Hi I have had wide excision of left breast after invasive lobular breast cancer diagnosis, biopsy revealed cancer in lymph nodes, they have now been removed. results on 3/8/22 and treatment plan will be discussed.
I was not prepared for how my feeling are a bit all over the place one day to next.
any advice would be appreciated.
Hello Bernie,
I think most of us here understand (if we are close to our original diagnosis or years away from it) how hard those first few weeks ago before the treatment plan comes into full swing. Having a diagnosis of BC is a big deal, it hits you hard and can make any number of rollercoaster emotions take place. Some people don’t sleep, some loss weight from worrying, some cry at the drop of a hat, some feel like the world has stopped being the same and some have feelings of intermittent hope and positivity…infact…anything is normal in terms of your feelings at this point. I won’t list all the possible feelings, as they are as numerous as the individuals who are diagnosed and very dependent on your personality and situation.
Firstly, allow yourself to feel what you feel, share those thoughts and feelings with people close to you and who you trust. These are early days in your ‘journey’ and you will find that everything falls into place and becomes clearer the further you move from step to step. Daunting and terrifying don’t always remain as your primary status ! There is a wealth of support out there for anyone who has a diagnosis, through Breast Cancer Now, or the other charities. If you want to have some counselling, as feel it might be beneficial, that is open to you via different routes. My second piece of advice is therefore to USE any service you feel might benefit you - the BCN, the leaflets, the ‘Someone like me’ programme run by Breast Cancer Now, MacMillian drop-ins, Maggie drop-ins, local support groups…whatever you think would help at this point. There is also the helpline number on this site, the people that answer would be happy to point you in the right direction, or just have a chat…
Thirdly, Take everything one step at a time. The daunting and terrifying impact of so much difference in your life, can really overwhelm, but remember, at every stage (which happens over a long timeframe) people will be there to look after you, check on your health and make sure you are doing ok. Focus on the next upcoming appointment and get through that, then the next…and before you know it you are much further along than you thought.
Fourthly, remind yourself of all the thousands and thousands of women who have gone before you, those who thanks to effective treatment plans are living their lives after diagnosis and treatment…you will get there too. Life will go on and we are all testament to that.
Fifthly, make time for normal things - BC and its treatment can take over every aspect of your life and it can curtail some things for some time (certain exercises or physical activities for example). Try to make sure you do things you enjoy, hobbies, reading, relaxation time…
Once your treatment plan is in place, you will start to feel more in control and purposeful towards finishing off those horrible cells for good. These few weeks before the treatment plan are very very touch. Be kind to yourself.