hi everyone i was diagnosed 11th april with breast cancar had my op 8th may had alot of probs since operation goto see the nurse tomorrow on the chemo ward dont know what to expect im so scared i dont know what to do i have got to have 7months of chemo and 3 months of radiothearopy and then will be on tablets for 5 yrs i hopefuuly start my chemo this week i was diagnosed on my 32nd birthday would love some support and i am here to give support back for all if needed
lpatsy xx
Hi Patsy,
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care chat forums, where I am sure you will get lots of help and advise from the many informed users of this site. In the meantime I have posted below for you links to two of BCC’s publications, the first about chemotherapy and the second radiotherapy, which you may find useful to read. You can either download a copy or order a free copy by following the links I have given. Hope this helps.
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=664
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=706
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
So terribly sorry that you have had to join us on the site here - and yet another very young lady.
Sorry that your op did not go well and you hvae had problems since. I hope things go more smoothly for you from now on. I can’t advise on chemo as I was a rads only. Am sure someone will be along soon to offer advice on what to expect from the chemo.
Hi lipgloss I have now had 4 lots of chemo and if your nurse is anything like the ones I and most others on this forum have had then I can say that the thought of the unknown is worse that the actual chemo. The nurses are highly trained and very caring -all the people there are there for the same reason and so there is a more pleasant atmosphere than you probably expect. After saying this obviously not everyone has the same side effects etc after the chemo so it may be worth reading the topic undergoing chemo where there are a lot of views and info. Don’t panic too much and I hope things go better that your op did! keep us posted.
XX
Hi sorry to hear your news. It’s sad that you have had to join us, but this is a great site and you will find lots of information and even more support. I will be starting chemo within the next few weeks and many of the ladies on here are starting before me.
If you look at the section undergoing treatment chemotherapy, you will be able to read how others are getting through it. Many have been surprised as it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as they expected. They will be able to give you more advice as they are already going through it, there are also lots of tips on there that might be of use.
Take care
Love
Ann
xxx
Hi Patsy
Sorry to hear of your DX and well done on getting this far. Chemo is a toughy, no denying that, but its manageable and you can do it.
I had all my treatment last year and I remember the first time I walked into the oncology day unit for my first dose like it was yesterday. It seemed so surreal, I never thought I would see the inside of one of those places as a visitor let alone a patient and as I was walking to a cubicle I kept whispering to my OH “you have the big chair, I dont want the big chair, I’ll sit on the edge”, but as everyone will tell you the staff are amazing, well trained, informative and very good at putting you at ease about the whole thing.
There is loads of advise on here about stuff that may or may not happen and what helps with it all. My absolute advice to anyone would be to keep in touch with your specialist nurse. I had an oncology nurse specialist but I think some hospitals have the BCN take you through the whole system. Don’t hesitate to tell them whats happening cos everyone is different and there is a heap of stuff that you can try, some will work for you some wont but they will get it right for you. Mine liased with my GP surgery about prescriptions for new things so that I didn’t have to wait for docs to sign things off. If you have to pay for prescriptions you may be wise to get yourself a pre-pay, it saved me a fortune, ask at the dispensary about it.
One other thing, if you need to see your GP or practice nurse for anything remember to say the magic word chemo when you ring, you’ll get an appt in no time, shame I cant use that one anymore LOL!!
All the best with everything and remember there’s always someone in here if you need it, we laugh together, cry together, sing and scream together.
AJxxx
Hi Lipgloss
Sorry about your dx. Try not to worry, i’ve always found the chemo nurses and bcn’s very helpful and supportive. I had my first fec last week and all through it the nurse put me at ease. sending you a huge hug (O) and a smile ; )
Hi Patsy
so sorry you have had to join us, but as the others have said, you will get a lot of help from this site. I was diagnosed in April and it was decided that i should have chemo first and then the op. I will be having my 3rd FEC this thursday. Like you, I was very, very scared, which is why I joined this site, and I have found that it has helped me so much to cope with it all, to be able to chat to people in the same boat, and also join the live chat on a thursday night. You will find that each person reacts differently to the chemo and we are all on different types. The first will be the hardest as you dont know what to expect, but you will get through it, and time will go by quicker than you imagine. Dont let it get the better of you, and make the most of the time in between each session. It wont all be as bad as you think.
Good luck and keep in touch
Deb x
Hi lipgloss,
Are the problems with your op anything we can help with,do you need any questions answering about that?
I had my chemo before op and although not a walk in the park I have come out the other side and am now having radiotherapy.
You will get plenty of support here and there will always be someone who has reacted or been where you have,
Take Care and stay strong
Mary
xxxx
hi everyone thank you all for the warm welcome that i have recieved i have been on the chemo ward today to have some tests done i can not start my chemo now till next friday because i have a cold.Will go thursday for bloods and my weight and height checked i do feel a bit more positive today the staff seemed really nice and also everyone there was so freindly got chatting to a few people going through the same thing or similar.I am glad i have found this site to come and speak to othere people it makes such a difference in my life at the moment.The promblems i had after surgery was i ended up with a hematoma 9 days after drain coming out had antibotics for that then ended up having it drained 6 times as was filling up with old blood the last time i ended up the hospital my actual scar had burst open and blood was pouring out i was so scared.Fingers crossed all is getting there now still got my breast bandaged has still open a little thanks for all your relys
lots of love
and hugs to all
patsy
xxxx
Glad to hear that you have visited the chemo ward and that you have found a little reasurance about what lies ahead. I think the fear of the unknown is a major part of the treatments we face and once we know what we are facing and that others are getting through it things get a little easier.
Good luck for next week.
lipgloss so sorry that you have had so much trubble with all your post opp …but so glad that it has all settled down for you now…
yes it is all very scary at first you feel as tho your life as come to an end, but you go girl you stay strong and you will get through
this, i start my chemo on the 1st july yes im scared but i think bring it on and make sure they zap any little cell thats left if… any
so lipgloss stay possitive and always pop on hear for a chat or support its a great site…
take care keep your chine up
sal x
Thanks everyone
means such alot to know im not on my own the last 3 years have been such a long road for me in 2005 my baby girl was stillborn it broke my heart and we are just coming to terms with losing her now i was 32 wks pregnant and she was so adorable. then this happened but i believe that it is all going make me a stronger person and i wont let anything beat me including the cancer so i will fight and i will do it for my kids and my dear husband
lots of love
patsy
xxx
Hi Patsy,
So sorry you had to join this site, I am new too and have had Mastectomy (29th May) and waiting for oncologist appointment for chemo. God knows how awful things must have been for you - I luckily had no probs with op and still it was the most horrid thing so my love and thoughts go out to you hunny…
It’s the unknown that scares me too but the support on this site has been fantastic…you suddenly find that you are not on your own.
Let us know how you get on and I hope you are well enough soon to start kicking this horrid thing into touch. I should be starting 1st chemo in next few weeks so maybe we could compare notes/sound off/have a laugh together.
Much love and a big hug
Hayley x
God Patsy,
I just posted above and then read your latest post…I am so so sorry to hear about your little girl…(currently sobbing into cup of tea) and now this has been thrown at you. You sound so very positive Patsy and thats the way to beat this (I believe). You sound like an amazing lady and hope all starts to go your way soon.
Just read my comments back and they sound so lame in the circumstances but it was the first thing that came into my head and its how I feel…you hang in there girl
love Hayley xx
Thanks hayley it means alot hun sorry that you are here to hun
im sure we can all beat this together and same goes for u if u want to talk or sound of im here aswell.
lots of love and sending everyone big hugs xxxx