Breast cancer

Hi there sweetie

read my page so I’m not repeating myself. Similar to you I’m recently diagnosed and the waiting is awful. It has completely thrown me and I’m not accepting it at all. I haven’t even read the stuff the hospital gave me. 

So, you are doing well. You have armed yourself with info. You have a plan. Not one you want but it’s an answer. I totally get the chemotherapy and the vanity feeling - I was a glamour model for 6 years now I’m loosing a breast. So I get you. Remember, everyone is different. You might not struggle with this like you are anticipating. I always look worse case: you loose your hair; it will grow back. There are so many beautiful realistic hair pieces now days, please don’t let this over shadow your treatment. You sound so strong and sorted. I’m going to my dr tomorrow for anxiety as I can’t cope anymore and in my head the only answer is to not have treatment and surgery as I’m so frightened. 

When do you start chemotherapy? Is it mastectomy or lumpectomy you are having? 

Much love. Please keep in touch 

xxxx

Thanks so much for your reply. It's nice (but awful aswell) to be able to talk to people going through the same thing as me. I'm still waiting to see the oncologist,  but have been told I'll be starting chemo early November.  I think after that, I will have the choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy  - currently just want both off so I never have to worry about it again! Probably the shock and fear speaking! I imagine it's even worse and more of a worry for you - I'm so sorry you're going through this aswell. 

Definitely recommend going to GP for anti-anxiety meds!

Your story is very like mine, found a 3cm lump at the beginning of September. I have been told I will have 7 rounds of chemo followed by surgery then radiotherapy, all this could take up to a year or more. I felt I was being positive and I also decided to try the cold cap. A week ago I had my first course and I can honestly say it has floored me mentally and physically. The cold cap was awful leaving me with a severe headache which lasted 3 days. Im so upset as I never realised how vain I am about my hair, but the thought of the repeated headache makes me so indecisive about whether to carry on. I had the chemo last tuesday and today(Sunday) is the first day Ive been able to get out of bed, Ive had stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausia, tirednessand as  I said headaches. I also suufger mental health problems and at the moment I feel in complete distress and realise that I am not dealing with it. 

I'm so sorry to hear your news, and how you reacted to the chemo. I am dreading it! I have found my GP really helpful with prescribing anti-anxiety medication, and would recommend speaking to someone. I've been able to stop crying after using the tablets, and am not as terrified/so distressed. I wish you all the best with your treatment , and hope the rest of it is more tolerable.  I'm really unsure about the cold cap now, as everyone seems to report how awful it is!

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm very sorry to hear that you've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed.

Could I suggest that you join the breast cancer group as you'll find a great group of people over there who will be willing to share their experiences with you and give you support. 

To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself or post a question after selecting 'start a discussion' and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

When you have a minute it would be really useful if could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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