Hi I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and had surgery a week ago to remove 2 lumps on right breast and also had axillary node clearance. I’m seeing my consultant on 14th December to get results but have been told that it is almost a certainty that I will be having chemotherapy, a course of 6 treatments at 3 week intervals, and then radiotherapy. I am 35 and have three children aged 13, 11 and 7 and am also a single parent, but with a very supportive family and friends network. I have decided to register on here to gain advice and helpful information from women in similar situations.
Dawn
xx
Hi dawn. I was diagnosed 2.5 yrs ago with breast cancer. Shock doesn’t describe it. I had surgery quickly and went for simple mastectomy to just get rid of it rather than wait a bit longer for reconstruction. I too have 3 kids who were 10,7 and 6 at the time. I was honest with them and explained everything that was going to happen with the chemo. We didn’t tell them before the surgery that it was cancer…only after when I knew I was getting chemo and felt confident myself that it was all going to be ok. We were pretty blasé about it. Dismissed any talk of being ill or dying and said that chemo was going to keep the cancer away. I desperately wanted to keep life normal for them and as a result I think I was less ill with the chemo than others. Mind over matter. I used a cold cap and didn’t lose all my hair so didn’t need my wig but I had got one just in case and we all had a laugh trying it on and taking photos. I felt seedy for a few days after my last 4 chemos but the first 2 were a breeze. I also had a Hickman line infection and was in hosp for a few days after chemo 3 but all in all I would say it wasn’t all a bad experience. Use your support network. Get pampered. Waxing bills are saved (a bonus of hair loss). Buy benefit brows kit (amazing) I would def advise the cold cap. It adds a few hrs onto treatment and is unbearably cold (ice cream headache) for 10 mins but once scalp numb you forget about it. Well worth it. I lost about half my hair but mainly after chemo 1 when I didn’t have cap on tight enough. I have thick hair! Good luck for your appointment and remember that mother power is really powerful. You’ll get through this. Rachel x
Hi butterfly, and welcome, there are lots of lovely ladies and support here for you and if you are ever wanting to chat the helpline staff amazing! If you are also a facebook user there is a fairly new group setup by tors (Vicki), there are over 100 younger ladies on there, I have found this foruma and fb fabulous. The group is private like here but only for those diagnosed with BC, so you can rant or anything on there. It is called ‘younger breast cancer network uk secret group’ use both and dont be afraid to ask anything we are all in similar situations, in lots of different stages (I have just had the NED this week (no evidence of disease) after lymph removal and a mx with immediate recon). Stay positive and good luck with everthing, best wishes, Jayne
Thank you ladies, I appreciate the advice. Rachel, I used pretty much the same mehod when telling my children and the younger two had a really blase response but my eldest was upset as she understood more but all three are coping very well. I have joined a group who are starting chemo in December, mine will probably start mid January which I am naturally a bit scared about but glad to get xmas out of the way for the children first.
Dawn
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Hi All, I was diagnosed early Oct & had lumpectompy & double breast reeduction early Nov. Am recovering from op, have an apt with oncologist on Weds to discuss treatment plan, however, my consultant has already told me it will be chemo/ rads/ hormone therapy & Herceptin. Ihad a fairly small 1.9cm tumor & no node involvement. However, am Her2 + & ER +,also am 39 so think my age comes into it all a bit?
I read sooooo many posts on this site when first diagnosed & have to agree that all the waiting is truly the worst part, I now see that the posts by people further down the line, are to be read & taken notice of, getting the surgery over with, is certainly 1 step forward, just want to get on with treatment now!!
So, from me, to a lot of you, thanks for the advice & when I start treatment, I will no doubt be hunting for more?!
Wishing you all well x
Hi Latte Lover,
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums, the users of this site have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them which I am sure they will share with you. If you need someone to talk to in confidenc then our helpline team are only a free phone call away 0808 800 6000.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi dawn
i think youve done the right thing coming on here. It has helped me I must say.
i was diagnosed this June had bilateral mx and am half way through my chemo.
my 3 childwere are 15, 13 and 6. We have been straight with them all along.
Good luck mandy xx
Hi to everyone I am new to the site I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 15th November 2012 and had my surgery on the 7th December, as the tumor was very high up in the inner quadrant of my right breast had a therapeutic mammoplasty, stereo wire local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy .I get my results on the 19th December, it as only just sunk in every thing has happed so fast since diagnoses no time to think but now starting to worry about results . my consultant has already told me it will be rads and hormone therapy not sure about chemo& Herceptin. My HER2 results are equivocal so told thay were sent to the christie
Hi, I was diagnosed with bc on 30 th oct and had mastectomy with reconstruction on 6 th nov…my boob looks fantastic…they took 21 lymph nodes and 4 were infected. Ct scan waclearer , bone scan showed something on my lower back, was sent straight away for x.rays and they were all fine…had MRI scan week later and getting results on Wednesday ( tomorrow ) the guy that done my MRI wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me results but he did say if it was his back he wouldn’t be worried at all with those results ! So fingers crossed…start chemo 21st this fri…might ask if they will let me go till the week after so I can have a good Xmas with my 3 children as I’m a single mum…my children are 18,17 and 14 !
Hi, I was diagnosed with bc on 30 th oct and had mastectomy with reconstruction on 6 th nov…my boob looks fantastic…they took 21 lymph nodes and 4 were infected. Ct scan waclearer , bone scan showed something on my lower back, was sent straight away for x.rays and they were all fine…had MRI scan week later and getting results on Wednesday ( tomorrow ) the guy that done my MRI wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me results but he did say if it was his back he wouldn’t be worried at all with those results ! So fingers crossed…start chemo 21st this fri…might ask if they will let me go till the week after so I can have a good Xmas with my 3 children as I’m a single mum…my children are 18,17 and 14 !
Hi Butterfly, i too am very new to this and only diagnosed last Monday. I am 35 with a 2 year old little girl and i am also 20 weeks pregnant. I have to go and get my results later this afternoon and absolutely dreading it!!! Feeling very sick. The only thing i know is that i have to have surgery, chemo and my lymph tested positive. So hard keeping a brave fae as at the moment i am so emotional and can’t stop blubbing! I just want them to act quickly as the longer my boob is there i am worried it is getting worse.
This site has been great for support and comfort and there are so many positive stories xxxx