hi everyone,
Its taken me days to get motivated to come along to the forum, but now im here, thank goodness.
I am 42, with four grown up children, and four grandchildren.
I was diagnosed with bc four weeks ago, had core biopsies and lymph node biopsies.
I had a wide local incision and stage 3 node clearance of my left breast, get results in 2 weeks as consultant on holiday.
I was told at dx that i would need chemo and radio, i am also now taking arimidex.
I am still in a bit of a haze, so much info to take in at once, i only wish my own mum was here for support, as she had bc twice, two seperate mastectomys 17 years apart, she passed away 2 years ago, bless her, but not from bc. She was a fighter,
I am sorry this post is a bit hazy, my brain is a bit fussy, i think it is the painkillers, got large swelling in armpit that i had drained yesterday, just seemed to make it worse,typical!
I am glad i finally got the motivation to come and join all you ladies, and will thank you in advance for any advice on your coping stratagies
Thanks again, SANDRAE X X X
Hi Sandra,
Glad you have joined the forum but sorry that you had to.
I am 41 and diagnosed 1st of Feb. Had the surgery 5 weeks ago and start chemo on Friday.
My first few weeks are still a haze, apart from the actual diagnosis everything is a blur.
I have struggled to cope with not being in control, but its getting easier - I think in part because this forum gives an idea of what to expect and the experiences of hundreds of others in the same position. I would read the threads relevant to you, post and ask as many questions as you need…
I also had the arm pit issue - in fact made a post about it. A strange swollen, numb sensation after surgery. The swelling has gone down a lot, but still numb.
Keep posting and asking as many questions as you need to.
Marguerite
Hi nanny4
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums where you will soon recieve lots of support from the others users. Whilst you wait for their replies you may find it helpful to have a copy of the resources pack, it has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you understand your diagnosis and the various treatments available. If you would like a copy just follow this link:-
breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/82/
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes Sam (BCC Facilitator)
Hi Sandra,
Welcome to the forums, where i know you will get lots of help and support from all the lovely ladies here. Its such a shock when you are first DX with BC and everything seems to be like you say in a haze, i felt like that too, but it does get better in time i promise.
I was DX almost 3 yrs ago now, and also had WLE/SNB Chemo/Rads and am now on Tamoxifen, and i can still remember how scarey everything was in the begining, but once you start your treatments you will feel like you will have some control back in your life and things do start to get better. Best advice is to try and not read too much on the internet or too far ahead just try and stick to whats relevent to you and just take things one step at a time, we are all here for you and will help advise and give you support if we can.
Hope the swelling under your arm settles soon and that you can get some rest. So glad that you took the plunge to post on the forums its been a lifeline for me and im sure you will find it will be for you too .
All the best to you, stay positive.
Lots of hugs
Linda x
Hi Sandra,
Well done you for joining the forum, that first step can be very difficult, something you don’t want to join! but all the help you can get on here is of great help.
I am newly diagnosed, lumpectomy and all the lymph nodes removed, going back for more surgery next week to take a clearer margin away (still a few pre cancer cells there) which l am told is not uncommon!
It will be the waiting that really gets to you, every stage is a waiting game! but with a little help from your ‘new’ friends you will get by.
As for the swelling, l have had fluid drained three times now(weekly) and although it doesn’t seem quite so swollen, it looks like l will have it done at least another couple of times. obviously we are all different some may be less and some more! but l am told it WILL stop swelling!!
Don’t struggle too much, take as much help as you are offered, and keep busy! does sometimes make the time go faster!
If you need something from your doctors to calm you a little, then at least have some on standby for ‘bad’ days, you don’t have to take them, but they are there. I have just been prescribed a ‘calmer’ not taken any yet, but good to know they are there!!
Love and Hugs to you
Sandra xxx
Hi everyone,
Thank you for your speedy replies.
I am really grateful, i know i am fortunate to have had as little as possible of my breast removed, and many of you ladies here were not as fortunate as me, so i must admit, when i feel sorry for myself, i truly do think of you many ladies who were less fortunate. If that makes any sense, i think you will know what i mean.
I am grateful for the advice about the armpit , i feel i should ring the br nurse, but at the same time, feel i may be wasting her time.
I am actually reading this back to myself, and telling myself to get a grip, lol.
Thanks again for letting me have a groan, and also i would like to say, that along with my own mum, you ladies here are an inspiration.
many thanks
Sandrae xxxxxx