Hello everyone
I have previously posted on a couple of other threads, but was getting confused trying to keep up and remember everyone. So, thanks to those who suggested I join this discussion.
I’m 38, with a 10 month old baby boy. Was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on 28th May (four weeks after going back to work after maternity leave!). Had WLE on 1st June, then saw consultant again on 10th June, who told me that I would definitely need radiotherapy, probably chemo, and maybe hormone treatment. She arranged for 6 lymph nodes to be removed on 12th June.
The 3 weeks since I was diagnosed have been an absolute rollercoaster, and if I’m honest I really don’t think it has all sunk in yet. I’m so lucky to have supportive family and friends around, and I hope I will make new friends on here - I am so sorry that we are all having to deal with this nasty, cruel disease : (
I made an appointment with my hairdresser to have my long hair cut off next Wednesday (in preparation for the chemo). While I was waiting to see the oncologist for the final results on Wednesday (17th), I was approached by the lady at our hospital who deals with wigs, and she was so lovely. She had a good look at my own hair, and promised to order something suitable for me.
Finally (after an hour delay) hubby and I went in to see oncologist, who was lovely. She gave us the fantastic news that the cancer hasn’t spread to my lymph nodes and that the tumour removed had clear margins. She is still waiting for my HER results which will take another 2/3 weeks, but she said she is happy to arrange my treatment plan on the basis that I WONT need chemo!!! So, I am booked in to start radiotherapy on 20th July (unless the HER results come back different to what she’s expecting, but cross that bridge when we come to it) Local hospital doesn’t do radiotherapy, so I will have to spend Monday-Friday for four weeks at the Western General in Edinburgh (two hours from home). Parents live in Spain but they are going to come home and stay here so they can help out with the baby while I’m away. She’s also suggested 2 or 5 years of Tamoxifen as my ER level was 3/8 which isn’t that high, but she thinks the drugs may help lessen my chance of the cancer returning.
Sorry, this is turning into a novel, but it’s actually helping me get things clear in my head by putting them down here.
Evie, I LOVE your new wig - it looks absolutely fantastic! I have decided to still get my hair cut next week (despite having spent 60 quid on it two days before I was DX) I think a new style will signify what I am going through - don’t know if that makes sense.
To all those new ladies who have just been diagnosed in the past couple of days - hang in there!! I think I spent the first week in a total daze and didn’t sleep at all, which doesn’t help. As someone else has said, once you have a treatment plan, and know what you’re dealing with, you can understand what’s happening a bit more. Also, I went to the publications site on here, and ordered a lot of booklets and a resource pack. They arrived within a couple of days and have been an amazing help.
So, thanks for having me, and I look forward to making some new friends, and hope we can all support each other.
She xx
Wonder if that’s a good idea…