Newly Diagnosed & Petrified

[19star19]

Hi,

I wrote a msg in the ‘awaiting results’ section last week…and as I knew deep down in my heart I have this week been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I don’t have all results and details yet, but it’s looking like 4-6months chemo, mastectomy (I’ve pushed for this) and then some radiotherapy - approx a year of treatment.

I’m 37, with a 10 month old daughter and am feeling petrified.

Petrified I haven’t started treatment yet.

Petrified of starting treatment.

Petrified it won’t work.

Petrified of a reoccurrence.

We so desperately wanted another child and I feel so much grief that in reality this likely will never happen now.

Do any of you amazing people have any tips on how you emotionally coped with the experience?

And if you ever reach a point where you don’t live in constant fear of it?

Plus, if anyone has tried to conceive again after treatment, what your experience was and how you felt mentally about it?

Thanks so much.

[southwest123]

Hi @19star19

I’m so sorry that it has been confirmed you have breast cancer. It is such a frightening experience and I’m sure every one of us can empathise with how you are feeling now.

Things that helped me were a couple of sessions of MacMillan counselling to come to terms with receiving a diagnosis. I wrote in a journal each morning which helped to get out all my feelings in a safe way and then be able to at least try and put them to the side. Exercise was also huge for me. I got into a bit of a funk and then forced myself back into it and it helped to clear my mind temporarily and I am also convinced is a significant factor in a good recovery and no ongoing issues.

I can’t answer all of your questions as my pathway was different to yours, but the one question I do want to reply to is whether you can ever reach the point of not living in constant fear of cancer. It’s hard to believe right now, but the answer to that, for me at least, is yes you can. It is absolutely possible for many many people to get through this and back to a happy and and healthy life.

Keep reaching out for support when you need to. The wonderful people here will hold your hand every step of the way. x

[Shi]

sorry you find yourself here, do look at the younger women with breast cancer section and I believe they are having a meet up in Bristol if that’s possibility for you, try not to process everything at once, take it a day at a time a treatment at a time your treatments will be tailored specifically to you and this can change as you go through treatment, I know for lots of us it did, trust your team they have seen it all before and will take care of you, but don’t be afraid to have a voice if you are not ever happy with how you are looked after we’re all here on the forum, do look at joining the threads that you might want to along the way or starting new threads too breast cancer now’s got you and will help and support and listen as will everyone here with kindness and compassion Shi xx