I am so scared as have been diagnosed with grade 3 agressive breast cancer and need a mastectomy. Booked in to have lymph nodes removed on 17th July, for testing before big opp. Can’t help my mind wondering off and wish it would all go away. Its such a shock that has hit me really bad. Need all the support I can get so thought I would join this site to be in touch with other ladies in the same situation as myself. Doctors have told me that it is very treatable but I just want this thing gone tomorrow and not have to wait a month. Anybody got any advice on how to stay calm…
Welcome Neetie !!Its very hard to stay calm when you have just been diagnosed ,the first couple of weeks are horrible ,overwhelming but after that the anxiety levels do die down and you begin to feel more calm and in control .A lot of us have resorted to medication from GP to help through the first few days -if you are really struggling give GP a ring .Talk to us here we have been there and understand .A month does seem like a lifetime doesn’t it ,I was diagnosed on the 28th May 2 years ago and had op on 18th June .I stayed at work til day before op (not quite sure how I got through it was in a bit of a daze ) but at least it gave me something else to think about .Try and keep busy ,don’t spend too much time on your own,get out and walk it helps bring down levels of adrenaline .You will feel better -I promise.Jill.
I am having mastectomy and lymph nodes removed on Friday. I was only diagnosed last week 22nd. I am going to work this week to keep me occupied. It’s scary but the alternative really doesn’t bear thinking about. You will get great support on here with lots of factual information and great tips. Be strong together we will beat this. Sending a hug Xxxx
Neetie, sorry to hear your news, but as my Consultant said, if you’re going to have cancer, then this is the one to have! Tips for staying calm do vary from person to person, but these were the best ones for me: keeping a diary of my journey. I wrote in it in the wee hours of the morning when sleep escaped me. I ranted and raged in it when I couldn’t with my hubby. I also used this site to gather pertinent questions for my meetings with the medical team. Exercise - walk to get stronger in body and mind. Nutrition - healthier options. There’s hours of reading in recipe books! ? My tumour was ductal and oestrogen +ve, so I started to do food swaps based on this. Weapons of war - buying for England. Soft face cloths, clothes pre and post op, Manuka honey, ALoe Vera toothpaste , baby toothbrushes , non scented paraban free toiletries. Not cheap this cancer thingy!! Other ladies have found meditation, mindfulness, yoga and Pilates very helpful. I go to my Maggies centre and do Pilates twice a week when chemo allows. Finally, be good to yourself . Put things in the diary - meet friends, go to a concert and enjoy life. Stay strong. Best wishes . X
PS. Do not Google .?
Neetie do you have to go back to work tomorrow -sounds like you could do with a few more days to get your anxiety levels down to a more manageable level .I had telephone appt with doc and he gave me a weeks worth of Valium just calmed me down enough (low dose ) to be able to process things a bit .You could get your manager to tell people on your behalf or don’t tell them at all right now -I told colleagues I had “women’s problems” and needed an op -no-one asked me any questions as they were too embarassed!I then told people as and when I felt able /wanted to .
Hi Nettie like you only my boss new I took a few days a/l and asked my boss to tell my colleagues my news whilst I was off as I couldn’t face telling them myself I went to see my gp Friday and have been signed off work for six weeks as my head really is on the shed I’m going back to gp on Friday and going to ask for something to help me sleep as haven’t had a decent sleep Since diagnosis got my MRI tomorrow be so glad wen I get the results and I no what I’m dealing with to complicate matters I have fibroids and I’m waiting to have on op on them as causes horrendous monthlies so don’t no wats gonna happen about that phew I’m done in x
You certainly seem to have you fair share of stuff to deal with at the moment Jojums!!!Good luck with MRI .Things will get better,anxiety levels do die down ,sleep returns -good days gradually become more frequent .Do whatever you need to do to get through the next few weeks ,sleeping tablets ,Valium whatever ,it will get better .Jill.
Hi everyone, thankyou for your kind words it really does help. I am planning to go back to work tomorrow but will wait to see how I feel in the morning. I break up on Friday anyway for 2 weeks leave so would like to go back before I finish as my op will be after my fortnight off. Not sure about telling people at work as don’t want the sympathy so may just say it’s gynecology stuff, good idea. Feel a little better today and I think I am starting to come to terms with what is happening. Thankyou everyone for great support, really desperately needed, bug hugs to you all xxx
Good luck today Neetie- I told people "women’s problems " didn’t go into any detail , this wasn’t exactly a lie and seemed to quite successfully stop people asking questions -apart from one very nosy colleague! .I then told a couple of colleagues that I liked and trusted in my own time (and on my way home as ended up in tears every time I told people !!!).
Hi Neetie
I am in the same position as you, diagnosed 2 weeks ago with idc grade 3 with a large area of dcis. Having mastectomy 13th July. I am HER2 positive so will be having chemo etc. My heads all over the place so know exactly how you are feeling. Good luck, we will get through this together x
Hi Sharmer, yes we will get through this and be a stronger person at the end. Good luck with your treatment, really good to hear from other ladies in the same position ? xx sending hugs