Doing this on my own.

Thank you JollyG.  Yes, I hope my chemo is coming to an end - one more to go then hopefully surgery.  I actually think the virtual community is perfect for me as my treatment progresses - I just sat on the sidelines feeling everyone was much worse off than me when I just should have posted.  But I guess it is all timing.  Good luck with your visits to Western, and thank you for posting a response.  I am truly blown away by people responding and being so empathetic and understanding. Thank you band my very best wishes for a speedy recovery  xx

Sorry to hear this. It is such a difficult time. I had the support of my family and friends to get me through. I was diagnosed October 2016. Been through chemo radio and double mastectomy. Have 2 gorgeous daughters that helped me through it. I cant imagine not having that support. I'm from Ayrshire and here if you need someone to talk to. 

Take care. 

Hello Keza1.  Thank you for responding. Most importantly, I am really pleased you have support and my did you need it.  Double mastectomy and the full works of treatment. I really do admire you and what an inspiration you must to be your family and others.  I am truly amazed how many people wrote back with such supportive messages online - really amazed - people like you make such a difference for making the effort to leave a note and it is motivating me to support others just like me too.  I am coming to to my last chemo and I am not sure how it's gone but hopefully after 6 rounds something has worked.  Crossed fingers and I wish you very, very good and continued health hereafter.  You certainly deserve it.  (Ayshire is beautiful by the way  ) xxx

I've just come across the move more programme, thought it may be benificial to those on their own through this. Its a physical activity programme, linked to mcmillian, for those affected by cancer, designed to help during treatment and recovery etc, my local group do gentle movement groups, walking groups etc. Could be a good way to help reduce fatigue and of course metal well being, especially if on own.

KMS70 there is a group near me, so there may well be one near you as we are not hugely far away from each other, there should be groups across the uk, from what I've been told, but would,obviously depend where you are

KMS70,

hello,  I live in fife, I am due chemo number 6 of 6 today. I live alone with my two sons- one will be 13 next week and the other is 11.  I have a boyfriend of almost 5 years, we see each other. At least two nights a week depending on work and family commitments. My parents live around 30 minutes away and my dad has been great driving me to appointments and accompanying me.  My mum often stays with me when my chemo side effects are bad to help get the kids to school and fed etc. she has her own health concerns and her abilities to help with the practical tasks are limited.  I have been a lone parent for so long and I am very independent and people and friends are very used to me just getting on with it and often assume I will plod along.   I am finding this very difficult and haven’t seen the level of support that I expected from certain friends. 

I am lucky to have a great maggies centre only a few miles away from me and I visit as often as I can.   It’s been a great source of support.   I would thoroughly recommend you try your local maggies. 

I am due a single mastectomy next month and then I believe it will be radiotherapy after that.  I will be travelling to the western for radiotherapy and I would be more than happy to meet with you for a coffee  during this time. 

 take care x

KMS70

Think you should take Happy up on that offer. I too now have  a local BC friend we mot over an operating table. Okay not actually. But on the same ward. We email, support and drink gallons of tea and coffee. It’s so good to have someone who knows exactly my issues

Happy it’s funny when life throws this type of rubbish at you how you then know who is truly a friend. So see that as a weird plus. You can declutter the rubbish ones

Sending hugs and good vibes to you both and look forward to knowing you have built a new friendship

Take care

Leolady

Hello, I hope you don't mind me replying, I feel a little bit of an imposter as I haven't actually been diagnosed so I can't pretend to know what you are going through. I have just joined the site as I have an appointment with the breast clinic for further tests on Tuesday and am scared about it.

I just wanted to add a comment when I noticed your post because I work in Edinburgh and live in Fife. I am also single and, even from the short experience I have had so far, I can completely understand how isolating this could be. I would be happy to chat anytime.

Take care xx

Not at all bubbles 1234, the more the merrier. 

Do you know wha further  you are going for on Tuesday.  I hope you have someone who can accompany you.   The beginning part before you know what’s going on is one of the scariest.  Your mind just takes you to the worst scenario.  

What are your symptoms etc?  

x

Hello Bubbles

I think it is fine to be scared but don't overthink the outcome if you can manage that?  I was 'lucky' in that they were pretty certain from first appointment that it was cancer, so I did not have your wait...  so albeit a shock initially I gave myself time to get my head around it before I returned to be told 'officially'.  One thing I wish I had done earlier was to come on this site because you learn loads (more than they tell you at the hospital) and people are really very lovely and supportive.  And look, someone else in Fife too... has responded to you already. I am not going to hand out the 'cliche' of saying 'stay positive' etc.  Just take it one day at a time knowing that however much you worry - it won't change the result so just relax as much as you can. Sometimes the fear is worse than the reality and for me, that is certainly the case.   I live in Edinburgh so happy to meet for a coffee if you wish  .  

Hello HappygoLucky

Wow, coincidence - I will have my 6 of 6 next week - I hope you are now home and the side effects are minimal for your last one.  I am sorry to hear you will be having a mastectomy - that's tough.   I don't know at the moment whether I will be having a lumpectomy or mastectomy - I have to find out if the chemo worked first.  I did attend an event at Maggies which was great but they are a little overrun with people  - just so much demand in Edinburgh.  Honestly, Macmillan has been a life saver for information.  I wish I had engaged in this site earlier as since doing the post I have learned loads from reading other people experiences which has really helped me feel less alone through this.  It is very hard to explain side effects to friends when you don't always understand them yourself.   I think if you are independent, people tend to 'assume' you are OK and sometimes, they are frightened because they look at your and think "that could be me".  So, I am wishing you well, congratulations on getting through your chemo - honestly I think a gold star is in order - it is a rough road and yes absolutely when you feel up to it - we can meet for coffee either in nearby Stockbridge ( I know a fantastic coffee place) or at the Hospital(Bubbles - please feel free to come along too if you read this).  Good luck, wishing you well after today and thank you for writing.  xx