stories from people with breast cancer
Read Emma's story about being diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast in the shower.
Read about Mel's experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving support from Macmillan.
Read Sal's story to learn more about the emotional and financial effects of living with breast cancer.
Share your experience
By sharing your experiences with us, you can help influence Macmillan's work and inspire more people to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer.
Ways to get involved
If you are living with or have been affected by cancer, there are many ways you can get your voice heard. Sharing your experience as part of the cancer voices community, sharing your story with the media or giving advice on our Online Community, are all powerful ways to help make the future better for people living with cancer.
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