I was yesterday diagnosed with IBC stage 3 and start Chemo at Warwick next week followed by other treatment in Coventry. Any local advice re: support and anything else would be great. I’m 31 and have 3 children and a husband but wonder if there is anyone near that can help and vice versa?
Emma :0)x
Hi there EmsyLou79
Sorry to hear your news. It always feels worse right at the start when everything seems completely out of control and the world is carrying on without you, but it will get better. I have had BC twice, first time 12 years ago & a recurrence 7 years ago. Both times I was treated at Warwick but in those days they didn’t do chemo so I had that in Coventry (where I live). I can’t fault either place, they were lovely to me & I still go to Warwick every 6 months for a check up. One thing that I found very helpful was that Warwick have a very good clinical psychology department & I asked to be referred for some counselling (I wanted to attack this thing from all angles & get as much help & support as I could). I must say I was sceptical at first but it really did help. I think it’s important to talk to someone outside of family who’s not so emotionally involved & you can let off steam a bit.
I had a little 8 year old daughter at the time & my worse fear was that I wouldn’t see her grow up & that was my spur to fight this horrible disease. You too will find your children will keep you going & will help you through this, as you know you can’t sit back & do nothing when you have children lol.
Keep taking all the support you can get (it makes people feel useful!) & keep in touch. This sort of website wasn’t around when I was going through mine, I so wish it was as I wouldn’t have felt so alone then.
Take care
love lbx157
Hi Emma
How are you doing? The early days after diagnosis are so hard but we have a great team at Warwick & Coventry. I was diagnosed in Oct "09 and did my chemo at Warwick and rads at Coventry,the chemo nurses are lovely and will really look after you. Honestly can’t fault anyone there, the bcn’s are really good and Dr is a sweetheart. Are you in Stratford? I live in Shipston but am often there if you ever want to meet up for a coffee and a chat. Take care and stay in touch.
kate x