I am new to this and not really sure what to write…I was newly diagnosed with lobular Breast cancer (30mm) a couple of weeks before Christmas…what a way to start a new year! My op (lumpectomy is on 29th Jan which will be followed by chemo and radiation then tamoxifen for 5-10yrs) they have also found a very small lesion to the other side which the will do a further MRI in between 4-6 months as they want to concentrate on this one first…I have a dreadful phobia of anything hospital, has anyone please any suggestions on have to over come this? Scared of things moving on but desperately trying to stay positive ? thank you for listening …x
Hello ARC70
Welcome to the forums.
I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, the first few weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with your diagnosis and treatment.
As well as the support you will receive on the forums you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
You may also like to talk things through with one of the helpline staff, they are there to offer emotional support as well as provide information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Arc
I was dx with lobular just over 18 months ago and was not used to hospitals at all either. It all takes a while to get used to so allow yourself some slack. I haven’t got any particular tips but I hope you get over your phobia, I’m sure you will as the hospital and staff are going to do their best to make your cancer a thing of the past.
Good luck with your upcoming surgery.
Take care.
Mary
Hi arc,
I’m so sorry that you have found yourself here, but finding this site is a really good place to start. I read your post with huge amounts of sympathy, as I hate hospitals too. But chemo, surgery and rads later, I’m out of the other side - and you will be too! My saviour during all of my treatment was Emla cream. It’s an anaesthetic cream, applied to the area about an hour beforehand. This makes taking blood and having canulas pain free. Anything needly is my biggest fear, and while it didn’t totally take away all of the anxiety, without it, I’m not sure I would have managed as I did. All of the staff I encountered were very understanding - I made sure I told each and every one of them how scared I was, and they were very good, treating me with “kid-gloves” so to speak. I also got a referral by my BCN for CBT therapy to help with my phobia - which also helped. Honestly, I was very, very scared of everything - and managed to get through it - and I’m sure you will too. I hope this helps a little and feel free to message me with any questions you might have. Good luck x x