Hello,
I hope this is the right place to post & I’m doing it correctly. I’m 38 & have ibc. I feel incredibly alone and lost & am struggling with the Ct emotionally.
I have been a vegi my entire life, I don’t smoke, I’ve tried to look after myself physically and I just don’t understand how this has happened.
I’ve been looking at threads on here regularly but this is my first post.
Just wondering if anyone else is out there?
Welcome to the forum @sbee . I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time . It’s fine to post anywhere on the forum but you could also post in this section of the forum Recently diagnosed with breast cancer
There’s lots of support here for you from others who understand how scary it is .Best wishes Jill
Hello, so sorry to hear you are struggling. Nobody deserves this thing. You are so young and as you say you’ve looked after yourself but it doesn’t discriminate. Be kind to yourself, try to distract yourself with things you like, try to find a friend or family member you can talk to and remember that our chances are much better now with amazing advances in treatments. I don’t know if you posted on the right bit, someone will let you know but this forum is helpful with lots of support from people who really understand what you are going through. xxx
Thank you - I live alone and have a limited support network which is making things feel harder
Oh that must be tough. This charity (BCN) have a thing called ‘Someone like me’ for supporting people. Maybe look it up?
I have inflammatory breast cancer, currently having chemotherapy. It is a scary diagnosis to get but I feel well looked after by my team. Please look up the IBC network (UK). There is a website and a really supportive Facebook group.
Thank you, it’s awful. I’ve started treatment & have found it horrendous - I ended up in hospital last night.
@heya_25 - where are you in terms of treatment?
I am coming towards the end of chemotherapy and will have surgery in mid June. I have found the monthly chemo thread on here useful, it’s somewhere you can relate to other people going through treatment at the same time as you, although everyone is different, and off-load to people who understand. Good luck with your treatment, it’s tough but I mostly managed. I also found I noticed a difference in my breast within a couple of cycles, especially the swelling and rash, which was a boost when things were tough.
I have 3 more cycles of docetaxel - and have found the side effects horrendous.
My breast has definitely reduced too but am finding it very difficult as I’m “connecting” to it again if that makes any sense? (& I know I’m going to lose it)
I’m sorry it’s so difficult. I am on Paclitaxel. I’m trying to get my head round surgery as I had an appointment with my surgeon this week. Please let your team know how difficult it has been before the next cycle, maybe even ring the helpline, as they might consider changing the dose.
Thank you - I will plan to talk to them on my next appointment. Has your plan been 8 treatments? How do you feel about surgery?
Yes I had 4 EC and now 4 Paclitaxel, each every 2 weeks, so the dose dense regime. I’m so glad it’s nearly over. I think I’m as mentally prepared as I can be for surgery as I’ve had time to get used to the idea. I don’t think the reality will hit me until it’s done. It’s not something I want but I do want the cancer gone so it has to be.
You sound so brave. I have done the 4 ec (2 weeks) & have had 1 docetaxel (3 weeks) which floored me. It all has happened so quickly.
Do you mind me asking your age?
I’m 56 and I think being older and having gone through menopause makes a difference. I know in the IBC Facebook group there are younger women going through this. I really feel for you it’s such a difficult thing to process especially with horrible side effects as well. My oncologist keeps telling me chemo is the worst bit of treatment.
I understand - people tell me this too (that chemo is the worst part) but I just can’t comprehend losing my breast.
Did it just appear for you?! Mine appeared literally in a space of days.
Yes in just a few days then started getting bigger more slowly. The waiting for results and chemo to start was terrible, I was so scared it was spreading and really anxious. One nurse suggested going to my GP for anxiety. That’s much better now. I think I can’t really believe I’m going to lose the breast even though I try to imagine it so I am worried about how I’ll feel once it’s actually done. It’s probably a bit easier for me as I’m older and separated.
Aw, i don’t think it’s easy for anyone. It’s impacted everything so quickly - mine was exactly the same and they kept saying they thought it was an abscess but the antibiotics weren’t working which was terrifying. I was & still am exactly the same anxiety & stress wise. X
I think that often happens with younger women. I thought it felt like mastitis at first but obviously it couldn’t be. I hope the anxiety lessens for you.
Same here - thank you so much for replying to me. It doesn’t seem to be talked about much here. Where are you based?