Why ‘LuckyLass’? Well, I think I am - OK, so I have breast cancer, but it is a tiny tumour, in a place that it can be removed from without being disfiguring (op 4th July). Also, I am not expected to need chemo, and being post-menopausal the anti-oestrogen drugs should not give me the grief a younger woman would suffer. And I have the support of a relative who was professionally involved in cancer treatment, and some brilliantly helpful neighbours. Living in a nice rural place, with my 2 much-loved cats helps, too.
The not-so-good aspects - having been full-time carer for my disabled father for 13 years up to late 2012, I was looking forward to spending more time just doing what I wanted, including maybe getting back to the travelling I used to do. Bit cross about that. Also, I was planning to smarten up the large garden and larger-than-I-need house (after a major clear out) to sell it before the garden gets too much for me (I am in my early 60’s). The radiotherapy is going to run into the busy autumn phase in the garden, when so much ought to be done - but I bet I will be feeling k*****red at just the wrong time, not to mention the time out of each day travelling to/from treatment. Of course, this throws out the (tight) financial plans too, with all the extra travel and having to pay people to do things that cannot wait - I am on my own, no kids, no siblings to help in return for a free meal.
But I am still oddly positive - not at all like the pre-dignosis me! I have been given a kick up the posterior and made to recognise that my priorities were not good. Maybe I should be more worried - should i worry that I am not worried enough?
Hi LuckyLass and welcome to the BCC forums where you can share your experiences and support with your fellow users here
Our helpliners are on hand weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2 with further practical and emotional support should you need some on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call
I am posting a link to further support ideas from BCC including our ‘Live chat’ which is held Thursday evenings 8.30-9.30 and gives you the chance to ‘talk’ to others in real time:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services
breastcancercare.org.uk/community/chat
Take care
Lucy BCC
Hi, I’m a new member and was looking up my next chemo (Kadcyla) and came across this wonderful website! I have secondary cancer which reappeared 16 years after my original lumpectomy and have been dealing with it since 2011. I’ve had FEC, taxoterre and capecetabine which has now stopped working so feel quite gutted as I thought I was getting along quite well on it apart from numb toes! It’s good to read from all of you about side effects and up days and down days. I’m very positive 99% of the time and am going to kick back for as long as it takes. I have another CT scan on 25th June and feel I’m walking on eggshells at the moment until I know if it’s spread anywhere else. Anyway, onwards and upwards as they say and llook forward to joining you at the Forum.
No, you’ve come through diagnosis in a similar way to me, and quite a few others, I think.
You have that period of dread as you await results, wondering if this is it. Then when you’ve given the news, and a treatment plan, you accept it, and feel safe and very positive. It’s a good thing, not a bad thing, because feeling positive will help you see it through more easily.
You list a lot of good things to feel lucky about. I am very pleased for you. Yes, it has inconvenienced you a little this summer, but it is one summer out of many. This time next year, you will be enjoying normal life again, and this will all be a distant memory.
Well done. Stay positive and you’ll see it through in no time. :womanhappy:
Hi laurelle,
Welcome to the BCC forum. I hope you will find lots of support from fellow members here. I’ve attached a link to some information about Breast Cancer Care’s services for people with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis. I hope this helps. You might also find some useful threads in the Secondary Breast Cancer section of the forum.
forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/I-have-secondary-breast-cancer/ct-p/secondary_breast_cancer
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hello
I was prompted to reply as I am almost in the same boat as you(apart from having had a father to look after, I didn’t have a father!).I am divorced, no kids, no siblings to run after me, and friends (perhaps unlike you) not able to spare much time…
However, on the bright side, had a small tumour, lump out, some tablets and probably radiotherapy and all should be well. We’ll see…
I too have a garden (which I don’t enjoy …at my age it is another chore which prevents me from doing emjoyable things) and will just have to get a gardener to do it, plus a weekly cleaner: both are do-able as I am spending no money going out these days.
I too love to travel, and this situation has put it on hold which I bitterly resent, as I was hoping for a good holiday!
Never mind, I am sure with your positive outlook you will be absolutey fine!!! At least you have options, which is great! By the way, not everyone feels fatigued after radiotherapy, it’s very individualistic I believe.
All the best…