Hi
Just recently diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer on 07.09.20 Had lumpectomy last Wednesday and in a place where I don't feel fully informed about everything about my diagnosis - not so much as the doctors haven't told me stuff, more in that I have found the ability to retain info whilst going through this very recent and quick diagnosis hard to retain. I see myself as a fairly intelligent woman but feel since the diagnosis that I haven't two brain cells to rub together which makes me feel pretty useless .... especially as a lot of you on here come across as very well informed x
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am always sorry to see folks finding us and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helps a lot.
The Community has various cancer specific support groups and I see you have already found and posted in to our Triple negative breast cancer group, this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.
The Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information. The service is open every day 8am to 8pm and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here for more information.
You can also email them, use the online chat and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best and a virtual ((hug)) coming your way.
Hello Frilly,
Sorry to read about your illness, of course, but best wishes for the best outcome possible with your treatment.
I sympathise with your befuddlement about what's going on. I feel just the same. It's as though there are different areas of thought in my head about everything. Even if one can overcome the problems of not actually grasping the diagnosis and the treatment proposals fully, there are parts of my thoughts and behaviours which don't seem to tally, somehow. It all just doesn't get properly into my head. From what I've read here, I think it's common among us cancer patients - possibly a delayed shock?
The only practical thing I can offer is that in order to reduce the possibility of straightforward misunderstandings of facts, it is possible to ask permission to take an audio recording of your consultations. It is even possible, but not recommended, to do so without permission. The BMA says
"Legally, patients do not need a doctor’s permission to make an audio or visual recording of a consultation for their private use"
www.bma.org.uk/.../patients-recording-consultations
I have done this having asked my Oncologist at the start of a consultation, and found it is useful. It's amazing how much I discover I have mis-remembered things. And, now that we can't necessarily take friends/family along with us, I have on occasion had my mobile on an open "handsfree" call to home so that my husband can at least hear, and even contribute in, the consultation.
Good luck with your progress.
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