Just diagnosed
It's a lot.
You don't have to hold it all at once.
The hours and days after being told are some of the strangest you'll ever live through. Time goes weird. People say things you can't take in. Here's what tends to happen next — and how to make it less overwhelming.
What usually happens after diagnosis
Every diagnosis is different, but here's the rough shape of the first few weeks. It won't all apply to you — but it might help to know roughly what's coming.
- A multidisciplinary team meeting — your case is reviewed by surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nurses, who together design a treatment plan. You don't have to attend; the plan is then explained to you.
- More tests — to find out the exact type, size, and grade of the cancer. This may include MRI scans, blood tests, and possibly a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- A treatment plan — surgery is usually first, sometimes preceded by chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. Most plans take 6-12 months in total.
- A specialist breast nurse — assigned to you, your single point of contact. Memorise that number; you'll use it a lot.
Questions worth asking.
Write them down before you go. Take someone with you. Ask the consultant to slow down. None of this is rude — it's your life.
- What type of breast cancer is it? (e.g. ductal, lobular, hormone-receptor positive, HER2)
- What's the stage and grade?
- What's the treatment plan — and in what order?
- What are my options for surgery?
- Will I need chemotherapy? Radiotherapy? Hormone therapy?
- What are the side effects I should expect?
- How will treatment affect my work, my family, my fertility?
- Will I be treated in Gibraltar, or will I need to travel?
- Who do I call if I have questions at midnight?
- Can BCSG be in touch with me?
The bits in between.
Why doesn't anyone explain what 'grade' and 'stage' mean?
Stage describes how big the cancer is and whether it's spread (0-4). Grade describes how the cells look under a microscope, and how aggressive they are (1-3). They're separate things. Most cancers caught at screening are early stage and low-to-medium grade.
How do I tell my family?
However feels right to you. Some people tell their partner first and then sit on it for a day. Some call everyone at once. With young children, simple honest language works best: "Mum is poorly and the doctors are going to fix it. It might take a long time. I'll still be your mum." We can put you in touch with people who've done this — call us.
What about work?
You don't have to decide today. UK guidance suggests most people are off work fully for 3-6 months around surgery and chemotherapy, and many return part-time at first. Gibraltar employers are generally very understanding — and if not, BCSG can help you find someone to advise.
Will I lose my hair?
Only if you have certain types of chemotherapy — not from surgery, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy alone. And even then, the cold cap at St Bernard's (funded by BCSG) significantly reduces hair loss for many people. Ask your oncologist if you're a candidate.
Should I travel to Spain or the UK for treatment?
Most breast cancer care can happen in Gibraltar or just across the border in Spain. For specialist treatments — reconstruction, certain trial drugs — the GHA refers patients to the UK or Spain and covers the costs. Your team will explain what's available locally and what isn't.
A diagnosis doesn't have to mean doing it alone.
From the moment you call us, you have someone in your corner — for the questions, the practical stuff, the appointments, and the days when it all gets too much.