I've been Diagnosed with Breast cancer

Hi Colourful Rainbow,

Im so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, it’s always shocking to get that sort of news. I got my diagnosis at 37 (2016) and I really wasn’t expecting it. Before having chemotherapy I read different women’s accounts and experiences trying to get an idea of how I’d cope, but truth is you just don’t know until you’re in it. I also had a mastectomy and reconstruction prior to chemotherapy and although I’m incredibly lucky to have the all clear now, I do miss my boob now and then. 

But there was one blog I really found helpful, written by Liz O’Riodan. She was a breast surgeon who has been through BC treatment. 

I had FEC T chemo, so I’m not sure how similar the treatment is, but here are my top tips:

Do not suffer in silence! Any uncomfortable side effects just let your chemo nurse or oncologist know. Something like anti sickness meds, they will give you the cheapest stuff first, so if it doesn’t work, ask for the good stuff.

I know what you mean about losing your hair, it’s really really an upsetting thought. I bought a couple of wigs, but actually apart from when I went back to work I went au natural. Or wore a scarf, a wig can be blooming hot in the summer! You’ll find what works for you. Some of the women I’d see at chemo looked incredible and I’d never have known it was a wig.

Stock up on some fake eyelashes and a good eyebrow pencil. I think I missed them more than my hair to be honest.

I went through a lot of ice lollies when I had treatment , I found them great when I was feeling nauseous.

I also had bad acid reflux. Gavisgon do handy sachets that you can carry around, they really were a life saver.

I really really hope everything goes as well as it can! Any questions pls message I’m more than happy to answer! Good luck!!

Kerry xx

No tips other then to be positive I was 26 with 3 small children had double masectomy had chemo and radiotherapy and am 70 now with 5 granddaughters xx

Thank you for posting this positive story xx

How are you getting on x x

Hi Colourful_rainbow 

so sorry to hear of your diagnosis ..it must be a massive shock for you ...especially being so young 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 weeks ago and whilst not as young as you (I am 45) I have still felt a lot younger than many who I have come into contact with ..for you this must be incredibly difficult 

I have been lucky as just found out I won’t need chemo which surprised me ...but due to have a mastectomy In the next few months... I am currently considering whether or not to go down the route of reconstruction 

i do wish you well with it all..it’s is a mindfield and a shock ...I had to try and function as normally as possible and during the day managed it ok but night times were hard 

good luck x

I’m a year down the line now so please feel free to ask me anything. I’m sure you have lots of questions that you need answering. I too had a mastectomy followed by Chemo & Radiotherapy. Take each step at a time, rest is very important in recovery, have something to focus on to get you through it. I studied to be a British Swimming Judge (on my good days) & went out with friends even if it’s just for a cup of tea. Even if I wasn’t well enough to go out I had lots of texts from friends to keep me focussed. There are days when you feel awful but they will pass by. Stay positive xxx

it will be 1year next  week since my diagnosis mx, chem ,radiotherapy, i never thought i would get through it but you do .i did cold cap but lost at least two thirds of my hair but i had a weave 9wks after chemo nobody would know its not my real hair i did loose my lashes and eyebrows but they grow back quickly. i still have some side effects but have to start thinking of going back to work.the time passes very quickly good luck

I am in the older age range but your post popped up in my side menu and I wanted to offer some things that helped me. I was diagnosed in 2018 and I have just had my surgery.

I went for a second opinion (another surgeon) and it meant I have not had a full mastectomy. Instead a neat lumpectomy plus some nodes out in my armpit. Not raising hopes but worth a try.

CRYING is the best best possible medicine. In periods when I have been depressed, or shut away for a bit because of being weakened, I got very agoraphobic. Sheer terror of going out. Involved not only crying but shaking from head to foot, trembling for hours. It's always better out than in so don't suppress. If the timing is awkward tell yourself 'Not now, at 7pm tonight' and you'll find the emotion will wait for its appointment!

Ask ask ask for help. You are a queen bee now so all around you must help you just like being pregnant.

NAUSEA. Old sailor trick - ginger. Not at the time though that does help a bit, but needs to build up in the body so take in advance if possible. I take ginger capsules but found it must be with food as otherwise sore stomach. Anaesthetic can cause nausea as you wake up so ginger is good in the 3 days before. 

LYMPH The lymph system cleans out rubbish but by 40 it starts to slow down. This is a lot why after 40 we start to feel slower, sluggish. I discovered Lymphatic Drainage massage and my breast cancer team very much approves. I had a massage 2 days before surgery, came awy feeling 10 years younger,  and bounced back after surgery with fast wound healing.

FAMILIAR THINGS I take my own light rug into hospital, so it smells of home on the bed. Also supplies of familiar food, not just fruit, salad, soup, anything portable. Smell is the oldest sense and familiar smells reassure deep down.

SPORTS BRA They asked me to wear a sports bra to support the area after surgery but warning I found it painful, couldn't breathe properly and the pressure made the wound hurt quite a bit. Before that no pain after the first hour out of surgery when I had painkiller. So I dumped the bra. I am using cushions to prop my arm, and in the car to muffle the seat belt. You might find the bra helpful though.

WATER Forgot this, most of the help sources say that radio and chemo are a lot easier if we drink a lot of water. This isn't easy to do. I keep a jug beside me at all times, and a bottle when I go out. Trying to drink half a glass an hour or more. That's what "a lot" means. The more we flush the system the more it can cope with weird stuff slooshing around it.