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Hello, I am new to this Forum. I hoe it’s OK just to share at the moment.

I am 70 years old and the end of November 2024 I thought I was having my last ever mammogram. No symptoms whatsoever of anything. 2 weeks later I got a call back - instant panic, but then I thought, it’s just a mistake.

However late Christmas Eve afternoon I received the news that I had Breast Cancer. I was told it was Stage 1 and therefore early and treatable. My life kind of fell apart at that point.

I have had a couple of calls woth Breast Cancer Now and MacMillan during the early stages but have then really must gone from appointment to appointment.

Sometimes made to feel a bit guilty because others perception was that it’s only MILD. That is NOT how it felt to me.

I am very needle phobic so all the biopsiese were a nightmare. However I do want to say that the treatment I have received, right across the broad, from people on the phone right through to, and including, the surgeon has just been OUTSTANDING.

I have just had my CT and Radiotherapy Planning meeting and will be starting Radiotherapy on 27th March.

My emotions have come and gone but right now, for some reason, I am beginning to feel very jittery.

I currently have 3 birtdays, Mother’s Day and a Family Wedding to get through as well. I will be going on holiday to Fife (I live in Cumbria, so not too far) so that I can attend an important family wedding a few days later). I really really want to attend this wedding but am worried about how I will be just a week after final radiotherapy.

I apologise for the lengthy message, but I hadn’t realised until typing how everytihng was building up inside me. I’m probably being really silly and feel guilty because what I’m going through is not as difficult as a lot of people.

I hope it’s been OK to share all this, thank you.

Maureen

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Hi @maureen4 please don’t feel silly or guilty. You have been plunged in to a situation that you didn’t expect, don’t necessarily understand and certainly didn’t ask for. Your response to that is completely legitimate. I was 66 when called back from a routine mammogram and had a lumpectomy of my Stage 1 IDC followed by 5 sessions of radiotherapy and five years of Letrozole. I am 69 now and have enough distance to think quite calmly about it all. You are right in the thick of it so it’s understandable that your emotions are running rampant. You are, however, in the right place to find support.

With regard to the radiotherapy, I had no skin breakdown at all. My right boob did feel quite hot but I kept it moisturised mainly with Aveeno cream (some hospitals hand out creams but mine, in West London didn’t). It also went a nice tanned brown for 5-6 months but that eventually faded. The tricky thing is the fatigue. I got hit with it after about 6 weeks and it went on for a month. Lots of people get over the fatigue much quicker, it’s all very individual. Have you let people know about your diagnosis? That’s another individual decision but it might be worth prewarning one of two key people that you might need rest periods during the family events. You have to think about yourself over the next few months as counter-intuitive it may be. Do as much as you can and want to and no more until your equilibrium is back. It may feel like it never will be back but I assure you that it will in time.

Others will be along to advise you according to their experiences shortly and I also recommend speaking to the BC Now nurses on 0808 800 6000 to chat through your concerns.

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Thank you so much. I use E45 so will up the use of that. It’s good to know that I’m not being silly. I just hope to manage an afternoon for the wedding as I’ve already said I won’t be joining in the Disco in the evening. I have prewarned a couple of people and the bride herself is now a Doctor and there are two a Nurse in my husbands side of the family, so I’m hoping they will understand. It’s so good to chat to people who know what it’s like. Thsnk you again

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Hello Maureen,

I’m so sorry you are going through breast cancer, however we are all here for you with lots of love and support.

Taking one day at a time, radiotherapy can be tiring, however I was lucky not to have to many problems, lots of cream, drink plenty of water, lots of good food. And most of all be kind to yourself.

I feel sure you will have a great time with your upcoming events, it’s always nice to have something to look forward to.

Wishing you well, with health and happiness going forward, please remember we have all been there and now we are here for you.

Biggest hugs Tili :rainbow::pray::rainbow::pray:

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Hello Maureen

I felt a lot of relief when I finish radiotherapy. Its not the end of the journey by any means and I still have highs and lows.

My radiotherapy side effects were quite delayed, it was 4-5 weeks before I started with any skin issues, and did not notice much tiredness straight away either. But I am noticing the fatigue now (8 weeks on), whether that is radiotherapy or the hormone tablets, or a bit of both. I have a bout of energy and feel like I could conquer the world…then it hits me and I don’t have the energy to move.

Everyone is different. I think you just need to do what you can when you can, and rest when you can’t. Mentally and emotionally that will stick with you/us for longer, but hopefully that will become easier over time.

Take care x

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Hello @maureen4

You certainly have a busy time ahead of you! I am 62 and finished 9 sessions of radiotherapy in mid January. I have not had any skin break downs, just a bit of heat in the treated side for a few days, and no fatigue. I moisturised 3 times a day for about a month, drank plenty of liquid and kept moving. I also let fresh air get to the treated side as much as possible. If you need to take it easy and have a nap, then do so. Unbelievable that some folks thought cancer can ever be mild. :see_no_evil:
All the best

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Hi everyone! I’m a little late in finding this group but better late than never, right? I’m HER2+ with IDC that was stage 2B. I’ve completed TCHP, surgery and radiation. I achieved pCR! But still doing Phesgo until May. I will have a mammogram right after that. I’m looking forward to meeting folks, discussing our journeys and ask/answer questions. I have some specific questions regarding Phesgo (alone without chemo) and will start digging around in posts to see if it has been discussed. PI about me - I’m 58 turning 59 next month. Married with two grown sons and two amazing grandbabies! I’m also Christian. Excited to meet everyone!!

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Hi @grammie2

Welcome to the forum, I’m sure you’ll find a lot of support here. Good to know that you have had a complete pathological response to treatment. As you are HER2+ I would recommend have a look at this thread which you can access by clicking here HER2+ and need some buddies as you’ll find a lot of women who have gone through what you’re going through. Obviously join in wherever you wish as you’ll be most welcome.

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Hello
You are a mirror image of my cancer! I also had what I thought was my last mammogram when I was 70. I got a recall in the October with absolutely no symptoms we had just moved house and I was absolutely shocked. I had my surgery in the december and radiotherapy in the March. Bit of hot boob for a few days then fatigue after about a month for about 6 weeks. On tamoxifen now this was 3 years ago just had my 73rd birthday and just had my 3 year check and living my best life! Good luck and enjoy your upcoming celebrations. Rest when you can and enjoy life

Lots of love x

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Hi, Maureen,
I’m thinking it’s time for a senior citizen breast cancer sub-group. I was 67 when diagnosed and the only shock for me was that I managed to make it that long before I was diagnosed. My mother was about 64 and my sister was around 43 when their cancer was discovered.

Treatment has changed so much in the 44 years since my mother had her surgery. She had a mastectomy with no chemo or radiation. My sister had a lumpectomy with both chemo and radiation. I had a lumpectomy and 16 rounds of radiotherapy.

Cancer is never just “mild.” Don’t let anybody underestimate the impact of a cancer diagnosis and please don’t feel guilty or apologize for your feelings. We’re all beautiful individuals and our course of recovery is unique. It’s been 6 months since my journey began and my emotions bounce around like my cat on catnip.

I finished my radiation just a few days before Christmas last year. I made it through the family celebrations by deciding which things to participate in depending on my energy level each day. Yes, I can make one dessert for dinner but not the 2 or 3 I usually make. Yes, I can spend half a day with you but I’ll be leaving early to go home and rest. Just break it all down, day by day or even hour by hour. Your mind and body will tell you how much you can do.

Enjoy those celebrations and give yourself the compassion you would give to others facing the same challenges. I cry just about every day. I don’t fight it. I let it out, drink some water, give myself a hug and get on with life. The people who love you are ready to give you whatever you need to keep going. Enjoy your blessings every day. I’m glad you joined this group. We’re all here when you need us.

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Dear Homebabe,

What a lovely read, wishing you health and happiness going forward, I think the best way to deal with all this cancer is as you said give yourself a good talking too.

Well done my lovely lady

Hugs Tili :rainbow::pray::rainbow::pray:

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Thank you so much. I have been feeling so guilty because so many have much more advanced cancer than me and when I first heard the news a lot of people said “oh don’t worry it’s ONLY stage 1 and is very treatable. I was very naive about it all as I was shocked about having to have a partially reconstructed breast (LIPAC) and then much more. Your words have helped a lot. Thank you again.

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