Diagnosed with breast cancer & I’m terrified

Dear Bevoir

So very sorry to hear of your circumstances my heart goes out to you and your husband at such a difficult time.  A week is no time at all to try and process the shock of the situation, the whole foundation of you world has been rocked, it is totally understandable you feel consumed by fear, panic and anxiety.  For now just trying to come to terms with the situation will be exhausting, as you say it is a roller coaster of emotion.    

Once you have your consultation on Wednesday you will have a plan and a way forward, you will be able to ask questions about everything that is worrying you.  Make sure you write down all your questions beforehand and make a note of the answers because it is so hard to remember what has been said, there will be a lot of information to take in.  Take time to discuss you treatment options with your Consultant and make sure you are allocated a breast care nurse.  If you don't understand what you are being told ask for a fuller explanation and don't be afraid to make them repeat answers.

Once you get a treatment plan you will know what you have to deal with, everyone's treatment plan will be different, don't be afraid to ask about your options and give yourself time to make a decision, breast cancer is rarely an emergency.  Your breast care nurse will be able to provide you with information and psychological support.  

You have already started looking for support in the right place by posting on this site, there are so many helpful and supportive people on here.  

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, I had surgery, 6 months of chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy and 5 years of drug treatment.  Please just try and get through one day at a time and process each piece of information as and when you receive it.  

Keep posting on here and asking questions, there are so many people who can help and who care.  Wednesday will soon be here, hang on in there, sending lots of positive energy to help you stay strong because as the saying goes we never know how strong we are until being strong is the only option.

Sending warmest wishes and a huge hug xx 

Hi and a second welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you having to find us. I am so sorry that you have been diagnosed with breaks cancer

A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress on you and the family but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot and will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head.

As my cancer journey was rather different you may like to follow this link to our Breast cancer forum where you will connect with people who understand the journey you are on. You can ask the folks questions about treatments and what to expect. Your first reply just shows the support you will get from the Online Community.

Follow the link and join the group by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name. At this point go to the right on the group home page and select how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.

The best way to get support is to go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name. Set up your own Discussion and Introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.

You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’ section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.

Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find some great pages covering the cancer diagnosis, treatment and information pages covering most types of cancers.

Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support Groups in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

When you feel up to it think about putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.

To do this click on YOUR username, look to the left and select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.

All the best.

Dear Debi,

Thank you so very much for your kind & compassionate response.  It is much appreciated.  I really needed to hear that right now.

I’m just hanging in there until tomorrow (Wed) for my consultation.  This waiting game and the unknown is brutal.

Thank you again, Debi.

kindest regards & hugs back

xx

Thanks so much, Mike.  I feel so much better just knowing that I have support here on this brilliant forum.  I’m just trying to take each & every day in my stride.

Cheers for all the excellent info & resources.  I really appreciate it.

Warm regards

B

Truly, all the very best for your treatment. The folks over in the Breast Cancer Forum are great and do have a few ongoing support threads so have a look through using the forum discussions tab. But do put up your own first thread and introduce yourself

Thehighlander ((hugs))

Dear Bevoir

I have been thinking of you a lot today.

If and when you feel up to doing so please let me know the outcome of your consultation.

XX