Hi, newly diagnosed and worried sick...

[charlotte3112]

Thank you Joanne Marie I’m wide awake 4.30Am pacing the floor waiting with bag ready 🥴. Dreading it but at least it’s the start of treatment. Hope you’re doing ok and staying positive 😘 I’ll let you know how it goes 💕💕

[joannemaire]

All the best for tomorrow Charlotte. I will be thinking of you - sending love and hugs x

[Stayzen]

Hi Joannemaire

so sorry about your diagnosis. I’m glad you’ve found the site because there is a lot of people who have experiences to share and support to give. As well as this site and the nurses on the helpline I would also recommend you take a look online at Breast Cancer Haven. They have responded well to the current restrictions and provide a lot of free support on line either in group or 1:1 sessions. Anything from yoga, counselling, nutrition, techniques to manage anxiety, trechniques to manage the side effects of treatment. It’s a very anxious time and having access to support to help manage your mental wellbeing whilst the Drs take care of the medical side I’ve found very useful. Take care and I wish you well. 

[joannemaire]

Bless you Helen, sending big hugs. 

Ive been having to isolate in preparation for my op next Monday, it’s so hard not  seeing family or friends.

Evenings are definitely the worse, my GP gave me some meds to help me sleep as I was struggling to function. 

NHS waiting times in my area is so long due to Covid so I’m having to go private for my treatment (My partner has private cover via his work)

I believe my Chemo will start mid/end of Sept when I’ve recovered from my op. In the meantime, I’m on meds to control estrogen etc. 

Send lots of love 💕 xx

[Jill1998]

Welcome to the forum Helen .Good luck with your appointment this morning .When you have a date to start chemo you will get lots of support by joining one of the chemo monthly threads - I will post you a link .Jill x. https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/bd-p/Chemotherapy_monthy_threads

[Helenrose78]

Hi Joannemarie,

I'm new to this forum too....

I am 41, and found out on 14th July that I have Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer stage 3.  I have been an emotional wreck since finding out and having to deal with all the hospital appointments, scans, waiting for results etc etc to be the worst part.  I have since been given the all clear on my CT scan, so the Cancer has not spread which is a massive relief - cried like a baby when I heard this...... 

I was due to have an operation next week (20th Aug) but since then, the consultant has advised that the best way forward would be Chemo, operation and then radiotherapy.  I am due to see the Oncologist this morning.

What you are feeling is all normal, it's not easy but you will get through it and I too am juggling a 15 and 13 year old plus working full time.  Keep smiling, stay positive, and remember you're not alone.

Take care Helen xx  

[charlotte3112]

Hi Joannemarie

i was diagnosed recently with IDC grade 3 ER+ Hers - with lymph involved and go for my Op on 13th for lumpectomy and full axillary clearance. I’m the same just now joining everything together and didn’t notice until the lump arrived, I only had a normal mammogram last Sept. I’ve been told it’s Chemo then Rad. To be honest I’m just counting the days for the Op it seems like forever trying to stay positive. It must be difficult with a 4 yr old and 17 but you just stay positive, the nights are the worst for me I start over thinking every ache and pain! We’re at similar stages so we should start chemo similar times. Good luck stay strong and think the pain and stress now means a great future moving forward- hugs xxx

[Mai7]

Joannemaire, it feels really bad when you have to put this onto your loved ones.  My kids were both in uni at the time, my son had just started and I felt terrible but they both did really well in their studies.  I just asked them to try and be a bit selfish and focus whilst I get through it and keep them updated.  You should be able to get a letter from your oncologist for your 17 year old in case she needs coursework extensions due to anxiety. X

[joannemaire]

Thanks Mel. It’s been such a shock and so much information to take in. My brain seems to be focused on worse case scenarios at the moment which isnt helpful. I’m now having to isolate with my 4yrs old ahead of my op on 17th Aug. Going through this during a pandemic is just awful...
Glad your treatment is going well. Sending love and beat wishes x

[joannemaire]

Thank you. My teenager cried when I told her I need Chemo. I plan to call my nurse tomorrow to talk through some of the anxieties x

p.s I love camomile tea and lavender 🙂

[Mai7]

Hi joannemarie, welcome to our lovely forum but sorry you find yourself here.  You’re anxiety is understandable as it is a very daunting time to begin with.  It’s quite a big shock and there’s so much info to take in as well as appointments and waiting for results. I was diagnosed in March 2017 and after chemo, surgery and radiotherapy I’m still here and doing well.  I was ER+/PR+ only so you’re HER2+ will have extra treatment; usually herceptin.  If you can get a good nights sleep at this stage it’s most likely because you’ve worn yourself out with anxiety, I know that how I rolled immediately after diagnosis.  I drank chamomile tea and had some lavender spray for my pillow to help with relaxation at bedtime but you will find your own way to cope eventually.  If you need any advice or better understanding of anything you can always contact the nurses here on the forum.  I hope this helps a bit.  X

[mel71]

Hi Joannemaire,

sorry you find the need to be here but it is a great place for support from others who are going through a similar thing. 
The “limbo” position you are currently in was the worst part for me. Once all the results are back and a treatment plan is in place you can move forward. I‘m 48 and was diagnosed in April 2020 (grade 3 Er+) and have had surgery and radiotherapy. The active treatment is complete and now it’s the medication to keep it away. Covid doesn’t help matters either!  
Your breast and oncology teams will have a plan for you and everything is very doable. I have found great support in this forum and I’m sure you will also. 
Take it a day at a time and get support which feels right for you.  
best wishes 

 Mel xx 

[joannemaire]

Hello there, I’m new to this forum...

Im 42 and on Friday I was diagnosed with IDC grade 3 tumor ER+ and HER2+. 

Im having an op on 17th Aug to have the tumor removed but I’ve been told I will need Chemo as I’m HER2+.

Im now connecting all the symptoms, tiredness, headaches etc I experienced during lockdown to the BC. 

I feel sick with worry, not sleeping etc while juggling a 17yr old and 4yr old. 

Any kind words or support welcomed x