cancer and breastfeeding

[kate89]

Oh cass I can't imagine how hard it is for you. My bcn said that I don't have to stop yet but might like to think about it.

[cass79]

Hi Kate, I'm currently pregnant and have been told I won't be able to breastfeed after baby is born because the milk in the breast delays surgery and treatment. Also many cancer drugs can not be taken while breastfeeding. Mine is also aggressive and they've said I can't afford any delays. However I'm still pushing for even a week or 2 of breastfeeding. I do feel for you, this is awful. I also have a 3 year old. We'll get through it though. I'm jealous of your wine...this is a tough time to have to be alcohol free! 🙂 Xx

[kate89]

Thanks I'm a bit emotional tonight but the wine is helping. Thanks for the info re nodes when I get my surgery booked I will ask for help for a few weeks after x

[Herewego]

Hij Kate, sorry you've joined our club and especially at such a young age and with very small children.
I got 2 girls too (4yr & 1yr) but I wasn't breastfeeding the youngest when I was diagnosed as stage 2, grade 3 (aggressive). I've had lumpectomy and full nodes removal and am now going through chemo.
All I say is that make most of whatever time you have before your treatment begins so def go for the holiday. I even managed to get abroad to see family over Easter in between my chemos but it will be so much easier for you to do it before you go through any treatment.
FYI, the nodes removal meant that I couldn't drive for 3 weeks nor carry/put to bed/take to nursery the youngest as my arm and shoulder were not working. Be prepared to get help with the kids and also ask for a physio referral to get mobility back to your arm and shoulder soonest.
Be also prepared for emotional rollercoaster and believe me the worst part is waiting for your results and treatment plan but it does get better down the line and you will feel more in control again. x

[kate89]

All I.know so far is that it's aggressive and that I will have to have a mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed. I was told the type but I can't remember. I have my ct and bone scan booked in for next Wednesday and am waiting for my mri appointment. Once the results are back from.these we will talk plans. Is it wrong to want to take the kids away between testing and mastectomy? I want them to get a holiday this year

[hdsurvivor]

Hi Kate
Sorry you are having this to deal with so soon after giving birth. I do have a lot of understanding of your situation as I was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma almost 30 years ago after giving birth to my son was 9 weeks old at diagnosis and I also had a two year old (I was 22 years old). I know it is not the same as breast cancer but I did continue to breast feed him until he just over five months old, I believe the body filters out any nasties and the breast milk is pure, this I was told by my onc at the time after checking I could still feed after a lymphangiogram (blue dye and radioactive injection), my milk definitely didn't change colour unlike my wee and poo so I guess that is proof.
Do you know your treatment plan yet?
If you are wondering why I am on this site a had breast cancer diagnosed last year and had bilateral mastectomy (unfortunately long term side of effect of previous high dose rads).

[kate89]

Hi I'm 26 I have 2 girls (6 and 10 weeks) and was diagnosed today. I am currently feeding my 10 week old although she has never taken the Cancer side. I know that I will have to stop but was wondering if anyone else had any experience with this? Sorry if this makes no sense, my head is a shed.