Hello! I’ve just joined the community and have been reading many of the posts. Although a lot of people are as afraid, sad and nervous as I am,so many of you are going through some awful experiences that I feel like a complete coward! I’m married to a very supportive husband and have 3 lovely grown up children. Oh, and a female black Labrador! I had breast surgery 5 years ago and after the last mammogram in May I was looking forward to celebrating the all clear.
Not to be! Because of the intense radiotherapy I had in 2019 I had to have a Masectomy in June which was difficult to come to terms with. I have always felt that being a woman was defined by having breasts and my long hair. Knowing that I will lose my hair during chemotherapy has been very hard for me, as well as the fear of the unknown with all the other side effects. I’m finding it difficult to feel positive about the future and ever feeling like myself again.
I’ve almost deleted this message twice because I feel like I’m just feeling sorry for myself. Not really sure what I’m asking for, but good luck to everyone else feeling the same.
Hi Cherry Blossom and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))
