Hi, I’ve been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m going to start my chemo the following week. I live on my own and I’m very scared. I don’t know how to tell my family specially my Mum!<!-- ?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" / –>
Dear setareh
Welcome to the BCC forum where I’m sure you will find a lot of support from fellow members. You might find it helpful to look in the chemotherapy monthly threads, set up by members starting chemo in a particular month. I have attached a link to the December group:
It might also help to talk to one of our helpliners for information and support. The opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderatot
Hi Setareh,
Sorry you find yourself here, although you’ve come to the right place for advice and support.
I was diagnosed in September 2012 and finished active treatment in June. The waiting for treatment to start is the hardest time - once treatment is underway you start to feel you’re gaining back some control.
Chemo is nowhere near as bad as I had built up in my mind - I think it was the fear of the unknown. Once it was underway I settled into a regular cycle, knowing when I would feel a bit rough and when I would start feeling better. The 6 sessions flew past and there are plenty of things you can do to ease the side effects.
I worried more about everyone else during my treatment - I knew I was ok, but worried what effect it had on my parents etc. I’m sure your mum will be really supportive once she knows and will do her best to support you through the coming months.
Good luck with the start of your treatment, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Take care,
K xx
Hi Setareh,
Just wanted to let you know you’re not alone and there is so much support available.
As Kam80 said, with chemo it’s the not knowing what to expect which is the worst, once you are in a routine and have an idea of what to expect it really isn’t that bad. Can’t believe i’m nearly halfway through, it really does go quickly.
There are also helpful publications available on how to find the words to tell the people you love about your diagnosis.
Best wishes,
Shelly
Hi Satareh
You hang on in there and you’ll be fine. There are lots of people to support you and hold your hand through this. I think it is tough if, like me, you are single, but I found my friends and family rallied round so it’s not been too bad. I am about to have my third cycle of chemo this week. You do feel rough for the first few days but after that you feel quite normal again, apart from being a bit tired.
Take care and best wishes,
Anne x
Hi there, hope you are feeling less anxious. I had my Surgery the 21st of Nov last year. The chemo part finished end of May I had up’s and downs but came out the other side and so will you. I am still having Herceptin it does pass and you will be supported by your friends and loved ones once they know. Take care and I hope all goes well.
Hi Lulu34, thanks for the link, I’m going to join the group. I’m so sorry to hear about you and your Mum. Must be very difficult for both of you and the whole family! I don’t know what to say but thanks for sharing that. Hope things are getting better. Thinking of you xoxoxo
Hi Ann, thanks for encouragement and sharing your experience. You too take care and stay strong. Lots of love
Hi curleychris, I feel much better since I joined this group. Thanks for message, very kind of you. I found this site very useful, read some of the posts and found them very encouraging. I’ve been diagnosed last month and have no idea what’s going to happen to me but my doctor said the worst part was when they had to tell me that I had cancer…