Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi I was DX in may and have 2 fec. I'm 38 with 2 girls aged 8 and 11. When first dx with tnbc my world imploded. I was in complete and utter shock and could not begin to fathom how this could happen to me. I had the perfect life and everything to live for. It does get better when you start treatment.... You suddenly comprehend that there is only one way forward. Its hard to stay positive but I look at my children and what choice do I have? I found the hardest part was telling them and put it off for quite some time. I told them I had a nasty spot in my boob and that very special medicine would take it away. But that medicine would make me loose my hair. They were upset and shocked but have seemed to carry on as normal. They've seen me with my bald head (which I only shaved on sat). My eldest doesn't like seeing me bald so I do where my wigs during the day and a scarf a night. I got the mummys lump book, which they've read a few times and its suitable for them to understand. Its not easy for any of us. Its bloody hard and not fair. But what I hate most is that its not fair on my children. But I'm trying my best to keep things as normal and be strong for them. I hope you all are ok and your journey is as best as it can be. Chemo is a shock to the system. Hopefully your side effects stay minimal. Its a means to an end...a positive end.. Hopefully!! Vent your thoughts and worries on here. There is always someone here to talk to. The advice and shared experiences have been invaluable. Sending big hugs. X ... View more

Oncewild, I've popped over from June thread ... Good your not having se's...so yes do it! Have fun and continue to be 'wild'. Xxx With the hair loss, I was like you, hated to see it coming out, but then I hated myself in the mirror. I was bald at the back and kept a little bit on the top. Didn't want to shave it off. Covered up all the time with wigs and scarfs. I looked poorly when I saw my half covered head!! Ironic. But yesterday....i did it. I shaved it all off and it felt great! I looked great. Its not half as bad as your thinking it will be. I wish I had done it sooner now. But each to your own. Its a big thing to accept. Stay strong and what you can do...do. Enjoy your holiday. Xx ... View more

Had 2nd on Tues. Mild se's no complaints really. Just got reflux and my vein is sore this time. Feel a bit fuzzy headed and not quite myself. Been out to fruit farm for fresh strawberries with the girls and hubby. Will enjoy those later. Hope your all feeling ok ladies xx ... View more

Warcol, so so pleased for you. I've been following some of your posts. What excellent and positive news. Xx ... View more

Hello everyone...hope you are all doing ok. I've been keeping up with posts but tried to give myself a bit of a breather from things over the post week. All good to go for my 2nd treatment on Tues. Weirdly, I want it started asap, so I know 'IT' is gonna get another bashing!!!! Hair is really coming out now...I have black short hair anyway, the back of my head looks like a chess board! Wiggy has made its first appearance today. My youngest said I look different but very nice and my eldest didn't even bat an eyelid!! May be able to hold out for a few more days before I tell them anything. Xxx Going to spend my next couple of days being 'me'... Until my new reality kicks in again. Xx ... View more

Thank you Kailmera. I know its not just me in this awful position. It's not easy for any of us, whether children are involved or not. The mummys lump book came on sat, so I've read through it myself and getting prepared. I'm sure once I tell them, it will be a huge weight lifted and they will help me fight this. I just hate the thought of their childhood being robbed. How far along are you in your treatment. Good to hear your side effects have been mild too. May it continue. Xx thank you for your advice x ... View more

Thank you, Belle,Emma and Sue. I had to off load a bit. I will call my BN tomorrow and get some help. Last week, when I was on steroids, I was much more positive knowing that the treatment had started. I might ask for more stetiods ;).... Ive tried to have fun with kids this weekend, and although we have, I feel like there is two of me all the time. Xxxx I hope you are all ok after your second treatments, not too many nasty se's.. You to Emma, hope things have settled down a bit for you now. Xxx ... View more

Counselling is an option I think I must take. My bcn recommended it, but I refused initially. But I'm finding it difficult at the moment. Maybe when I do tell my girls it will be easier. I'm bottling everything up. I will need help with them though and how to help them deal with it. They are 8 and 11 so a very difficult age. Its so unfair for them. They do not deserve this. Xx ... View more

Day 12 after 1st Fec. I feel well physically and had minimal side effects. But I'm feeling so low and emotional. Totally drained by the whole thing. Also my hair has started to come out this morning. My scalp has been sore for days. I can't hide it away now my hair is coming loose. Its all a massive reality again. Rightly or wrongly, I've still not told my children. I havnt been strong enough. Depending on how quick my hair loss is, I will have no choice soon and I know it will break their hearts. Xx ... View more

Thinking of you all who are having 2nd treatment today. Xx hope ladies with se's after 1st are doing ok and starting to feel 'normal' again. Xxx ... View more

Taran, hope your feeling ok. I had heartburn/indigestion too. I took Gaviscon and suck on strong mints. I also had constipation and had to take laxatives from day 5. It wasn't too bad though. Eat fruit when you can to try and keep things moving. I ate prunes and apricots which helped. I also drink milk too help with acid reflux. Take care xx ... View more

Anon, I'm shocked your having to go through all this. It really shouldn't be happening, not on top of everything else. Surely its some form of discrimination. Just because its a small family business?? Aren't you part of that and put in lots of hard work. Your boss should of at least talked you through it first and considered your feelings. I hope you get things sorted. I admire the fact that your even at work only one week on from treatment. Xx ... View more

Good Luck Taran today and anyone else starting. Hope those who have started already are doing ok and feeling well. Its been a week today since my first fec and I feel well. I don't like tempting fate, but so far, as it goes, nothing like i expected. Its the fear of the unknown really. Xx ... View more

Thanks B...I'll see how it goes. I'm prone to it anyway now and again. But will bear it in mind about the weekend x. Hope you are doing ok. X ... View more

More tired today than anything else. But have brought some Gaviscon and that has helped. Go with your cravings Rosie. But your right u probably wouldn't eat it all anyway. Xx hope your doing ok. X ... View more

Thanks for that Sue. This forum is brilliant for sharing advice and experiences. I'm so grateful for it. Xxx ... View more

Well its day 3 for me and my energy levels are low today. Had a active morning at hairdressers then wig fitting, but got back and went straight to bed. Got up as kids got back from school, but feel shaky and tired still. Still waiting for something else to happen. Its like the calm before the storm?? Getting a bit of reflux and not been to the 'loo' since day 1. But hardly eating so that's probably why. Hope you are all doing ok. Xx Emma, hope your feeling better xx ... View more

Emma what sickness tablets are you on. I was given Emend to take for 3 days (from day1) and also Ondansetron (twice a day). X ... View more

Oh Emma, so sorry to hear that. How are you now. If your still sick id phone the help line and check your temp. Should not be over 38 degrees. I hope your ok. Xx ... View more