I was diagnosed with BC on November 15th 2012, 1.3mm tumour in left breast, ER+, Grade 3, no Lymph NI. This cancer arrived (thought by docs) due to damage caused by previous radiotherapy i had 18 years ago for non hodgkins lymphoma (from which i recovered well), had a left mastectomy on 19th December 2012 and am due to start chemo in a few weeks EEK- in one way chemo doesnt feel as horrific to me as as it might do to someone who hasnt been through it before, on the other hand I know what’s coming!! I have been reading all of your posts the last few weeks and have related so much to what some of you have said, however i don’t know where to begin posting so thought I would just post an introduction as a starting point.
Im 37, married to a lovely husband and we have two beautiful children 5yrs and 1yr old, they have been and are my absolute strength and inspiration to kick this thing into touch! I feel confident about treatment and getting through this but I’m terrified about the future, i.e learning to live with this again, possibility of reoccurance or other cancers. I would love to hear from anyone, in particular mums, anyone who has had BC as a result of previous cancer treatments or anyone who lives in the Coventry&Warwickshire area.
In addition to the support you will soon have here, our helpliners are here to offer you further support and a listening ear on 0808 800 6000, lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays
You may find the following link to the BCC ‘Younger women’s’ information page useful, here you will find lots of support ideas including our ‘Younger women’s forums’ whereby you can meet up with others in a similar position, you can read more here:
Hi Sarah, I’m so sorry you find yourself having to go through this. I live in Bedworth so not far from you, I was 43 when diagnosed with a 4 year old daughter - terrified doesn’t come close. That was a year ago, treatment has finished, I’m back at work, have some hair, things are getting back to normal, albeit very slowly. I have to say not a day goes by without me thinking about bc, recurrance or secondaries, I’m hoping this will lessen in time, I’m also starting cbt/mindfulness soon, hopefully that will help.
Don’t know if youre aware but there’s a Facebook group for younger women, it’s called The Younger Women’s Breast Cancer Network, run by some of the ladies from this forum. You need to like the page and send a pm to admin, they’ll then add you to the group.
Feel free to pm me if you have any questions or want a chat.
Take care
Lydia x
Hi Lydia,
thanks for replying& well done for getting through your treatment. I remember from before that it gets easier to live with in time, however it’s so difficult to think about that at the time. CBT sounds good, I’d be interested to know how you get on, my usual oncologist has suggested some sort of psychological counselling which I’m considering in the future. I’m not on Facebook but may join just for that group as if it is as good as this site it will be useful. Where were you treated if you don’t mind me asking?
Thanks
Sarah x
Hi Sarah
I am a mum of 2 boys (aged 5 and 6) and diagnosed with BC end October
I have had lumpectomy and started chemo last week
It is a completely overwhelming situation, and I am just trying to take it one step at a time.
I haven’t had any “formal” support yet but going to ask BCN as seems like a long journey ahead.
I am on the facebook group for younger women that Lydia suggested and it is lovely not to feel alone… also get immediate response which is really comforting at 2am
lots of luck xx